Can you afford a horse in LA?

Horse ownership can be demanding of your wallet and your time, but the rewards are tremendous. What is the real cost of owning a horse in a city like Los Angeles? It might not be as expensive as you think.

First of all, your horse will need a place to live. Unless you live in house that is zoned for horses, like the Burbank Equestrian Rancho, you're going to need to pick a stable where you will board your horse.

You can find stalls starting around $400 per month. That includes hay and mucking. You will need to pay for any extras like turning your horse out in the stables' arena, assuming they have one, and any other supplements you decide to provide.

Secondly, there will be vet bills. If you are lucky, it will only be a twice a year call for vaccinations that will run from about $75-$100, and once a year dental care around $200. You can always lower the cost of the vet by sharing the "call charge," that is the charge of just getting the vet to show up, with other horse owners at your barn.

Should your horse fall ill, vet bills can quickly add up. Making sure your horse is vaccinated on a regular schedule, taking care of his teeth, and maintaining a consistent diet will help keep him healthy.

Your horse will also need hoof care. If you choose to use shoes, find a reputable farrier and have your horse shod every 6 to 8 weeks. If you decide to go barefoot (check with your vet) there are several good barefoot trimmers in the area. Expect to spend at least $100 for a full set of shoes, and $50 for a barefoot trim.

Lastly, you're going to need tack. You can shop locally at LA Saddlery, drive to Broken Horn Saddlery in Baldwin Park, or do your shopping online at Dover Saddlery. You might even try eBay if you know what you're after. For average, every day use tack, complete with saddle and bridle, you can expect to spend $500 to $1,000.

You have to look cool on the trail, so you'll probably want to buy some riding apparel. Including boots and a helmet, you can get a complete outfit for around $300. The tack shops recommended above are a good place to start.

The rough estimate of owning a horse in LA is about $6,000 per year. If this sounds like more than you can chew, consider a half-lease on a horse. Many owners offer leases on their horses to offset costs. You can enjoy the benefits of having a privately owned, well maintained horse to ride without the long-term commitment at less than half of the cost of ownership.


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