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$ saving horse keeping tips?

3K views 21 replies 11 participants last post by  highlander 
#1 ·
Anyone have any $ saving horse keeping tips? Any would be appreciated. :)
 
#3 ·
What kind of area do you live? That can make a difference... I live in the country, so I cut my own trees for fencing and that really cuts down on lumber costs. I also use pine straw (which falls like rain in my yard!) as bedding, though I know some horses are iffy about that, and some are prone to try and eat it.
 
#5 ·
So does mine at the moment :) I just like to make a little snuggly bed when the weather turns cold, Indie loves to just lay in it and roll around :lol:

If possible, rotate pastures and keep them on a growing schedule so that more grass is available- this GREATLY reduces the hay (and grain, because fresh grass has so many nutrients, most horses won't need grain) during the spring through summer in some areas (such as eastern NC, where I am located).
 
#7 ·
How many horses do you have? I only have one and 3 acres keeps me from having to buy any hay at all for at least four months out of the year.
 
#9 ·
Well, it is a way to cut costs- that's what you were asking for advice on xD It's possible to rotate even one pasture, I have a 1 acre pasture that I cut in half during the wet season so the ground doesn't get torn up. Indie survives on half an acre just fine, and when the ground is all recovered and the grass green I let her back on it again. It isn't much, but it does last a few days and does help put on some pounds :lol:

Another good way to cut costs, if your horse is barefoot is to invest in learning about hoof trimming (it's good to find someone to help you learn hands on). Even if you don't want to do the whole thing; keeping them touched up can prolong the farrier visits. I do my own farrier work, and it saves me $30 a month- about the cost of a hay bale during late summer! It adds up.

Buy horse wormer online in bulk, the generic stuff (if it works for you) is only a couple dollars, buying a years worth really isn't that much and it's nice to always have it on hand.

If you need supplements, buy corn oil instead of expensive horse related oils, does the same thing and keeps the weight on beautifully during the winter.

Hmm... I could think of more, I'm a very hands on do it yourself person, if you have anything specific that you want to know how to cut costs with, it'd be easier to pin point and keep my poor frazzled mine focused :lol:
 
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#10 ·
fence in more yard, less hay and feed money,
Get his teeth checked and floated. The money you spend on it you will more than make up for by feeding less feed.
Keep him barefoot and buy boots for riding in rocky areas or roads,
Buy quality serviceable tack that will last and then take care of it,
Learn to tie your own rope halters, and braid your own lead lines and reins out of left over baling cord.
Apprentice with a farrier and learn to do basic trims.
 
#11 ·
Feed them what they need - not what you think they need. Most people way overdo grain and feed, which is a waste of money. Unless they are worked very hard or are special needs, most horses do best on pasture and free choice hay, with only a very modest grain and mineral supplementation. In my case, I let a section of my pasture every year go to seed, which gives them all the grain they need during most of the year...
 
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#12 ·
Yes, I find that my mare only needs grain a few weeks before, and then during winter. At $10 a bag, which equals to $20 a month of grain feeding- cutting that out most of the year REALLY cuts back on costs. Thanks for bringing that one up Faceman, good tip.
 
#22 ·
I avoid wasting hay as its so expensive over here to buy in. Any wastage on the floor goes in the bag for if we have a bad day that goes out with them.
I brought a more expensive feed at £25 a bag but it last 4 months rather than £8 a month plus his supplements on top of that.
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