Since the economy crashed in spectacular style back in 2008, we’ve all had to tighten our belts and get used to trying to live a bit more frugally. Living on a tighter budget can take a lot of getting used to, especially if you have been used to having luxuries and lots of disposable income. If you have a potentially expensive hobby like horse riding, it is all too easy for an outsider to offer the simple solution of selling the horse and finding a cheaper pass time instead. It’s not that easy though, and it doesn’t have to be a straight option between ditching the horse and getting into debt.

Sharing the Cost

For every person who has a horse they are struggling to feed and stable, there is another who would love to get into riding but can’t afford to buy a horse. Offering other keen riders the chance to own or share rights to your horse is a great way of managing your costs. Many riders will specify they only want adult sharers, or people who want to ride on weekdays to fit in with their own lifestyle. Prices vary, but getting a couple of sharers at £20 per week per person could dramatically cut the cost of horse ownership. Just make sure you put the details of the agreement down in writing to avoid problems at a later stage.

Buy in Bulk

It’s always cheaper to buy in bulk, and this is true whether you are buying cans of beans or bottles of horse shampoo. If you have room to store equipment for your horses, always look for the best deal for buying in bulk. Get together with other owners at your stables or from your circle of horsey friends and reap the benefits of ordering a pallet of horse feed and splitting the cost rather than buying one or two sacks when you need it. It can also be worth coordinating with other owners for things like vet or farrier visits; a farrier might be prepared to charge less per horse if shoeing eight animals in an afternoon than making a special trip to put shoes in
only one.

Follow your Favourite Retailers

Rather than buying boots, tack or saddles on impulse, get to know your way around the local market in terms of equestrian retailers and find out what internet retailers are operating in the field too. Follow them on Facebook or Twitter, and sign up to their mailing lists if they offer them. This means you will always be the first to know about discount codes, promotional events or equestrian sale events. Try to plan your shopping around the promotions rather than buying on impulse.

Insurance

It can be tempting to cut costs by cutting out things you may not think of as absolutely essential, such as insurance. It’s tempting, but false economy in the long run. An MRI scan on a horse’s sore leg can cost upwards of £600, and if your horse needs surgery for something like colic, you could be facing a bill for at least £3000. Basic horse cover can start at £20 per month, but check your policy details carefully to make sure you are covered for all eventualities.

Byline

Morag Peers is a keen writer and busy mother of three who lives in Scotland