My horses don't seen anymore expensive than some of my dogs-but you never know what you may encounter. Some of our everday expenses for 2 horses are:
Feed: we use sweet feed and oats mixed together in the winter. The oats are $13 for a 50lb bad and the sweet feed is $7. I usually go through 2 bags of sweet feed and one of oats a week or week and a half.
Trimming hooves: We have to have our horses hooves trimmed every couple of months and it only costs $35-$50 depending on the growth and who we use.
Worming: We worm every 4-6 weeks in the warmer months and every 8 weeks the rest of the year. Its a cheaper only about $10 for both.
Hay: That's the killer. We had been in a drought for 2 years so there wasn't enough to go around. Our 4 acres didn't feed them long either. We were paying $35 a round bale but this past winter it went up to over $100! It should go down again because we have gotten so much rain now. Anyways you need about 1 round bale a month with our two horses and 1 donkey.
Vet care: Our vet will come out here for a modest fee of $35. So I ususally have him out once a year to do all vaccinations and check ups. It runs me between $200-$250. When our yearling turns 2 or so and needs to be cut (neutered) it will only be about $160 and will be done here at our house by the vet.
Don't forget the misc. stuff like grooming supplies, treats, blankets, saddle, and tack. You can look around and find cheaper saddles than the ones for over a grand. I'm thinking of purchasing one on
ebay through the saddleonline store. Most of theirs come with saddle and all tack for under $200. These won't last as long because the tree (foundation) is fiber glass not wood. But that's okay for me.
We don't have a lot of cash to throw out for animals but I think what we spend on our horses is well worth the reward of love and entertainment that they give us back in return. Our mare is 3 and stunted. She was starved at her previous home. I'm glad to have her now and give her a good home. We are currently saving up to have her broke(made rideable). I can't wait!
Donkeys are fun! We love our Mr. Donkey. He protects our property and won't let a man near me. He will stand between me and my neighbors. If one steps to close to me he pees! I love it! We had him cut (neutered) at a young age so I know it's not a kinky thing it's a protective thing. Between him and the rottweiler I don't think anyone would come onto our property without my permission. The ones they need to watch for is the chihuahuas!
If you have anymore questions on horses or donkeys just email me. I'll tell you what I know. I've had it easy learning. My FIL used to raise horses and actually ran his own stables before his kids came around. He can answer any question I've had so far.
