| Many people do not buy a horse as they are | | | | horse, you can also get shoes for the front feet |
| scared of the high costs of keeping one. With | | | | only, saving half of the money. |
| some careful planning and tips, keeping a horse | | | | - Lease your horse. If you are struggling to make |
| even if your budget is tight is possible. Here are | | | | ends meet with your horse, you should look into |
| some suggestions on cutting expenses: | | | | the option of leasing your horse out for someone |
| - Keeping your horse outdoors. Many horse | | | | else's use. Always make sure that the people |
| owners of retired horses cut costs by having | | | | leasing your horse know what they are doing and |
| their horses live on a pasture all year round. All | | | | have a contract signed to specify terms of the |
| horses living outdoors should have some form of | | | | agreement. |
| shelter for when the weather is bad. | | | | - Buy second hand equipment. Many horse |
| - Cheap stabling. The so-called DIY stabling is | | | | owners have equipment lying around that they no |
| cheap but it usually does not include anything else | | | | longer need. They are often more than happy to |
| but the actual stabling. Some equestrian centers | | | | get rid of it and sometimes you can even trade |
| offer free or cheap livery in exchange of your | | | | an item of yours for something they don't need |
| horse taking part in some riding classes available | | | | anymore. |
| for the public. | | | | Some equestrian stores also sell second hand |
| - Feeding. If your horse is in light work, you can | | | | saddles and other tack at a reduced price. You |
| save money by not feeding it grain, as it doesn't | | | | should also find out if anyone in the area repairs |
| really need it. However, you should always make | | | | old rugs and leather work to avoid buying new |
| sure that your horse gets plenty of hay when | | | | items. |
| grazing does not provide it with enough nutrition. | | | | These tips are useful when trying to keep a |
| - Shoes and farrier services. If you only ride your | | | | horse when you only have a small budget |
| horse on an arena or field a couple of times a | | | | available. However, the horse should always come |
| week, your horse does not need shoes. If you | | | | first and cutting costs by not treating it |
| are uncomfortable with the idea of a shoeless | | | | appropriately is never an option. |