How Much Does it Cost to Own a Horse? Complete Expense Guide 2026
Owning a horse is a dream for many riders. But before taking the plunge, it is essential to know how much it really costs to own a horse. The expenses go far beyond the purchase price.
Updated on October 24, 2026 · Rincón del Valle Team, an equestrian shop in A Coruña
In summary: keeping a horse at a livery yard in Spain costs, on average, between €420 and €950 per month, including livery, veterinary, farrier, vaccines, and supplements. In the first year, you must add the equipment: according to our October 2026 price study, basic horse equipment without a saddle costs around €270 at the budget end and €506 at a typical price, and the saddle has a typical price of €1,414.
Basic monthly expenses
| Item | Approx. monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Livery yard (stall + feed) | €250-600 |
| Veterinary (annual average / 12) | €80-150 |
| Farrier (every 6-8 weeks) | €40-80 |
| Deworming + vaccines (annual / 12) | €20-40 |
| Supplements and extra feed | €30-80 |
| MINIMUM TOTAL | €420-950/month |
Estimated amounts: livery is what varies the most from one area to another and from one center to another. Before deciding, ask two or three centers for a quote and ask if it includes paddock, bedding, farrier, or routine veterinary care. In how much it costs to keep a horse per month you have each item explained.
Additional annual expenses
- New equipment / replacement: €200-500/year
- Equine dentist: €100-200/year
- Equine osteopathy (recommended): €80-150/session, 2-3 times/year
- Horse insurance: €200-600/year depending on coverage
- Competition (registration, transport): variable
Horse purchase price
| Type | Estimated price |
|---|---|
| Second-hand horse, basic level | €1,000-5,000 |
| Sport horse, intermediate level | €5,000-20,000 |
| Competition horse, high level | €20,000-100,000+ |
How much does horse equipment cost
Actual prices of the models available in our catalog on October 15, 2026, including VAT. "Budget" is the price below which 25% of the models are; "typical" is the median.
| Item | Budget | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Bridle | €32.39 | €83.99 |
| Bit | €34.65 | €47.88 |
| Reins | €30.29 | €43.19 |
| Fly bonnet | €46.19 | €59.99 |
| Girth | €37.20 | €67.19 |
| Boots | €35.99 | €59.88 |
| Stirrups | €53 | €143.88 |
| Total without saddle | €269.71 | €506 |
| Saddle | €479.88 | €1,414 |
| Horse blanket | €49.95 | €71.99 |
If you also start riding with your own equipment (helmet, breeches, boots, half-chaps, and gloves), add around €355 for budget models or €590 for typical prices. The breakdown is in the equestrian equipment price study and in how much it costs to equip a horse.
The horse in the Spanish economy
According to the II Study of the economic impact of the equestrian sector in Spain, commissioned by the Royal Spanish Equestrian Federation to Deloitte and Green Oak:
- In Spain there are 722,158 horses in 188,286 farms.
- The sector generates 7,392 million euros a year, 0.59% of GDP, and maintains 149,863 jobs.
- Most of the spending (€5,110 million) is concentrated on the 454,174 horses that already ride, compete, or work, and, according to the study, almost 60% of that spending is sports: licenses, clubs, competition, and racing.
- The activities that serve the entire sector (feed, veterinary, farriers, equipment, insurance, transport, buying and selling...) add another 732 million.
These are figures for the entire sector, not what each owner spends, but they help to understand why livery and services are the largest part of the bill.
Before buying
- Calculate for a whole year, not a month: farrier, dentist, vaccines, and insurance are paid sporadically.
- Leave a margin for contingencies: a lameness or colic can cost more than several months of livery.
- Buy the equipment little by little and by fit: the saddle must be chosen when you already know the horse's back.
- If you are not clear about the commitment, a half-livery or renting at a club is a good way to try.
More guides: how much it costs to keep a horse per month · equestrian equipment prices in 2026 · guide for beginner riders.
