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Seven Ways to Save by Rebecca Sparenberg |
It’s no secret – horses are an expensive hobby. With the economy in a lull and fuel prices and other expenses on the rise, the costs of keeping horses isn’t likely to go down anytime soon. But don’t despair, here are seven tips to help you shave your horse related expenses and save a bit of money. 1. Share the tab. Do you have a fun, safe horse that you only get to ride three times a week? Consider a half-lease. There are plenty of good horse-people out there that would love more time in the saddle, but can’t afford to buy a horse…or buy a horse of the quality they would like to own. How many expenses you share is up for grabs—barter! Some people only split board, others split everything: vet, farrier, dentist, training, etc. If your horse is show quality and you both would like to show, you’re more likely to get a 50/50 deal. 2. Buy in bulk. You pay more up front, but it saves you money over time. Five dollars here and there adds up when you consider how many items you can now buy online or at stores for discount in bulk – fly spray, wormers, shavings, tack cleaner, supplements, even tack items and barn or ranch supplies. If you’re consistent with it and keep tabs on it you’ll be surprised at how much you save over six months. Especially if you have a large number of horses you’re caring for. 3. Sell equipment and tack you’re not using. Do you have a western saddle for trail riding that you haven’t used in six years, a fancy show bridle for a pony your child no longer owns or an eventing vest from when you dabbled in the discipline? Don’t let them just collect dust. You can sell them online (eBay anyone?), at a swap meet, through classified ads, at your local tack store’s consignment area or by private party. If you use the cash wisely, you can pay off some debts and lessen your monthly expenses – thus giving you more wiggle room for horse expenses. 4. Call around and find the best deals in town. If you have to go by three different tack stores on your way to work, ask each about their prices and specials. Some will offer unadvertised deals, like buy five bags of grain get one free. You just have to ask. Also, don’t forget to use manufacturer’s coupons. 5. Utilize your medicine cabinet. There are all kinds of great, less expensive alternatives for traditional horse supplies. Many of which you can find already in your house. Toothpaste is a great example. It can be used to clean stirrup pads and polish silver bits, stirrups and buckles. Witch hazel is one of the best stain removers out there and it can whiten socks. Lastly, many items can be found cheaper at the supermarket than a tack store – glycerin soap, apple cider vinegar, salt. 6. Create a compost pile for your manure and used bedding. There are several great compost systems out there that require little maintenance. You can even be proactive and try to sell it, or at the very least find farmers or gardeners to remove it for free. Advertise on free sites like craigslist.org or contact your local garden club. 7. Don’t overfeed grain. Horsemen, and women, are notorious for eyeballing it. Stop! Horses should be fed according to weight, condition and lifestyle (amount of work). If you feed a top-quality, pre-formulated feed the manufacturers will give you a formula (which is based on weight, condition and lifestyle) on the bag that, when followed, should meet your horse’s nutritional requirements. If you’re feeding extra, you’re just wasting.
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