Comments | equestrian: Horse prices around the world!

hxgx in equestrian

Horse prices around the world!

Jan 05, 2011 11:35

My husband and I are beginning to entertain the idea of moving out of southwest Ohio where we are now. We aren't sure where or when or if it will even happen, but we've looked at Austin, TX, Denver, CO, Tucson, AZ, North Carolina (no specific town, really), and I tried to talk him into Ocala, FL, but I don't think he's going for it. I've also ( Read more... )

trailering/hauling, discussion questions, boarders, pastures

Comments 34

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hxgx January 5 2011, 17:31:21 UTC

That's great! Chicago is another place we're considering, because we have friends/family there. But I really hate winter and I'm not sure I could handle the deep freeze you guys go through there without some serious incentives. ;)

Thanks for the shipping recommendation! I'll definitely check them out if a move ever happens!

Rhode Island k7point5 January 5 2011, 16:57:26 UTC

Well, you're right that the East Coast is going to be a LOT more expensive than $350 for full care. Right now I pay $225 for rough board at a barn with a small indoor, no hot water, and teeny tiny paddocks. I am responsible for buying all of my hay/grain/bedding. I estimate that I spend around $450 a month in total. Full board at my barn is $525. My horse gets shoes on all four feet (basic steel shoes with nothing special) and that runs me $140, though there are farriers in this area that will do all four for $100-120 ( ... )

Re: Rhode Island hxgx January 5 2011, 17:35:16 UTC

Thanks for the reply!

My husband really likes Boston, so he's pushing for a move close to there (and I have some family in Kingston), but I keep trying to tell him that it will double our rent and likely triple the horse board! He's a teacher, so it's not like we're rolling in dough over here. And I really hate winter on top of that, so maybe we can find somewhere CHEAP and WARM. ;)

And SmartPak does list the subsidized board as part of their perks, but it's for testing and reviewing products, and I imagine that everyone that works there is competing for a chance at that, but who knows!

Re: Rhode Island buymeaclue January 5 2011, 18:31:18 UTC

You could probably find a similar situation in eastern MA to what you have now for about twice what you're paying now on board. Probably less if you're comfy with (and lucky in) finding a backyard situation without an indoor, but you're probably going to want the indoor (and if you're looking at non-backyard barns, they're going to have one). Sky's the limit, obviously, and the commute is going to be a drag if you live in Boston (although the rent gets cheaper the farther out you go--you're still looking at an increase from OH numbers, but depending on what you need and where you need it, you can manipulate that a bit). But the point is, while you can pay $1,500/month for Boston-area board, you certainly don't have to.

bella_cheval January 5 2011, 17:26:00 UTC

Here in WV, the biggest "scene" seems to be racking/pacing horses, with Saddlebreds coming in next and stock type horses somewhere in the middle. There's a decent sized AQHA presence, but so many WV riders haul to OH, VA and PA due to there only being 2 AQHA clubs ( ... )

hxgx January 5 2011, 17:37:10 UTC

I went to college at OU in Athens, OH, so I am VERY familiar with the hilliness in that area! And the CLAY, oh dear god, the clay soil that instantly turns to sticky muck the second it rains! Not sure if you have that in WV, and hopefully you're lucky enough not to have to deal with it!

Thanks for the reply!

bella_cheval January 5 2011, 17:45:38 UTC

Oh yesh, we have the famous red clay mud here. I swear it stains the hell out of anything you have on and nothing will take it out. And you can't wash it off hooves very well, you have to either wait for it to dry and chip off, or go to town with a gallon of dishwashing soap and a brush!

EDIT: Yay Athens! Very pretty town.

jacketeer January 5 2011, 17:43:28 UTC

I don't really have any suggestions, but I will say this: Don't come to Connecticut. Just don't do it, haha. I live and ride in/around Fairfield County, CT and Westchester County, NY. There are tons of farms and tons of horses around here, but $1500/month for full-care board is basically the most common number I can come up with. Now, there are also barns nearby that are more like $900/month, plus barns that are $2000+/month. Basically, it's absurdly expensive to own around here and it kinda blows. I love the place I live and grew up in, but if I'm ever going to own again (my TB is retired on $350/month in TN now), I likely won't be able to live here, which makes me sad.

/rant! haha.

hxgx January 5 2011, 18:33:31 UTC

Ha! Duly noted! Those prices are freaking ridiculous.

_kollision January 5 2011, 18:40:55 UTC

But Massachusetts is nice! At least in Western Mass. Eastern has a much higher cost of living, close to Boston.

jacketeer January 5 2011, 18:52:41 UTC

You're telling me! e_e

Texas feldspars January 5 2011, 17:54:40 UTC

I've owned a horse in Texas for over 10 years and have never paid over $450/month for full board. I have him with me in College Station and pay $400 for full board in a nice place. In Houston I paid $450 for full board at my trainer's place. I know there are some fancy barns around with big name trainers that will cost a bit more, but for the most part $400-$450 is what you'll pay for a decent boarding facility down here. Oh, and I ride hunter/jumper.