Keeping a horse costs: Realistically calculated monthly expenses

Buying a horse is one decision — keeping it is a long-term commitment. Whoever owns a horse carries daily responsibility: feeding, care, veterinary care, equipment, and training add up to a cost burden that many underestimate. This guide breaks down all relevant cost items.

Overview hide

Monthly Basic Costs: The Boarding Stable

Veterinary Care: Know Your Mandatory Expenses

Farrier: Every six to eight weeks

Equipment: One-time, but expensive

Training and competitive sports

Monthly total cost overview

Tax Deductibility

Frequently Asked Questions About Horse-Keeping Costs

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Monthly Basic Costs: The Boarding Stable

The largest single item is accommodation. Costs vary significantly depending on the region and the quality of the stable:

Open stable / Active stable (herd access): 150 – 350 Euro/month
Indoor box (group turnout): 280 – 500 Euro/month
Full board with riding hall: 400 – 800 Euro/month
Premium boarding stable (luxury, own riding facility): 800 – 1,800 Euro/month
Metro area (Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt): Surcharge of 20–40%

Usually included in the price: box/shelter, hay and straw, basic care. Concentrate feed, bedding extras, and supervision often cost extra.

Veterinary Care: Know Your Mandatory Expenses

Horses need regular veterinary care — regardless of accidents or illnesses:

Vaccinations (Tetanus, Influenza, EHV): 150 – 250 euros/year
Deworming (Fecal test + treatment): 80 – 150 euros/year
Dental check (Equine Dentist): 80 – 180 euros/year
Regular examinations, blood test: 150 – 300 euros/year
Emergency fund: plan at least 2,000 euros per year

An operational insurance (colic surgery up to 12,000 euros) costs about 300 – 600 euros/year and is highly recommended for expensive horses.

Farrier: Every six to eight weeks

Horse hooves grow continuously and need regular care:

Shod hooves (Trimming): 40 – 80 euros
Shoeing (all four shoes): 90 – 160 euros
Orthopedic shoeing (orthopedic): 150 – 300 euros
Annual cycle costs: about 700 – 1,200 euros with normal shoeing

Equipment: One-time, but expensive

The basic equipment for a horse includes:

Sattel: 500 – 8.000 Euro (gebraucht bis Markenneusattel)
Zaumzeug (Trense, Halfter, Longe): 150 – 600 Euro
Decken (Stall, Regendecke, Fliegendecke): 300 – 800 Euro
Grooming Kit (Curry comb, brushes, hoof pick): 60 – 200 Euro
Equestrian pants, boots, helmet: 300 – 3,000 Euro (depending on quality)

Training and competitive sports

Reitlehrer / Trainer (Einzelstunde): 35 – 90 Euro
Entry fees: 30 – 150 Euro per entry
Transport to the tournament: 100 – 500 Euro
Tournament clothes + equipment: 500 – 3,000 Euro

Monthly total cost overview

Basis (Offenstall, kein Turniersport): 400 – 700 Euro/Monat
Mid-range (retirement stable, occasionally competition): 700 – 1,200 Euro/month
Gehobenes Niveau (Premium-Stall, Turnierreiten): 1.500 – 3.000 Euro/Monat
Professional sports (top stables, trainers, national competitions): 3,000 – 8,000 euros/month

Tax Deductibility

Private individuals generally cannot claim horse-keeping costs as tax deductions. Exceptions: If the horse is demonstrably used for commercial purposes (competitive sports at a professional level, breeding as a business), costs can be deducted as business expenses. A tax advisor with experience in the agricultural sector is essential here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Horse-Keeping Costs

What does a horse realistically cost per month? At least 500 euros for inexpensive keeping without extras. Realistically for a normal boarding stable and occasional lessons: 800 to 1,400 euros.
Is a horse surgery insurance worthwhile? Definitely yes for horses with a purchase price over 10,000 euros. Reoperations for colic can cost between 3,000 and 12,000 euros.
Can I reduce keeping costs through rental income? Possible through riding lessons on your own horse or as a school horse-sharing — but legal and insurance aspects must be carefully regulated.