To save money I buy used tack that I can easily spruce up with leather oil and cleaner. I also make sure to shift out all the bedding from the horse manure when cleaning a stall. This allows me to save money by not going through bedding as fast. Plus instead of using half a bottle of shampoo on one horse (I've own big drafts) I put some shampoo in a spray bottle and add some water. Then I can spray it on my horse and use a lot less shampoo.
If something breaks, I try to fix it myself or my dad will try. If I don't have something such as a new bridle that I need to show in, I ask one of my horsey friends if they have an extra bridle or if I could borrow it till I could afford my own. You don't have to feed your horse the most expensive food; I find w/ my horses, they do really well w/ just grass and and a little pellets. If you have little pasture, giving your horse some grass or fescue hay can help him. And it's cheaper to get fly spray in a gallon that you only have to spray your horse every few days.
At the moment i'm to young to get a job or anything but when i get older i hope to become a vet and then take care of my own horses. For my lessons i work for by saddleing up horses and groomig them.
My one way of keeping my horsey lifestyle is to not have anything else. Above anything else my horses come first. They get new shoes every 4-6 weeks and new coats,aka sheets, whenever needed, BUT I have had the same boots and coat for 4-6 YEARS. I know I am not the only one as I see many of my friends with coats that have duct tape on them but their horse has that new Billy Cook Saddle and brand new shoes!
One way that I save money is to try to use coupons when I can find them.I also get the cheapest fly spray,treats ect.Anther thing I do is buy used tack! I also keep my horse at home and I average only one or two lessons a month!
We are on a budget so to save money I have my daughter's show clothes made. We have bought used tack and when repairs need to be made there is a local gentleman who repairs leather products, shoes & boots and is much cheaper than buying new. We also buy our grain from a local feed mill which has been cheaper than prepackaged grain. I also comparison shop between the several horse catalogs and purchase items on ebay and Craigs List. But my favorite way to save money is to attend the Hoosier Horse Fair where I find many bargains on all sorts of "horsey" stuff.
I have the deal of a lifetime. I exercise a Thoroughbred gelding for his owner, since she can't make it out that much to exercise him herself. So in exchange for keeping him clean and riding him, I get to show him for free, hunt him for free, and get all his expensive tack for free. And naturally, she pays for his vet fees, boarding fees, etc. So all I really have to do is ride him (which I don't mind at ALL!) and keep him in healthy condition, and I get to basically rent him for free! I would certainly recommend this arrangement to anyone who wants to rent or buy a horse, but doesn't think they can afford it.
In the summer, spring, and early fall, my horses eat a diet of grass. By saving money on pricey hay; and really, who needs a new halter every year; and keeping blankets and brushes in good, clean condition, I barely ever need to buy new tack. And when I do, I have lots of money left over from not buying hay. And really, when there is yummy grass to be had, the horses turn up their noses at hay anyway!
When you buy big ticket items, spend the extra money and go for high quality. You will likely spend more money having to replace poorly made items then if you buy well made items. Buy items off of auction sites such as ebay.com so you can get the best price for your money. Make sure your feed and/or hay is of high quality, you will feed less if its good quality. At shows stay away from the trade stands because you will probably end up buying something that you will never use. Be on constant lookout for deals and when one comes around stock up on the item when its on sale. Take good care of your tack, brushes, blankets, etc because they will last longer if you care for them. Make sure that wherever you keep your horse is free from any hazards so you wont have to pay expensive vet bills when he cuts himself on that piece of rusty wire. Cut back on lessons and try training your horse yourself. You will save on training fees and learn a lot as well. If you think something is wrong with your horse, call the vet. If there is a problem the bills will not be as much now then if you "just see if it will go away" and then it gets worse. Learn how to worm and vaccinate your horse yourself. You will save money if you can do annual worming and vaccines than if the vet has to do it. Just be smart and you will find ways of saving money.
Horses dont make money; they take money. And it's a problem- unless you really love horses and are willing to find a way to pay for your horse. I'm one of those people. First of all you must BARGAIN BUY!! I go for the cheapest dewormer, hoof supplement, ect.But not to cheap it could be crappy! Also I don't buy stuff I really don't need; such as a cool saddle pad, treats, or pretty halter. It's a lot easier than it seems!! (: