What Does It Cost To Own a Horse?
Equine Science
We are going to assume that you have a barn and about 1 acre that could be pastured. Within the barn there is
access to water. You also have a home and a truck, but no other farm equipment, tractors, tack etc. You will have to
select a horse to buy, calculate the cost of various supplies that you will need and put all of your information together
in an organized fashion based on the outline provided below. All of your costs should be reasonable and
understandable by looking at your scenario.
TOTAL POINTS: 60
TASK
1. Select a horse to buy. You may use craigslist, www.dreamhorse.com or
any other links.
Notes/ Description
$$$$
3. What is your job? How much are you making a year? (Something you
could see yourself doing)
4. Begin researching tack/supplies/trailer needed for raising your horse.
Good resources might be http://www.valleyvet.com/c/horse-supplies/horsetack-supplies.html http://www.statelinetack.com/
http://www.fleetfarm.com/
5. Calculate Feed Costs - Use your previous knowledge from the nutrition
unit. Assume that you are feeding your horse a grass/alfalfa hay at $5 /small
square bale. Your work needs to be shown when your project is complete.
6. Calculate Health costs – make sure you include hoof care, emergency vet
care and regular shots/worming
7. Utilize the ‘Ownership Calculator’ to help you calculate the total yearly
costs. Include a completed copy with your final project.
8. Based on the job you selected in step 3, are you able to afford purchasing
and caring for the horse?
9. Write a 1-2 page, double spaced summary about the financial aspects of
raising a horse. Make sure to reference some of your figures and information
from this project.
What should be turned in?
● Ad & Picture of the horse you decided to purchase. 1 paragraph describing why you purchased this horse. Use some of
the terms we used in the conformation unit.
● Your job, and salary. Can you afford caring for this horse? What were your thoughts before and after? (1-2 paragraphs)
● Feed costs- show me how you calculated them. (Show your work)
● Hoof Care costs – Show me how you calculated (Show your work)
● Vaccination costs
● Completed Calculations chart (screenshot)
● 1-2 page, double spaced summary about the financial aspects of raising a horse. Make sure to reference some of your
figures and information from this project.