How Much Does It Cost to Own a Horse in 2026?

How Much Does It Cost to Own a Horse in 2026?

A Saskatchewan Guide for New Horse Owners

If you’re preparing to bring your first horse home in 2026, we are so excited for you.  Owning a horse is one of the most rewarding relationships you’ll ever have.

But before you fall in love with the horse in the listing, there’s something you need to know. 

The horse itself will never be the biggest expense.

This isn’t meant to scare you.  Understanding all the real costs involved will help protect you and your horse.

This guide walks you through the actual costs Saskatchewan horse owners can expect in 2026, using real numbers from local barns, farriers, vets, and the equine community.

1.    The Cost of the Horse Itself

Most first-time buyers look for a safe, steady, well-experienced horse. In Saskatchewan in 2026, you can expect:

Typical purchase prices

  • $3,000–$6,000
    Older, well-experienced horses who teach confidence and help beginners grow
  • $6,000–$12,000
    Well-trained horses with more buttons, mileage, and versatility
  • $12,000–$20,000+
    Registered, athletic, show-quality, or professionally trained horses

If something seems unusually cheap, slow down and ask questions. Low prices usually mean unknown history or hidden health or training needs.

Pre-Purchase Exam (done by a veterinarian)
A pre-purchase exam is a full health and soundness check performed before you buy the horse.  It helps you understand the horse’s condition and any future care needs.

Typical Saskatchewan costs in 2026:

  • Basic pre-purchase exam: $300–$450
  • Comprehensive exam with X-rays: $800–$1,200+

Even the calmest, safest horses can have old injuries or dental issues that impact their health and quality of life.  A pre-purchase exam is worth every dollar.

2.    Monthly Boarding Costs in Saskatchewan

If you don’t have your own land, your horse will likely live at a boarding facility.  These are real Saskatchewan numbers, using examples from barns around Saskatoon.

Pasture Board
(Your horse lives outdoors 24/7 with shelter and hay)

  • $300–$450/month typical
    It's reasonable to expect that for $425/month you can expect the following to be included: 

    • Free-choice hay or round bales

    • Shelter

    • Automatic or heated water

    • Herd care

Paddock or Pen Board

  • $470–$600/month
    The most typical examples:
    • Group paddock: $470 
    • Individual pen: $525 
    • Convalescent pen for horses recovering from an illness or surgery: $600

Full-Care Barns
(Indoor arena, stall at night, twice-daily feeding, grain, turnout)

  • $650–$900+/month 
    What affects the price?
    • Distance from major cities
    • Winter feeding needs
    • Indoor arena access
    • Owner-provided hay vs included hay
    • Staff involvement
3.    Hay, Mineral and Feed Costs

Hay is one of the biggest and most unpredictable costs of owning a horse. In Saskatchewan, prices change every year based on rainfall, drought, and overall supply. That’s why it’s important to build in a buffer when you plan your budget.

Most horses eat 15 to 25 pounds of hay per day, depending on their size, activity level, and whether they have pasture access.

A helpful way to estimate this is to calculate your horse’s forage needs using the 2% body-weight rule:

  • Horses generally need 2% of their body weight in forage each day.
  • For a typical 1,100-pound horse, that equals about 22 pounds (10 kg) of hay per day.
  • Over 30 days, that same horse will eat about 660 pounds of hay per month.

Here’s how that usually translates into monthly cost:

If you’re feeding round bales 

  • Most horses go through one round bale per month
  • Budget $130 to $180 per horse per month

If you’re feeding small square bales

  • Many horses need 1 to 1 ½ squares per day
  • Budget $210 to $450 per horse per month

Round bales are usually more cost-effective, but small squares may still be needed — especially if your horse comes into a stall at night or if you’re managing individual feeding needs.

Don’t Forget Essential Vitamins + Minerals

Even with excellent hay, Saskatchewan soils are naturally low in certain trace minerals. This means most horses do not meet their daily mineral needs from hay alone, especially in winter.

The Happy Horses Mineral becomes supports:   

  • Strong hooves
  • Healthy coat + skin
  • Balanced digestion
  • Immune health
  • Hormone and metabolic balance
  • Overall mental well-being

A 25 kg bag cost $110 and lasts one horse about 5.5 months, which works out to roughly $20 per month. Many local owners see noticeable improvements in coat shine, hoof quality, topline, mood, and overall vitality within the first 30 days.

Total feeding cost per horse per month:
👉 $150 to $470, depending on hay type, grain needs, and mineral program.

4.    Farrier Care (Feet Trimming and Shoe Maintenance)

Every horse needs regular foot care about every 6–8 weeks.

Typical 2026 farrier prices in Saskatchewan: 

  • Trim: $60–$80
  • Front shoes: $130-$160
  • Full set of shoes: $180-$240

Average yearly farrier cost:
$500–$900 per horse

5.    Veterinary Care

Routine yearly vet costs usually include:

  • Vaccinations: $120–$180
  • Dental float (smoothing sharp points): $180–$260
  • Deworming test or dewormer: $35–$60
  • Coggins test (sometimes required if you haul or attend events): $65–$90

Total routine yearly vet care: $400–$600

Emergency care
This is the part many new owners underestimate.  Common emergencies are things like:

  • Colic
  • Eye injuries
  • Deep cuts
  • Sudden lameness
  • High fever or infection

Typical emergency visits range from $300–$1,600+, depending on situation and travel fees.

Many owners set aside $50–$100/month for unexpected care.

6.    Tack, Supplies, and Gear

When it comes to tack and equipment, new horse owners often try to save money by buying used gear. We strongly recommend avoiding that. 

Poorly fitting tack is one of the fastest ways to create soreness, behavioural issues, injuries, and long-term problems.  Used tack also comes with unseen risks:

  • Hidden cracks in leather
  • Stretched-out tree structures
  • Broken stitching
  • Ill-fitting saddles
  • Mold, fungus, or bacteria
  • Parasites like mites or lice
  • No warranty or return options

When your horse is new to you and still adjusting, safe, correctly fitted, and clean equipment matters more than anything. This is why we recommend budgeting for new gear that you know is sound, safe, and fitted properly.

Here is a realistic 2026 budget for NEW gear:

Starter Tack Setup (2026 New Equipment Ranges)

  • Saddle: $1,800–$4,500
  • Bridle + Bit: $150–$350
  • Saddle Pad: $80–$200
  • Girth or Cinch: $80–$180
  • Halter + Lead Rope: $45–$75
  • Winter Blanket: $180–$350
  • Fly Mask: $35–$60
  • Grooming Kit: $60–$100
  • First-Aid Basics: $50–$100

Estimated Total for a Safe, New Starter Setup: $2,500–$6,000+

This range depends on discipline (Western vs English), the horse’s build, and the quality you choose but, new tack ensures your horse starts out healthy, comfortable, and pain-free. 

If you're planning to show, trail ride regularly, or ride year-round, your tack budget may be slightly higher.

7.    Keeping a Horse at Home

You might think this is the cheaper option but, it depends on the property and what you already have.

Costs to consider

  • Fencing repairs
  • Water heaters for winter
  • Shavings for pens or stalls
  • Tractor, mower, or drag
  • Pasture reseeding
  • Manure removal or equipment
  • Well or water hauling

It can be a beautiful way to keep a horse but, it’s not automatically the least expensive.

8.    What You’ll Spend Per Year to Own a Horse in Saskatchewan (By Level of Care)

 

Category Basic Care  For “easy keepers”, pasture horses, light riding and no heavy work or competition. Standard Care  For recreational riding horses, 4H horses, and casual competition. High End Care  For Show horses, performance horses, and competition horses.
Board $3,000–$4,200 $4,200–$6,000 $6,000–$9,000
Hay (year-round) $1,600–$2,100 $1,800–$3,200 $2,400–$3,600
Grain / Feed $150–$350 $500–$1,200 $1,500–$3,000
Minerals $180–$240 $200–$350 $240–$420
Farrier $450–$650 (trims) $600–$1,200 (trims/front shoes) $1,200–$2,000 (full shoes)
Vet (vaccines + dental) $300–$600 $400–$800 $500–$1,200
Supplements + supplies $200–$400 $400–$800 $800–$2,000
Hauling + fuel $150–$300 $400–$1,000 $1,200–$3,000
Lessons / training $0–$300 $300–$1,000 $2,000–$6,000
Emergency fund $300–$500 $500–$1,000 $1,000–$2,500
TOTAL $7,800–$9,200 $9,800–$13,200 $14,000–$18,500+


If you’re doing the research, asking questions, and planning ahead for the future, you’re already becoming the kind of owner a horse can trust.

Looking for a Horse That’s Safe, Suitable, and Honestly Represented?

We keep a small number of horses available for riders who want the right partner and the right start.

👉 See available horses on our website --> HappyHorses.ca

 

Sources Used (Local + Canadian)

Bibliography

Sandhills Stable. “Boarding Rates.” Sandhills Stable, https://www.sandhillsstable.com/boarding.

Reddit Community. “Horse Boarding Facilities Near the City?” r/Saskatoon, https://www.reddit.com/r/saskatoon/comments/1dzw60v/horse_boarding_facilities_near_the_city/.

MadBarn Canada. “How Much Does It Cost to Own a Horse?” MadBarn, https://madbarn.ca/how-much-does-it-cost-to-own-a-horse/.

MadBarn Canada. “How Much Do Equestrians Spend on Their Horses?” Mad About Horses Podcast, https://madbarn.com/videos/ep-19-how-much-do-equestrians-spend-on-their-horses-mad-about-horses-podcast/.

Farm House Tack. “How Much Does It Cost to Own a Horse?” Farm House Tack Blog, https://www.farmhousetack.com/blogs/barn-blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-own-a-horse.

Saskatchewan Forage Council. “Forage Market Pricing & Hay Share Agreement Guidelines.” Government of Saskatchewan, https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-and-ranchers/crops-and-irrigation/forage-production-annual-native-perennial/calculating-hay-share-agreements.

Kijiji Saskatchewan. “Hay for Sale Listings.” Kijiji, https://www.kijiji.ca.

Facebook Community. “Hay / Feed for Sale – Saskatchewan, Alberta & Manitoba.” Facebook Groups.

The Horse Portal. “Annual Horse Expense Sheet.” TheHorsePortal.ca, https://thehorseportal.ca.

SalaryExpert. “Farrier Salary & Wage Data – Saskatchewan.” SalaryExpert, https://www.salaryexpert.com.

Equus / My New Horse. “How Much Does a Farrier Cost?” Equus Magazine.

Prairie Animal Health Centre – Weyburn. “Online Store Pricing.” https://pahcweyburn.clientvantage.ca.
TheHorse.com. “Annual Costs of Horse Ownership.” The Horse, https://thehorse.com.

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