Compare horse loans and equine financing - January 2024

What are your financing options to pay for a horse?

You have several options to consider. Before finalizing a loan, be sure to check the fine print of your loan agreement so you know the exact costs and repayment terms. Keep in mind some lenders may be hesitant to lend you money to buy a horse because its value depreciates over time — and the horse could get sick or injured.

Personal loan.Unless the lender specifically sets restrictions,you can use a personal loanto buy your new horse. Some lenders even offer loans specifically for equine purchases.
Line of credit.Withdraw only the amount you needand pay interest on only what you use.
Installment contract.Some sellers accept monthly payments over a predetermined time. This may mean less money upfront, but be wary of entering into a contract without carefully reading the agreement.
Lease to own.You and the seller agree to a price for the horse. You’ll be expected to make regular lease payments to the seller until you’ve paid off the entire loan. This can be an affordable way to get a horse, but you could wait years to officially own your horse outright.

How much does buying a horse cost?

Buying a horse means more than the purchase price. The real expense comes from the cost of care and maintenance.
Here’s a quick rundown of the potential costs and fees that come with owning a horse:

Purchase price.Most pleasure horses — horses ridden for leisure only, cost between $2,000 and $8,000. On the other hand, a show horse for show jumping, hunting or dressage, could set you back as much as $50,000.
Horse feed.A horse can consume up to 2.5% of their weight in a day. A healthy 1,000 pound horse requires fresh hay daily. The cost for feeding your horse can add up quickly at about $10 a bale — that’s $25 a day.
Boarding costs.Unless you’re lucky enough to live on a property that can accomodate your horse, you’ll pay for room and board at a local stable. Depending on the area, boarding costs range between $400 to $500 a month, but can be as high as $2,000 a month in metropolitan areas.
Veterinarian fees.You want your four-legged pal to stay healthy and happy, which means veterinarian exams. Yearly vaccines, deworming and dental care can cost up to $500 a year. Costs for emergency veterinary calls vary depending on the visit.
Farrier work.Horses’ hooves grow at a rate of ¼ inch monthly. Since they spend so much time on their feet, it’s important to take care of their hooves. Farrier’s often charge $30 to $40 for a trim and $100 for a full set of shoes.
Tack and equipment.Unless you plan to ride your horse bareback, you’ll need tack and equipment that includes a saddle, bridle, halter, fly mask, blanket, saddle pad, girth and grooming equipment. Saddle prices range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Horse trailer.At some point, you’ll likely require transportation for you and your horse. A basic horse trailer could cost between $5,000 and $30,000, depending on the size. A horse trailer with additional living quarters can cost up to $100,000.

How much does leasing a horse cost?

The cost to lease a horse typically depends on the type of lease you take out. Agreements typically come in two forms: paid and free.

Paid lease

A paid equine lease agreement typically comes with a fixed cost that can range from $200 to over $600 a month. The lease outlines the lease period, cost, how often the horse can be taken out or ridden during the lease period, if it can be shown and some even include a purchase option at the end of the lease.

Because it’s a fixed amount, a paid lease is fairly straightforward to budget for. However, you may still be on the hook for common care costs — like farrier work and vet visits — depending on the terms of the lease.

Free lease

A free lease isn’t actually free, as the name might imply. Instead of paying a set amount each month like with a paid lease agreement, you assume all of the costs for caring for the horse while leasing it.

That means stable fees, farrier work, transportation, veterinary visits, food and all other care on you rather than the owner. Costs will fluctuate based on the particular needs of the horse each month and may be harder to budget for.

4 questions to ask to choose the best horse for you

Funding the purchase of your four-legged friend is only half of the equation. First, you’ll need to find the right horse that fits your needs.

Are you purchasing for pleasure or for show?Pleasure and show horses vary in cost. The average pleasurehorse costs$4,500, while the average show horse costs $40,000.
If you ride for leisure, a pleasure horse is your best bet. But if you’re interested in pursuing a career in jumping, hunting or dressage, consider investing in a horse that’s ready for show.
Do you want a horse, miniature horse or pony?If you’re still in the planning stages, picking the right type of equine companion will help inform your purchase budget — and the overall cost of maintaining your animal each year.
- Standard horse.Standard horses will be the most expensive to upkeep, but if you plan on riding, it will be your only option. Different breeds and lineages have specific needs and temperaments, so do your research before buying.
- Miniature horse.Miniature horses make excellent companion and show animals. And with their rising popularity, it may not be difficult to find a variety of breeds and colorations in your area.
- Pony.Ponies have stockier bodies and thicker coats than miniature horses. But like with horses, ponies have a variety of breed standards that will allow you to pick the best animal for your lifestyle.
What breed are you interested in?Many pleasure horses are a mix of several breeds, while most show horses are purebred. Each breed of horse comes with its own unique set of personality traits and quirks. Research the horse breeds available in your area and decide which appeals to you.
What sort of riding experience do you have?If you’re an experienced horseman or horsewoman, you may welcome the challenge of training a green horse or pony. Newbies should look for a horse that’s broken in, friendly, patient and good natured. Most sellers are happy to let you jump on the horse you’re interested in for a test ride, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Bottom line

Purchasing a horse for the first time can be exhilarating, but comes with far more costs than the purchase price of the horse alone. Prepare for veterinary bills, boarding fees and the cost of keeping your four-legged friend well fed and watered.

To pay for your new horse look at personal loans, a line of credit or agree to a lease arrangement with the owner.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, some lenders offer loans tailored for the purchase of a horse and the additional expenses that come with it, including veterinary bills, insurance and boarding costs. Once you find a lender you’re interested in from the comparison table above, you can contact its customer service to ask about horse-specific financing.

Financing Options to Pay for a Horse

When it comes to financing the purchase of a horse, there are several options to consider. It's important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any loan agreement before finalizing it. Some lenders may be hesitant to provide loans for horse purchases due to the depreciation of the horse's value over time and the potential for illness or injury. Here are some financing options to consider:

Personal Loan: In most cases, you can use a personal loan to buy a horse, as long as the lender doesn't have any specific restrictions. Some lenders even offer loans specifically for equine purchases.
Line of Credit: A line of credit allows you to withdraw only the amount you need and pay interest on only what you use. This can be a flexible option for financing a horse purchase.
Installment Contract: Some sellers may accept monthly payments over a predetermined time period. While this may mean less money upfront, it's important to carefully read the agreement before entering into a contract.
Lease to Own: With a lease-to-own arrangement, you and the seller agree on a price for the horse. You'll make regular lease payments to the seller until you've paid off the entire loan. This can be an affordable way to get a horse, but it may take years before you officially own the horse outright.

It's worth noting that the cost of buying a horse goes beyond the purchase price. The real expense comes from the cost of care and maintenance. Let's take a look at the potential costs and fees associated with owning a horse:

Costs of Owning a Horse

Purchase Price: The cost of a horse can vary depending on factors such as its intended use. Most pleasure horses cost between $2,000 and $8,000, while show horses for activities like show jumping, hunting, or dressage can cost as much as $50,000.
Horse Feed: Horses can consume up to 2.5% of their weight in a day. The cost of feeding a horse can add up quickly, with fresh hay costing around $10 per bale.
Boarding Costs: If you don't have your own property to accommodate a horse, you'll need to pay for room and board at a local stable. Boarding costs can range from $400 to $500 per month, but can be higher in metropolitan areas, reaching up to $2,000 per month.
Veterinarian Fees: Regular veterinary care is essential to keep your horse healthy. Yearly vaccines, deworming, and dental care can cost up to $500 per year. Emergency veterinary calls can vary in cost.
Farrier Work: Horses' hooves require regular care, with farriers charging around $30 to $40 for a trim and $100 for a full set of shoes.
Tack and Equipment: Unless you plan to ride your horse bareback, you'll need to invest in tack and equipment, including a saddle, bridle, halter, fly mask, blanket, saddle pad, girth, and grooming equipment. Saddle prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Horse Trailer: If you need to transport your horse, you may need to invest in a horse trailer. Basic trailers can cost between $5,000 and $30,000, while trailers with additional living quarters can cost up to $100,000.

Leasing a Horse

If you're considering leasing a horse instead of buying one, there are two main types of leases to consider:

Paid Lease: A paid equine lease agreement typically involves a fixed monthly cost, ranging from $200 to over $600. The lease outlines the lease period, cost, riding frequency, and other terms. Common care costs may still be the lessee's responsibility.
Free Lease: In a free lease, the lessee assumes all costs associated with caring for the horse during the lease period. This includes stable fees, farrier work, transportation, veterinary visits, and food. Costs can fluctuate based on the horse's needs each month.

Choosing the Right Horse

When choosing a horse, there are several factors to consider:

Purpose: Determine whether you're purchasing a horse for pleasure or for show. Pleasure horses are generally more affordable, with an average cost of $4,500, while show horses can cost around $40,000.
Type of Equine: Decide whether you want a horse, miniature horse, or pony. Each type has its own characteristics and care requirements.
Breed: Research different horse breeds and their specific traits. Pleasure horses are often a mix of several breeds, while show horses are typically purebred.
Riding Experience: Consider your own riding experience. Experienced riders may be comfortable training a green horse, while beginners may prefer a horse that's already broken in and well-natured.

In conclusion, purchasing a horse involves not only the initial purchase price but also ongoing costs for care and maintenance. Financing options such as personal loans, lines of credit, and lease arrangements can help make horse ownership more accessible. It's important to carefully consider the costs involved and choose a horse that fits your needs and budget.

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Compare horse loans and equine financing - January 2024 | finder.com (2024)