Cheapest way to own a horse!

[@fennaforanimals1403]

The funny thing is that having your horse in a cheap way (no shoes, outside on a pasture with friends) is most of the time better for your horse than very expensive ways (at a sport stable with very luxury items as beautiful stalls, vibrate plate etc). Of course it's important to spend money on a good vet, dentist, feed, tack and lessons. :)

[@MostMarvelousMOCs]

True. Horses benefit from being outside in a pasture almost a day unless it’s cold. The place where I ride has their horses living in pastures all day

[@HappieronaHorse]

Ironic but true! 👍🏼

[@Kelly_Ben]

24/7 is often preferable to horses, even when it's cold- and often when it's raining/ snowing, too! People tend to apply their own comfort standards to horses, forgetting that they're huge outdoor animals. They are meant to be moving around in the elements grazing for 12-17 hours a day, walking 20+ miles, looking for food/ water. All of their systems have evolved for constant movement. Many barns only turn their horses out for 4-8 hours a day, which means locking them in a stall for 16-20 hours a day. Finding a barn with run-ins can definitely be more economical AND better for their health and happiness. I'll personally never go back to traditional stalling.

[@destinationaddictionsamsar7894]

Rescues are also good places to buy a cheap horse (300 to 500) and they'll tell you upfront of the horses experience and it's health.

[@HappieronaHorse]

That's a great resource, thanks for adding that!

[@fennaforanimals1403]

Totally agree! A lot of foundations have sweet horses

[@cowboydan86]

My first horse was a 8 year old registered aqha mare, I bought her for 250. And she has brought me millions of dollars of enjoyment and lessons learned. I still have her and will until her final breath.

[@LS-fe4ob]

❤

[@rubymetalcat18]

Great tips! 💙 My first pony cost $100... But cost several hundreds of dollars in vet bills. 😖😂 I’ve had her for nearly three years now. She’s well into her twenties, and has been through quite a lot of health issues since I’ve had her. From founder, to laminitis, several hoof abscesses, and having been diagnosed with Cushing disease. It’s been over a year since her last laminitic episode, and she’s doing wonderful.

[@HappieronaHorse]

You are one dedicated and loving owner! She's so lucky to have you. I'm so glad she's doing well, sounds like you really adore her. :) Thanks for your comment!

[@rubymetalcat18]

@@HappieronaHorse Thank you! She's an awesome little pony. ❤

[@abowling5759]

@@rubymetalcat18 And YOU are an awesome horse friend

[@rubymetalcat18]

@@abowling5759 Awe, thank you! 💙🐴

[@kathyberger6650]

You always have the best realistic sound advice. Thank you for being so candid! And thank you too Fame for not stepping on mommy!! 💙🐴❣️

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thanks Kathy! Glad it was helpful. And yes Fame was such a good boy. 🥰

[@backwardsbrilliance]

This made keeping a horse so much more attainable, thank you! I see so many videos with these huge high end stables and I’m like 😑

[@HappieronaHorse]

Totally feel you. It’s not that way for most of us thank goodness 😆

[@Kelly_Ben]

High end stables are like high end homes. You don't furnish mansions with free stuff from street corners, you spend a fortune on furniture, lawn care, etc. With the fancy barns, they often require, or at least encourage, fancy gear, shows, lots of lessons, etc. I've done both... gorgeous show stables, and simple trail barns. Not only are the simple barns cheaper, the attitude about money is different. Show Barn: Like my boots? They were $600! How much did YOURS cost? Vs Simple barns: OMG girl, like my boots?? I got them on clearance for $60!! I'll send you the link! 😂 If you're willing to work at the barn, you can seriously cut the cost of board and lessons. I did it for 20 years before building my own farm, and never would have been able to afford to own horses otherwise. Lease, yes, own, no. Best wishes!

[@bevanmudge867]

Cheapest way to get a horse is go hire one at a riding ranch , they take care of all the up keep costs like the feed , the worming , the grooming , the tack , the farrier, the medical and dental costs and the agistment . You pay for the hire of the horse and enjoy the fun riding brings being in the out doors sharing the experience with such wonderful creatures without the worry of all the costs that comes along with horse owner ship .😊 I would only suggested purchasing a horse if you seriously wanting to compete in some kind of equestrian event or you are 100% committed and financially secure to support owning the horse . Many horses end up in kill pens and at auctions through people unable to afford or not having the time for their horses and in some cases can lead to animal abuse due to neglect so you must be seriously committed.

[@mikeperyam7057]

I got an Amish trained Haflinger from a guide friend of mine for my first horse I’ve owned . I couldn’t have asked for a better beginner horse . I couldn’t give a better recommendation than an Amish horse . The flip side is the Amish don’t give them much attention so it takes a little time to get them to warm up to you

[@jupiter970]

Oh my gosh I also got an Amish trained Harflinger as my first horse. Had to put at least 200 lbs on her though. Also an older Amish horse is likely to come up lame quickly

[@abowling5759]

@@jupiter970 I believe it!!!!

[@HappieronaHorse]

So glad to hear you had a terrific first horse experience, and a draft at that! That's great to know about Amish horses, thank you for sharing.

[@jordanwhite5470]

On the other hand, I've seen several cases of Amish horses who were severely malnourished when sold off. I used to respect the Amish, but won't buy from them now.

[@geaj4214]

I have loved horses since I was a small child. I'm 41 now and I want to learn how to keep and ride horses. I'm just bought 12 acres of land but do not have a barn as of yet. I have been looking for horse riding lessons in my area no luck as of yet. Hopefully I can find someone to teach me. Thank you for the video.

[@annettepaiva2294]

I think the worst thing would be the ticks

[@HappieronaHorse]

Yep ticks aren’t fun!

[@sherriejacobs3888]

Nice video, I've been wanting a horse for awhile but since I'm still going to school, I don't think I would have as much time as I would like with it. You should do a horse-jobs/equestrian-jobs video, I have been researching this topic a lot and I still don't know what I'm going to do.

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it. That’s a great idea for a video, I’ll see what research I can find. 👍🏼 Going to school is definitely hard on the schedule. I hope you find a way to make your horse dream happen. ❤️

[@aharder5765]

I'm in school too so I'm currently not able to have a horse of my own. What I do is volunteer at therapeutic riding center. I get horse experience, get a hands on education on stable care for the affordable price of hard work and a lot of sweat in the summer and freezing to death in the winter. It's so worth it though!

[@HappieronaHorse]

@@aharder5765 what a cool opportunity! Haha yes all that sweating and freezing is good practice for when you get your own horse. 😜 so awesome that you’re doing that 👍🏼

[@beckyshell4649]

If you know nothing about horses don't buy a horse on your own. Take an experienced horse person with you and look at several even ones that you are not planning on buying and listen to get educated on horses. I have known people who have been ''taken" because they did not know how to tell if a horse was sound or was old. Don't buy a horse because it is "pretty" and hold your emotions in check when picking a horse.

[@HappieronaHorse]

Great advice, yes!

[@wintershock]

One thing I’d suggest if you have a small herd of horses and multiple pastures is to cycle out the pastures so the grass has time to recover. I have 3 pastures and will be getting a small herd after I replace all the fencing and improve the conditions around the farm. I have a system planned out to keep the horses in a pasture for one week at a time. This will make sure there is something to graze on for the horses as long as there isn’t snow on the ground. Also, in the winter if you get snow, I’d suggest you make a path through the snow and put sand on the icy patches. It’s not necessarily cheaper, it’s just less painful.

[@souldimitriou9480]

Good video Fame is the perfect horse IMO I own 2 gypsies and a very tall Friesian, would love the gypsies (14.2h) to be 16h plus! Maybe I’ll go the drum option with the mares in future. Take care

[@HappieronaHorse]

So glad you enjoyed it. Sounds like you have some gorgeous horses as well! Drums are great too, definitely worth considering adding to your herd. Thanks for your comment!

[@fizzyizzy8261]

LOL. I knew a young woman who 'wanted' to lease her older 'baby sitter' hunter mare, but was constantly assessing prospective lessees are not good enough, or if she found one she approved of, harassing them (trying to tell them how to ride her horse) in the ring when they came to ride to the point that they stopped leasing. Then she decided to let the barn use her horse for lessons so she could get discounted board, but would hang around and talk over the instructor to the person riding her horse for the lesson. It was a disaster and barn stopped using her horse. She was her own worst enemy and her expectations of the lessees were ridiculous. Most of the lessees she badgered were more experienced riders than she was, and the instructor who tried to use her horse in good faith had 30 years of professional hunter/jumper instruction under her belt and knew exactly which riders were proficient enough to ride her horse. So, the moral of the story about leasing your horse is that you have to be able to 'let go' to some degree and trust other people with your horse.

[@lbabyyyy]

I really love the way you explain things! And Fame is just gorgeous. Subbed :)

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you so much! 💙

[@Kelly_Ben]

Great ideas!! I rescued my first horse from auction, and loved second hand shopping, and always worked off part of my board, so her up front costs were quite low... but she was such a handful, actually quite dangerous, so when you add up all the costs of lessons, training, clinics, etc throughout her sassy life... WHOOO!! We had an amazing 26 years together, but it was never easy, and it certainly wasn't cheap, even with all of my other cost savings! 😂

[@NYCisland]

All great points and ideas you brought up. I was fortunate to have two horses as a kid (first at age 12 and again at 16) and kept them at a stable about 30 minutes away. Pasture is a great way to save money though be careful about who the other horses in the same pasture might be. I had a horse that was bullied by the other horses, got bitten and kicked often. She eventually ran through the wire fence to get away and had a lot of damage to her legs. You mention leasing and that's a great easier intro since you as the leasing person (not the owner) have some of the ownership responsibility and share the costs, plus riding time. if you have tons of $$ then go ahead and board at a stable that does everything for you, but you should still make sure the people do what they say they will do. There are so many bad stables, bad sellers (drugged horses) that as a first time owner you are easy prey so take others with you who know what to look for.

[@HappieronaHorse]

These are great points, thank you!!

[@cajunhustle5128]

That is a BEAUTIFUL draft you have there! My daughter have a draft/quarter cross.

[@gracewall849]

Thank you for posting this! This is super helpful!!

[@HappieronaHorse]

You’re welcome!

[@SDWits]

This is great general info!! The price of the horse isn't even what bothers me... It's the ongoing board payments! It's like having a big car payment for ~20 years! Board where I live averages $4-500/mo. The few options under $400 usually have no arena or are self care. I don't believe anyone does pasture board in my area because of coyotes. Rather, barns will charge you extra if you want your horse let out for most of the day, which is crazy to think. :/ I have to add because one commenter said it's selfish to board. That's very judgmental without knowing the person and their situation. Not everyone can be lucky and financially blessed enough to own land big enough to house a couple horses on. There's nothing wrong with boarding; they're just being uppity. Are there some people that should not own a horse? Yes there's also some people that shouldn't have kids or dogs or whatever because they don't care for them as much as they should. Let's not put all boarders in the same boat though. When I owned a horse I saw that horse 6 days a week. And I loved him very much. He went outside every day weather permitting.

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thanks Sarah! Agreed, it is basically a very long car payment. 😆 Yes boarding can be a wonderful option for those of us who don’t have land at home. I’m glad you found the video helpful. It sounds like you’ve already done a lot of research in your area which is awesome!

[@ericlakota6512]

When u talk about leasing a horse good idear i have 30acre farm i inherited and was looking at geting some drafts the more reserch i did is y i never got some i was going to adopt some retired horses but realised i dont have enough time so it wouldent be right some time i do but some time i dont. I just wated to pull logs and keep as pets. I asked my neace if she would help but she is only 13 and spoiled so i dont know if i can realy on her but was think of younger retired horses to start not olld olld where they can still work. But old enough where the dont do horse pulls any more

[@doodoodoodle]

If you did try to involve your niece, maybe you could pay her weekly so she could go out on the weekends and whatnot (literally write up a lil contract or something). It'd be a good chance to learn how to be responsible. She won't be the most reliable at first but you can help develop her work ethic :^)

[@DixieLivings]

Board where I live is like 900 a month and I don't have much property.

[@luckyrainbowrose]

Can anyone please recommend any other channels like Stephanie's? I really love this channel but it hasn't got very many videos just yet, so soon I will have seen them all. I love this type of horsey content. And I'm not asking for recommendations with any of these specifics I'm about to go on about. Just any good horsey channel recommendations please! But I especially love watching stuff like this of down to earth horsey people, especially strong women out there living the dream, trucking and riding and caring for their own horse and sharing it all with us. I love watching ALL of it, every aspect of horse ownership. My dream is to do what Stephanie does basically. Be a horse owner again one day. But would have to use stable facilities like her and truck to riding destinations and would have to do alot of the work all on my own. Being the only horse person in my family. So seeing just every day people not necessarily people with multi million dollar stables and horses and high level competing and all that, (which is alot of what I get when just searching horsey content on here) honestly standards unattainable for the average horse loving girl who sees what Stephanie is doing as her more realistic dream for the future, so love seeing every day people who own like one horse and are actually out there living and doing my dream, showing how it is doable, strong women showing all aspects to non billionaire horse ownership and good kind riding in the modern world of right now, my true dream of horse ownership. Please any recommendations of inspirational chanels like this for me to watch while I work towards this dream life goal.

[@faundante2226]

Highly recommend Riding With Rhi!

[@krystal17066]

Second riding with rhi!

[@haleymerritt2288]

Stephanie Moratto has a great KZbin channel I think you would like!

[@ej762]

Can you do a vid on saddle fitting for the big guys? I’ve watched my wife and some of her friends go through saddles for the “right”. Do drafts have special needs or considerations? Also, are there any special considerations for tack? In the final stages of a purchase (Percheron/QH) and want to avoid buying stuff to try it out. I know it can get crazy buying stuff for baby. Lol. (Our Amazon driver is saddened because the smart-pak truck has replaced him.)

[@HappieronaHorse]

I have to buy tack online, measuring is key. Not everything marketed for drafts fits every draft. 😜 I’ll keep a saddle fitting video in mind, thanks. I have stuck with sellers with solid return/exchange policies or just straight custom lol. Congrats on your new horse! I wish you all many wonderful years of riding!

[@rayshonthefishingaddict5412]

Clean house stalls for people that have horses make money for your horse feed hay stall fee and other honest side work

[@l.e.6263]

No cheap horse, as maintenance & vet fees are highest costs. Just like yachts, it’s not the purchase, but the maintenance that will usu cost a fortune, regardless of breed. Your draft horse requires special hoof care & feed.

[@YTShortsGal]

What are some cheap feed options or does it depend on the horses diet

[@robinemanuelgwin4670]

I have always wanted a horse. I’ve wanted a palomino. But I guess it will never come true😭. I live in the city. It’s my childhood dream

[@HappieronaHorse]

I love palominos!! So striking. Don't say that! You never know. 😉

[@elsamoore8245]

You could always keep your horse on board 🤷🏻‍♀️? Hope that helped lol 😊

[@laurenkifer9145]

Ive always lived In town but I’m planing to have one by the end of the year start taking lessons somewhere it helps a lot you meet people find places you can board and stuff like that that way

[@katiek.8808]

That’s very responsible of you. Having land should be a number one priority when getting a horse. People like the ones here commenting will recommend boarding. This is not the way to go. Boarding horses is incredibly selfish especially if you do not have the time and discipline to be with your horse.

[@laurenkifer9145]

@@katiek.8808 I mean honestly that’s not really true I plan on boarding my horse and I will be out there every other day and my horse will be kept in the pasture with other horses unless there’s a medical reason for it to be in a stall I don’t think not being with your horse every day is that big of an issue if your horse is happy and healthy and with other horses for your referring to when horses are boarded in stalls then I agree it’s selfish no animal wants to spend it’s life in a box

[@dixiedoodle4027]

Do you have a video on shoes vs no shoes?

[@HappieronaHorse]

That's a great idea, thanks! I'll put it in the queue.

[@lifeofkatie5988]

Is board coast expensive? At the barn my daughter rides, it cost about $800 a month.

[@joyjoystar9033]

i find it funny that there are stars on your horse

[@ROCKNROLLlolz]

Cheapest way to own a horse is to live vicariously through someone rich

[@cassandragarcia130]

I live in LA. Where did u find these networks or tail riding group. A lot how can you go tail riding to get experience if you don’t have a horse.

[@HappieronaHorse]

I would do a search for horsemen's associations or riding clubs. This video might give you some tips for getting experience: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2a4q6SNfMuSZs0

[@mimminiminiim565]

Your horse is beautiful 🤩 thanks for the video

[@JCElzinga]

I live in Ecuador. if you want cheaper, just live in another country but be making usd, already own 30 or 40 acres and horse ownership becomes easier.

[@JCElzinga]

(that said, I have spent over 20k on my P.R.E horse addiction over the last 2 years)

[@HappieronaHorse]

😂 well at least you’re not losing money on board 👍🏼💙

[@normafollet7156]

For me, it is so sad that so many people who own horses dont seam to care about the main, their tail and forlock.an untidy main tail and fotlock says a great deal about the owner of that animal.(love and care and well. being.) love for horses???

[@HappieronaHorse]

I used to feel the same until I owned a horse. 😆 Then I learned there are certain times of year where the weather and living situations make brushing efforts practically worthless unless your horse is in an indoor stall. My time and love was better spent in riding and exercise. It’s always nice to seem them looking their best tho 👌🏼

[@Kelly_Ben]

😂😂 Horses are animals who love to run, and roll around in the dirt. A dirty horse in a pasture is living its best life. A spotless horse locked in a stall is likely bored and unhappy. The state of a horse's mane and tail literally have NO reflection on the love and care a horse receives, or how happy and healthy it is.

[@rafealborbon8482]

That’s only what I like everything you said except one thing if I have an Occultic horse and they cost me $100,000 there is no one is going to ride the horse with me

[@empresseternity1]

What type of horse do you own? It’s beautiful. 💕 I love draft horses!

[@thebudgetingcowgirl4113]

Your horse is gorgeous! New subscriber here :)

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you so much! and welcome! Glad to have you 💖

[@aharder5765]

Adding onto what she said. Green horses and green riders do not go together. That will come back to bite you in the butt later.

[@HappieronaHorse]

Couldn’t agree more. 👍🏼

[@charlottecomeau1266]

green on green makes black and blue lol

[@aharder5765]

@@charlottecomeau1266 so very true and leave lasting scars too

[@sallykauth2115]

@A Harder Although you give very logical advice, my childhood 3/4 Quarter Horse and 1/4 Arabian must have been the exception. I was 11 when I bought her myself with $ I earned working on our family farm. My horse Folly was 4 years old and "green broke" when i got her. She had only ever used a hackamore (spelling?) bridle. Somehow we learned together. While she was very gentle-I crawled under her at least once while she was eating- she also loved to run. She could be overly competitive and would want to race while riding with other horses. She was a sweet horse. I rode her 'till I was 17 and made the stupid decision to sell her. I truly miss her. Btw, I only fell off twice. God was watching over me 😀

[@aharder5765]

@@sallykauth2115you were blessed with a once in a lifetime horse. However, when I wrote my original comment, I was thinking of my brother who is a very green rider and at the time, he was in the middle of trying to get a horse, 7 year old stallion that needed to be gelded. Definitely a little too much for him to handle.

[@ToshaRaeNailed]

How do you seek out a person that has land and stables and would like a horse on their property maybe to help with the grass etc? Is that even a good idea? I haven’t owned a horse since childhood and I miss it dearly. Unfortunately I know I can’t afford all the expenses. How can you find ppl looking for riders to ride their horse during the week? Are their sites you should go to? I have taken riding lessons but so far I haven’t found a trainer I really liked or felt like I was getting my money’s worth. I also want able to get any good connections for a more long term better solution for being able to bond with a horse or ride when I wanted to without being supervised in an arena. When I want to ride I have to sign up for the group riding things and they’re very restrictive as far as, you all walk in a line, around the same path for an hour or so and then it’s over. It lacks the bonding experience and general joy of just being around a horse you have a relationship with. Plus, it too isn’t real affordable in my area.

[@HappieronaHorse]

I would connect with your local horsemen’s associations, check out Dreamhorse.com and visit some local stables/boarding facilities to try and find a lease in your area. You might make other connections for instructors, property, etc that way.

[@l.e.6263]

Leasing a horse can be a nightmare for beginner, many tricks of trade in leasing are placed onto the novice. Leased horses always listen to main owner- leasee is the sucker who pays all the bills & fails to get decent lessons , esp from the true owner.

[@Kelly_Ben]

I'm sure they're are many horror stories out there, but I was lucky enough to lease my first 2 horses, and it was great! (Granted I wasn't a complete beginner.) The first was 100% mine, for riding, showing, and loving, for $75/ month... just enough to cover grain and trims. The second was younger and more athletic- though not as sweet and fun- and was boarded at a nice stable, so he was $250/ month for 3 days a week. Both owners let me be once they defined their boundaries. They were great, and affordable, experiences, and gave me the benefits of horse ownership without the upfront expense or unexpected bills. I always recommend leasing for beginners, though it definitely can come with its challenges.

[@diane2062]

I live in CT. I cannot find any pasture boarding stables. Any suggestions

[@strawberryfields4391]

Your horse is so beautiful 😍 How much was it

[@sck_hobbyhorses]

I’m saving up for a lease horse 😌

[@christinahope4996]

And the safer it is to know how to ride. They can be dangerous.

[@pewpcake4816]

can i ask what your day job is and what you do to be able to afford horses and have time for them? i’m thinking of becoming a biology teacher but i’m not sure

[@Kelly_Ben]

Having a horse is like having a kid. If you love it, you just figure it out. I had many jobs over the years, from customer service to banker to 911, but not always the time. Finding a barn you completely trust is key, so that you know your horse is getting the care, turnout, and love they need, even if you can't make it out as much as you'd like.

[@pewpcake4816]

@@Kelly_Ben oh my gosh so much had changed in the last 8 months! i moved, and now live on a farm with my grandad who owns a horse boarding business and take care of his two horses. your comment is so nice though, thank you!

[@Sk0lzky]

1.Move to Kazakhstan 2.Get a local horse (it'll be thankful for it, they really treat them like shit) 3.Free food (they legit only graze)

[@CG-mj8tk]

Does anyone know how much it costs to feed a Connemara pony per year?

[@charlesbryer9069]

Do you have a horse for sale

[@jozefivanov600]

I was hoping there would be more tips on economical housekeeping but it was kind of the same advice everyone gives every baby noob who first enters the horse world.

[@edgarbrooks7695]

i half expected the horse to do something funny , like knock you over looking for attention while you are talking ,ahaha

[@HappieronaHorse]

HAHA! 😂

[@elsamoore8245]

How many injuries has your horse made in a year? And was it expensive ? and if it was covered by insurance? If you replied it would be very appreciated sorry for the notification and if it was too nosy 🙈

[@HappieronaHorse]

You're smart to be considering injuries also when it comes to expense. I've been fortunate in that area! But not everyone is and the cost really varies depending on the horse and injuries. You can definitely get insurance but what is covered varies...people usually want colic coverage more than anything else. I'd like to do a video on this for future.

[@Someone.2001]

I want a horse like yours but what I’ve seen is that they are 35k-

[@ericlakota6512]

You could be i honestly thought you where when i first saw myley cyrus you could be a look alike or her sister once you get use to u your you buy at first i thought you where myle

[@seanarmstrong7767]

Riding wasn't a facto!