Owning and Keeping a Horse in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide to Annual Costs

Owning a horse can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it does also come with significant financial responsibilities. In the UK, the annual costs of owning and keeping a horse can range from £5,000 to over £15,000, depending on various factors such as the horse’s breed, age, size, and level of training. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the average annual costs of owning a horse in the UK, including livery, farrier, feed, annual vaccinations, dentist, saddle fitting, competition & training costs, and physio. Some owners insure their horse's for vet fees, loss of use and public liability, this cost can vary widely depending on the value and disciplines the horse is going to be used for. 

This blog is going to look at solely the cost of the horse and compeition fees, without delving into insurance and transport costs that are also involved in training and competing horses.

Livery

Livery costs are one of the most significant expenses of owning a horse. These costs can range from £250 to £500 per month, depending on the type of livery and the location of the stable. Here are some of the different types of livery and their average costs in the UK:

• Full livery: £500 to £1,000 per month - This type of livery includes daily mucking out, grooming, all feed, hay and bedding, holding for farrier and vet visits. Some full liveries also include tack cleaning and exercising.
• Part livery: £300 to £600 per month - This type of livery includes full livery 5 days a week, and then the owner does two days DIY a week, this is normally on a weekend. Most part liveries also include all hay and bedding.
• Grass or DIY livery: £150 to £500 per month - This type of livery includes a stable (unless grass livery) and paddock, and the use of any facilities. Hay and bedding isn't included on DIY livery. The owner has to do all turn out and bring ins as well as mucking out 7 days a week, some livery yards do offer add ons such as holiday cover.

Farrier

Farrier costs can range from £25 to £180 per appointment, depending on the location and the type of trimming and shoeing required. Here are some average costs for farrier services in the UK:

• Trimming: £25 to £50 per trim 
• Shoeing: £60 to £180 per shoeing

Feed (Forage and Hard Feed)

Feed costs can range from £100 to £350 per month, depending on the size and breed of the horse, as well as the quality of the feed. Here are some average costs for feed in the UK:

• Hay/Haylage: £20 to £50 per bale (depending on the type and quality - based on large round or large square bales)
• Hard Feed: £15 to £45 per bag (depending on the type and quality)
• Chaff: £10 to £25 per bag (depending on type and quality)

Annual Vet Checks and Vaccinations

Annual vet checks and vaccinations are essential for the health and well-being of your horse. These costs can range from £50 to £150 per year, depending on the call out fee of the vet as well as the cost of the vaccinations. Some vets offer free call out days to certain areas, or you might be able to share a call out fee with a friend/livery. 

Dentist

Routine dentist costs can range from £50 to £100 per session, depending on the location and the type of service. If your horse needs to be sedated for the dentist you would then need to factor in the added vet costs of this. As well as if any extra work needs to be done or follow up visits.

Physio

Physio costs can range from £50 to £100 per session, depending on the location and the type of service.

Saddle Fitting

Saddle fitting costs can range from £50 to £100 per fitting, depending on the location, the number or horses being checked on the same yard as well as if it is a follow up saddle check appointment or a fitting for a new saddle. Here at The Saddle Bank we would alwasy recommend getting your saddle checked by a qualified saddle fitter every 6 months or 3 months after a new saddle has been fitted.

Why not learn about signs to look out for that might mean you need to call your saddle fitter with our super informative Recognising Saddle Fit Issues course, a must do for all horse riders and owners.

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Competition and Training Costs

Competition and training costs can range from £500 to £5,000 per year, depending on the level of competition and the type of training. These also take into consideration stabling fees that might incur whilst at stay away shows or championships. Here are some average costs for competition and training in the UK:

• Showing: £500 to £3,000 per year
• Dressage: £1,000 to £3,000 per year
• Jumping: £1,500 to £5,000 per year
• Eventing: £1,000 to £4,000 per year

Total Annual Costs

The total annual costs of owning and keeping a horse in the UK can range from £5,000 to over £15,000, depending on the factors mentioned above. Here is a breakdown of the estimated annual costs for a horse in the UK:

• Livery: £1,800 to £10,000 per year
• Farrier: £600 to £1,200 per year
• Feed: £2,000 to £4,000 per year
• Annual vet checks and vaccinations: £200 to £500 per year
• Dentist: £50 to £150 per year
• Saddle fitting: £100 to £200 per year
• Competition and training: £1,000 to £5,000 per year
• Physio: £100 to £200 per year

Total: £5,000 to £15,000 per year