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First of all, an average 15H, 1100 pound saddle horse in light work should be fed at least 2.5% of their
body weight per day in forage, on average. That can be a little less in summer, and a bit more in winter
to keep them warm.

Assuming that average 15H 1100 lb. horse eats 27.5 pounds of hay per day. An average 50 lb. bale of
Alfalfa hay, which is common in Northern California, is around $8.00 picked up (add $1.00 or more
per bale for delivery, and add $2 or more per bale at the feed store). That equals .16/lb. 27.5 lb. x .16
= $4.40 per day for hay. Grain averages between $12.00 and $18.00 for a 50 lb. bag.

So, your daily feed for the care of one healthy 1100 lb. horse will average between .75 and $4.80 per
day for grain and will be around $4.40 per day for hay. That total is $4.40 to $8.80 per day.
Multiply by 30 days per month, and your average cost to feed a healthy 15H horse is a minimum o f
$132.00 and can easily go as high as $264.00. That cost can increase easily depending on the amount
of work your hose is in, as well as its breed. Thoroughbreds, for example, are known to need a much
higher amount of feed in relation to their body weight than the average Quarter horse.
These figures do not include the cost of farrier visits, which average approximately $40 for a pasture
trim with no shoes and is necessary every 6 weeks, which calculates to a cost of $30.00 per month.
Deworming should be done every other month and you should rotate dewormers with Ivermectin and
Strongid at a cost of approximately $5-$10 per dose, which would come out to approximately $7.00
per month.

Hay = $303.00
Grain = $22.50 - $144
Farrier $30.00
Deworming $7.00

$362.50 to $484.00 per month for one horse

Don't forget yearly vet visits for about $200 ($55 farm call plus vaccinations twice a year), and any
veterinary care for illness or injuries, which averages to about $18.00/month not including
emergencies, which you should keep a couple thousand put away in a savings account specifically for
equine emergencies. Add in a dental visit at $150 per year if your horse has no tooth or mouth
problems, for another $12.50/month.

We have now brought our cost up to $375 - $500 per month for one average, healthy horse.

Of course, this does not include tack (bridle, bit, reins, saddle, girth, stirrups, saddle pad), supplies
(halter, lead, buckets, deicers, salt block), fencing materials, barn or shelter and repairs to each, or
any health supplements your horse may need.

Why is a program
like BITS needed?

*80% of first time horse owners
get rid of their horse within 5
years.

*In just nine years (1997-05),
The equine population in the
United States has expanded from
6.9 million to 9.2 million horses,
an increase of 33%.

*Meanwhile, the number of horse
owners has risen from 1.9 million
to 2.0 million, a modest increase
of only about 5%.

*Most neglect and abuse cases
can be resolved through owner
education. Educational programs
using existing resources should
be developed and accessible to
all facets of society."— USDA

These facts and quotes are from
the Equinedentistry.com site

Equine charities receive a large number of calls every month
from horse owners seeking alternative homes for their animals.
There are over one million horses and donkeys in the USA and
the charitable sector has limited space available and must
prioritize welfare and rescue cases. Welfare organizations simply
do not have the resources to take in all the horses whose owners
can no longer afford to care for them.

BITS adapted this sheet with the intention of helping owners in
difficult circumstances. This sheet aims to help potential horse
owners plan for the future and prepare them for the actual cost
of horse care. While owning a horse is one of the most rewarding
experiences you may ever have, not all of us can afford them.
Please if you are interested in purchasing a horse in the near
future, do some research on the cost of owning and caring for a
horse in your area.

The accompanying documents, “Re-homing your horse”,
“Cutting Costs without Compromising Health’, and “Tips if you
must take your horse to Auction”, outline the main options
available if you find that having a horse is an expense you can
definitely no longer afford. (The term horse is used to cover all
domestic equine species, including horses, ponies, donkeys,
hinnies and mules).

Can you afford a Horse?

THE COST FACTOR