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Barnyard Buddies:  $ to feed a horse  |
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farmmilkmama
True Blue Farmgirl
2027 Posts
Amy
Central MN
USA
2027 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 08 2012 : 2:31:13 PM
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So. When my husband got his horse he said (according to his research) it would only cost $30 a month to keep it. (We have pasture for them to graze on during day, they are in stall in barn at night.) I'm thinking he was on some sort of drug because the $$ we've put into the horse in the last two weeks is ridiculous. Those of you who have horses at your home (not boarded elsewhere)...how much would you say it costs you to keep your horse a month?
Also, hubby was told the horse would eat a flake of a hay a day. (This was on internet and talking to people around here.) But the horses (we now have two) are eating a half a bale a day together (that's with pasture). In further looking, I'm seeing that how much hay a horse eats a day is ALL OVER the place. What are your experiences? He's just stressed out because he really researched and talked to a lot of people, and the horses we ended up with are NOT following what he thought was going to happen!
--* FarmMilkMama *--
Farmgirl Sister #1086
Be yourself.
Everyone else is already taken.
-Oscar Wilde
www.farmfoodmama.blogspot.com
www.thehmmmschoolingmom.blogspot.com
www.amydingmann.com |
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oldbittyhen
True Blue Farmgirl
1511 Posts
tina
quartz hill
ca
USA
1511 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2012 : 4:42:51 PM
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depending on size, breed and amount of use and what type of use, an average bale of alphalfa will last 4-5 days, at 2 feedings aday...at $18- a bale here where I live, thats about $140 plus a month, not including farrier, and vet work...now these are just averages, it could be lower or higher where you live...
"Knowlege is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad" |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2012 : 5:25:17 PM
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It depends on what you are feeding- square bales, round bales, what the hay prices are, how good the pasture is and how big ect.
During this winter I was feeding Tala off horse quality round bales that i was getting for $50 a bale. She went through one round bale herself each month because she was burning so much energy just trying to stay warm. But now she is on 500 acres of pasture and doesn't get fed at all. Last summer when see was on a lush pasture even though it was less than two acres, she did not need fed.
So are the horses grazing the grass down or does it grow tall enough to be mowed even with the grazing? If they are intensly grazing they need supplementation. If the pasture is growing faster than they can graze it down they are probably fine without hay. Also how easy keepers are they? Are they getting fat on pasture and hay?
I think $30 is way too low. Even if say you didn't need to feed them during the summer months- you might want to save some money for a winter hay order.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2916 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2916 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2012 : 7:11:20 PM
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My neighbor has been trying for months to place her 3 horses. She can't ride anymore (back injury) & one of her horses has quite the pedigree. No takers yet. Horses are not cheap. I think that is where the term "hayburners" comes from.
I know her horses are heavily pastured, and have a round bale, but other than that...I don't know. Never had horses & I know they can cost a boatload...
Even the bedding alone... OY!
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KansasFarmMomma
True Blue Farmgirl
91 Posts
91 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2012 : 7:32:55 PM
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How much your horse weighs is going to play a big impact on how much they eat. How much pasture do you have? On average, a horse will eat 1-3% of their body weight daily. So if you were feeding JUST hay, a 1000lb horse will eat 10-30lbs of hay a day. During the summer, we have 4 horses out on 10 acres and they don't need any supplemental hay. Honestly, if you are just starting out the ABSOLUTE BEST thing you can do is call an equine nutritionist. There is a phenominal one in California who does phone consults. She will break it down for you and make sure you know exactly what your options are & how to make sure your horse is eating properly. This is her website - http://summit-equine.com/ I highly highly recommend Dr. Clair.
We figure during the winter, it costs about $100 a month per head. So our usual winter feed bill is anywhere from $400-700 a month depending on how many we have on the property.
During the summer, ours are out on pasture. They still get grain but not very much, just something to get them to come in once a day to be checked over so during the summer it does only cost $30 a head.
$30 for an OVERALL cost is insanely low.These are our regular prices(per head) You have your farrier bill which is usually $30- $150 every 6-8 weeks depending on what you have done(now I don't pay for farrier cost because my husband is a farrier now, this was before he went to school). Dewormers several times a year at $5-15 time, Vaccinations $25 a year, Coggins $45 a year, Teeth Float(every 1 or 2 years depending on the horse, we have them checked when they get their coggins drawn) $75-$100, plus figure at least $200 of misc. vet bills...if they don't use it up one year, they probably will the next lol.
Nicole
Farmgirl # 4209
www.bearpawphotography.weebly.com
www.KShappyhomemaker.wordpress.com
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Edited by - KansasFarmMomma on Aug 08 2012 7:39:12 PM |
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farmmilkmama
True Blue Farmgirl
2027 Posts
Amy
Central MN
USA
2027 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2012 : 7:44:21 PM
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Thanks so much for all the information, ladies. I like that I can ask things here and not feel totally stupid. I know nothing about horses (they aren't "my thing" - I'm more about the goats, pigs, and chickens LOL!) and so when Hubby said he wanted to get one I said I didn't care what he did, as long as we could afford it. Now that we are in to it, its not that we can't afford it, its just that its taking a heck of a lot more money than he had figured it would. Wondering if people just wanted us to get into horses so they told us what they thought we wanted to hear or what. In any event, thanks for all the advice and I'm sure I'll ask way more questions. It's nice to have farmgirls to go to who don't make me feel dumb when I don't know what I'm doing!!
--* FarmMilkMama *--
Farmgirl Sister #1086
Be yourself.
Everyone else is already taken.
-Oscar Wilde
www.farmfoodmama.blogspot.com
www.thehmmmschoolingmom.blogspot.com
www.amydingmann.com |
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KansasFarmMomma
True Blue Farmgirl
91 Posts
91 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2012 : 7:57:16 PM
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I sure hope they wouldn't try and talk you into it. I do my best to try and talk people OUT of it. If I can talk them out if it, they weren't serious enough to put the time, money & effort into owning a horse.
We figure that each of our horses costs about $1900 a year and that is on the CHEAP side. We don't pay board, we've got a good deal on hay, we do all of our own farrier work, deworming & vaccinating. Most people don't want to dump that much money into a hobby...particularly not one with a mind of their own :-D
Nicole
Farmgirl # 4209
www.bearpawphotography.weebly.com
www.KShappyhomemaker.wordpress.com
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crittergranny
True Blue Farmgirl
1096 Posts
Laura
Lindrith
NM
USA
1096 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2012 : 3:23:30 PM
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We keep 19 horses and the hay bill is about 1500 a month in the winter. We run most of them on 300 acres but we get long winters with a lot of snow. Yes NM gets snow. We are at 8000 ft. The cost of hay here is 8 or 9 for a 2 strand bale but last winter it went up to 15 a bale. Because of 3 reasons 1. A lot of it went to Saudi Arabia because they pay more for it over there, not cool, sell outs! 2. A lot of it went to TX cause of the fires and drought over there, a legit thing to me. 3. We had a drought of our own, although not as severe as TX had to deal with. But normally we spend about 1200 a month in the winter and about half in the summer. We have to travel 120 miles to get it, just like everything else, so we have to add in about 400 in gas per month. We figure in a normal year each horse costs about 750 per year, just the hay only. Except for the stallions that have to be kept penned year round, because we do not breed indescriminately. We figure 1000 per year for them in hay alone. We bring in horses to train and they usually eat about 120 per month in hay. We feed from October through April or May. We do not get the tall grass like many of you ladies do. In some states a horse can live on grass of an acre or 2 at least for a while here it takes about 17 per horse and that is cutting it close. Another way to judge it is a horse needs 20 to 30 lbs of feed per day (can include grain) and a 2 strand bale is about 65 lbs. I feed alfalfa hay because I feel grass hay for our situation is just a waste of money unless one has a special needs horse. Grass is ok but mostly a filler in my opinion. Fresh grass is another story. But we get very cold temps so they need the extra nutrition just to maintain, also ours are race bred so they have high metabolisms. Beet pulp is a good food to help fatten. I think some of the ladies here are right on in the figures they gave. Horses are expensive but there are ways to cut costs. My husband would think he was in heaven if we had only 1 horse. Or 5 or 6 for that matter...LOL but really we are a business and our horses sell for a lot, + breedings, trail rides, riding lessons, winnings and training. All the horses here work for a living except for the old ones, and we provide retirement for them. If things are done right then the young ones can support themselves and at least one other. I you decide to get a horse look for one that is sound and completely healthy and well broke. When buying is not the time to cut corners, because you pretty much get what you pay for. A good well broke horse that is young and healthy goes for about 3000 even without papers. They can be found for less but I will tell you that what many many people call broke is really greenbroke and translates to bone crusher for a beginner. And that is another bill to be paid. For the money it takes to get a horse one wants to have something that is a pleasure and safe to ride. No old horses, no green horses, no gooky eyes, no narvicular (crippled), no it has to be lunged an hour before you can ride him, no foundered horses. Anything that has to do with legs or feet will put you in the poorhouse and you wont get to ride. Be picky. Other than that owning a horse is a fabulous experience. If hubby has it in his heart go for it! But get a good one that is easy to sell in case he changes his mind. Well broke, healthy, age between 6 and 12, and good feet and legs. Otherwise you will be stuck with it if you decide you don't want it. My 2 cents worth.
Laura
Horse poor in the boonies.
www.nmbarrelhorses.com |
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crittergranny
True Blue Farmgirl
1096 Posts
Laura
Lindrith
NM
USA
1096 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2012 : 3:37:31 PM
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I just read your post again Amy, and I see that you already have the horse...sheesh where do I miss things. You're not dumb Amy. I understand what you are going through. Is the horse well broke. Is he having fun riding it? If so things will feel better in a while. If not there are good trainers and folks who give riding lessons. But you have to watch them too. If he is riding the horse ok, there may be riding clubs around that will encourage him. If either of you have any questions or just want to talk feel free to call me or e-mail me. I work with horses every day and my ministry is to help people feel comfortable with their horses. I also have a lot of experience in selling horses if you really feel you need to move the horse out I might be able to give you some ideas. Take care, all will work out :) The outside of the horse is good for the inside of the man.
Laura
Horse poor in the boonies.
www.nmbarrelhorses.com |
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KansasFarmMomma
True Blue Farmgirl
91 Posts
91 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2012 : 3:51:43 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by crittergranny
A good well broke horse that is young and healthy goes for about 3000 even without papers.
Holy cow, apparently I need to start hauling horses to NM to sell. Here in Kansas you can get a good solid registered broke kids horse for $1500. If you ran the same horse through a sale barn, figure $300. No papers, figure MAX $1000. Green broke, not broke, broken down good luck getting $50.
Nicole
Farmgirl # 4209
www.bearpawphotography.weebly.com
www.KShappyhomemaker.wordpress.com
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farmmilkmama
True Blue Farmgirl
2027 Posts
Amy
Central MN
USA
2027 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2012 : 6:14:35 PM
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Thanks so much for the continued advice and information. It is interesting to me how different things are in different states. Our small square 50-60 pound bales (is that what you call two strand?)sell for $2 to $3 a piece, round bales (1000 pound) are $40-$50.
Laura - I like your quote "The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man." Jasper is good for riding, Lady not quite there yet. She was a rescue and we were told not to do anything much with her until we get some weight on her. ;)
--* FarmMilkMama *--
Farmgirl Sister #1086
Be yourself.
Everyone else is already taken.
-Oscar Wilde
www.farmfoodmama.blogspot.com
www.thehmmmschoolingmom.blogspot.com
www.amydingmann.com |
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crittergranny
True Blue Farmgirl
1096 Posts
Laura
Lindrith
NM
USA
1096 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2012 : 8:07:12 PM
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Well Nicole it really is a matter of how one markets their horses. Like I was sayin about your show horse you are thinking about selling. If a barrel racer takes a horse like that on the barrel circuit they could get 15,000 to 30,000 for him. Half for them half for you. There are racers on barrelhorseworld.com from time to time that are looking for a horse to run and sell like that. That would make a nice little college fund for that little one of yours on the way.
We have people asking to buy our trail horses which are for the most part unregistered, just because of the time and breeding we put into them, and not just in NM. We have one gelding that people come here and ride on our trail rides and he has his own album on facebook with admirers from all over the world. It's hilarious it's like he has groupies.
They aren't even for sale, and if I was to sell them I could get 3000 easily. But yes one can find decent riding horses for less, especially for 500 to 1500. I totally agree with you on that.
I'm jealous of your 2 and 3 dollar hay Amy. I saw hay that cheap in Texas once...about 20 yrs ago...LOL
Jasper and Lady sound wonderful. Did I see Jasper on another post a while back? I hope you guys have lots of fun on them.
Laura
Horse poor in the boonies.
www.nmbarrelhorses.com |
Edited by - crittergranny on Aug 09 2012 8:09:48 PM |
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KansasFarmMomma
True Blue Farmgirl
91 Posts
91 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2012 : 9:54:20 PM
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Farmmilkmama - sorry to hijack for a minute!
We run our business and market our horses the way we have found works best for us & our demographics. We prefer to sell local. Every horse we have sold still lives in the state of Kansas lol As such, Kansas is saturated with horses. There is not a huge market for high dollar horses unless they are good ranch horses. The one we have for sale may have barrel bloodlines but he's not worth more than $1600 as is. I know for a fact he doesn't have the heart to be a $30,000 horse. He's got more of a desire to be an eventer or showjumper than a barrel racer. I can't risk sending him off with someone I don't even know in an effort to get more money and risk him being injured and be out the money I know I could get for him.
It's great that you've had enough people ride your horses that you could easily sell them. That always makes it easier if you ever need to cut down on numbers for sure. Do you guys have a large trail riding community down there? I know around here there is some but it's certainly not a very big community.
Nicole
Farmgirl # 4209
www.bearpawphotography.weebly.com
www.KShappyhomemaker.wordpress.com
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crittergranny
True Blue Farmgirl
1096 Posts
Laura
Lindrith
NM
USA
1096 Posts |
Posted - Aug 10 2012 : 5:48:04 PM
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Here in NM a lot of our income relies on tourism. We are pretty isolated here in our area especially. Most of our trail riding customers are from out of state or from other countries. We also do riding lessons and train peoples horses for them which always includes riding lessons. I guess trail rides in our area are sort of popular because the scenery is so beautiful. We take people to some awesome places. We are only taking out 2 or 3 people right now. I'm not sure if I want to get so much into the trail riding thing right now, since we have long winters there is a lot of down time and the horses still eat. I don't advertize very much cause I'm a little short on time right now and one of our trail horses is lame. I have thought about doing sleigh rides.
I used to go to Wisconsin every summer with my mother. So I have seen Kansas many times. So green and pretty, and the corn fields pretty awesome.
I can certainly understand your wanting to keep Rusty local and be sure to sell to someone you trust. There is something to be said for selling a horse to go somewhere that the terrain is different too. Some of my horses would explode if they were turned loose on someplace that has tall grass and it always takes horses a while when they come here to learn how to eat short grass.
Laura
Horse poor in the boonies.
www.nmbarrelhorses.com |
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Barnyard Buddies: $ to feed a horse |
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$ to feed a horse
