How to Save Money on Equine Boarding

Owning a horse is a dream for many people who enjoy riding. However, not everyone owns the land or stable required to house horses. Most people must look for equine boarding options for their horses, and the price tag for boarding services can run in the hundreds of dollars. Several options exist for reducing your boarding bill without affecting your horse's level of care.

• Many equine boarding businesses have several levels of care. The cheapest is usually the pasture option, where the horse is kept outdoors but still have a shelter available. Another cheap option is stable housing with self-care, where you are responsible for all your horse's needs like feedings, grooming, exercising, stall cleaning and veterinary checkups. This option requires that you are able to visit the stable every day. If this is not possible, you may still be able to set up an arrangement for the care of your horse.


• If you own a calm and trustworthy riding horse see if the stable has riding lessons. Offer your horse as a lesson mount in exchange for a discount on the boarding fee. Riding programs are often looking for good horses that do well with beginning, and sometimes young, riders. Your horse gets some exercise, and helps educate new equestrians.


• Talk to the owner and ask if you can exchange labor for part or all of the bill. Offer to muck out stalls and other chores around the stable. Work out a schedule for when you can come in and assist with chores like cleaning tack, barn and feedings.


• Consider leasing your horse to another rider. Not everyone can afford the cost of owning and boarding a horse, but still enjoy horseback riding. If it is a rider you trust, you can set up a "half-lease" arrangement. They get to use your horse for riding half the time and pay for half the monthly expenses. It is important to set up a schedule so riding plans don't conflict. If you don't have any time to spend with your horse, you could consider doing a "full-lease" with another rider. This keeps your horse healthy while mitigating the cost of upkeep.