Before you purchase your initial horse, you should understand how much it is going to cost in monthly expenses to maintain it. You will come to know that the initial expense of purchasing your potential star is just the beginning of your financial layout. You need to familiarize yourself with the expenses involved and be able to budget for them for your operation to be successful. A very good point to keep in mind is that it costs as much to feed and train a $10,000 as a $100,000 horse. You will have a better chance of success with a higher initial investment and your expenses will be the same.
Horse in Training
Training day rates include all the feed, staffing, equipment and housing that it takes to train your horse. Items not included in your day rate would be veterinary care, farrier, transportation, insurance (for your horse), taxes and any special items your horse may need.
At a Race Track
$60-$85 per horse per day.
Training Center Day-Rate
$55-$65 per day. A good half way place between the track and the farm. Good place to get your 2yr olds breezing prior to going to the track where there is more activity.
Farm Training Day-Rate
$25-$35 per horse per day. A good place to get your 2-yr-old started and save some money. Some farms even have large enough tracks to do some breezing. Also a great place for a older horse coming off a lay up.
Broodmares
Broodmares are boarded for $18-$25 per day depending on local and if they are in the pasture full time or need stall care. Broodmares usually have very little veterinary expenses, other than de-worming and vaccinations, except during the breeding season. Foaling fees are $275-$325. Getting the mares pregnant again there will be numerous palpations ($20-30 ea), and ultrasounds ($50-75) to check for pregnancy and or twins. If your mare does not easily become pregnant, there could also be expenses for drugs to get her to cycle, or treat infections. Additionally if there are any complications post foaling, your mare could require surgery. Mares are trimmed about every 5 weeks ($20-$35).
Weanlings & Yearlings
Once weaning takes place the board rate goes up to the yearling rate of $18-$25 per day where it stays until breaking. Breaking rates for yearlings usually run $25-35 per day.