THE recent National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) survey on equestrians and the cost of living was a rather depressing read. More than 6,0000 horse owners from Ireland and Britain completed the survey and the results published detailed that 81% of those who took part were concerned about the continuing pressure of rising costs. 39% admitted that the cost-of-living crisis was having significant impact on their ability to keep their horses and they had to make ‘additional sacrifices’ to provide basic care.
20% of horse owners had taken on another job or increased hours to help pay for their horses’ care. 2% of respondents said they were considering giving up their horse to a charity and 5% were considering euthanising their horse because of the crisis. As the cost of living goes up, experts such as Blue Cross and the British Horse Society have shared their advice on cutting costs without cutting welfare. There is help out there if you need it.
One of the first things advised by supportive charities is to write down what your horse actually needs to be healthy and happy. What is essential? How often is it needed? As horse lovers, we tend to want to give them everything, but they don’t necessarily need it. Every horse is different.
It’s not easy but try to record what you are spending over a month. Although this might be daunting, it will help you understand where the majority of your horse’s expenses are. You can then focus on cutting costs with some of the following tips.
Share ideas and get advice
You’ve probably already looked at how to save money this year but it never hurts to get advice. Speak to charities, your vet, friends and family so that you’re informed on money-saving tips which will not compromise your much-loved horse’s health and happiness, or yours.
Shop smart
If you do need to buy in hay, feed, bedding or other supplies, this can be expensive. Ask local friends for advice, shop around, buy in bulk, shop off-peak (i.e. in the summer for feed and bedding) and see if local suppliers are more competitive. You may be able to save on transport costs.
Save on horse feed
It’s easy to give our horses more feed than they need. The majority of horses in light or no work manage well on a forage-based diet (good pasture or hay) and a vitamin and mineral supplement (such as balancer pellets) if necessary. Always speak to your vet or nutritionist about whether your horse needs additional feed or supplements.
If you decide to cut down on your horse’s feed make sure to ask a nutritionist for advice first, carry out fortnightly weight taping and body condition scoring to monitor their weight and keep a record of any chnages.
Save on horse bedding
There are many bedding products on the market. Look into alternatives and decide what will work best for you and your horse. A deep litter system can save time and money, but you’ll still need to ensure you manage it properly. If you use rubber matting, remember not to scrimp on bedding. Your horse or pony will still need to be able to lie down, be warm, dry and comfortable, and feel happy to go to the toilet – which they may not on just matting or matting with limited bedding.
If possible, consider if your horse can live out all year. Horses are often happier and healthier turned out, which will also save on bedding.
One of the biggest costs of keeping a horse may be your livery yard fee. Review the facilities you are paying for to check that you need and use everything you’re paying for. If you are paying for someone else to provide all or part of your horse’s day-to-day care, it may reduce costs if you were able to do more yourself, even on a temporary basis.
Many horses can do very well on permanent turnout. It could be worth looking around for a suitable grass livery or renting a field, which can be even cheaper if it’s shared with friends.
Horse share
Sharing your horse with someone else or keeping them on working livery can reduce costs and workload in all areas. Make sure you always read any contracts or loan agreements in full so that you’re happy with them and it’s right for your horse.
Working together
If you share a yard with other people, club together to save money and time. Many feed, forage and bedding suppliers may offer reduced rates if they deliver in bulk.
Ask vets, farriers and other professionals if they can reduce rates for group bookings. Save fuel by sharing transport. Work as a team with other owners to share daily duties, this will save time and fuel.
Routine veterinary care
It’s important to have a good relationship with your vet, ask them questions and speak to them if you have any concerns about vet fees. It can also be useful to understand signs and symptoms of pain in horses so you can rest them or investigate these early before vet costs spiral.
Avoid more costs
Keep up with essential preventative care, like hoofcare, vaccinations and dentals, so that you can avoid more costs later down the line. Stop inappropriate worming. Worm egg counts are a more targeted and economical way to manage your horse’s worming programme.
Farrier costs
Hoofcare is essential for horses, but you can still discuss shoeing options for your horse with your farrier. You may find your horse does not need to have a full set of shoes. If there is not much wear on your horse’s shoes your farrier may be able to refit them.
Also look at sharing farrier call outs with other horse owners so there’s more incentive for your farrier to come out and travel costs are reduced.
Resist marketing
Don’t be a slave to hype. Do you really need to buy the latest shiny thing advertised on social media? Make sure you’re not buying expensive, unnecessary supplements, rugs or equipment. Looking after existing, proper fitting equipment helps it last longer, even if it starts to show its age. Ill-fitting or damaged tack can lead to an expensive visit from the vet. Reach out to a master saddle fitter if you’re unsure.
Buy second-hand
If you do have equipment that you need to buy, try looking for it second-hand. There are lots of second hand tack shops out there or online, some animal welfare organisations organise equine car boot sales. Your horse won’t care it’s preloved as long as it fits properly! See page 73 for tips.
Sell anything you no longer need
Selling equipment you no longer use or need can help bring in some extra money when times are tight. You can also look at sharing equipment if appropriate.
What if I’m struggling to pay for the upkeep of my horse?
Equine and other animal charities are seeing more people approaching them about the impact of rising costs. Don’t feel you are alone. There is support out there, reach out for help.
Organisations such as World Horse Welfare, British Horse Society and Blue Cross may be able to offer advice. Also, the amazing people at the Irish Equestrian Mental Health Project offer free counselling for equestrians who may be struggling or in crisis and can be reached at sonya@iemhp.co.uk. All counsellors are fully insured and sessions fully private and confidential.