MONTHLY COST GUIDE

Intro

Understanding the cost of leasing or owning a horse is an important part of planning your rider’s next step.

At Cedarhill, we believe in being transparent about both the expected and variable costs involved. While each situation is unique, the information below provides a general overview to help families plan with confidence.

The Big Picture

Whether leasing or owning, there are two main categories of cost:

1. Lease or Purchase Cost

  • Lease fees (monthly or term-based)

  • Or a one-time purchase price

2. Ongoing Monthly Expenses

These are the recurring costs required to properly care for the horse and support the rider’s program.

Typical Monthly Expenses

Below is a general breakdown of the types of expenses families can expect:

Board & Care

This includes housing, feeding, and daily care of the horse.

Lesson Program

Regular lessons are essential for rider development and are typically a separate cost from leasing.

Farrier (Shoeing)

Horses require regular hoof care every 4–6 weeks.

Veterinary Care

Routine care may include:

  • Vaccinations

  • Wellness exams

  • Occasional treatments

Dental Care

Typically performed annually to maintain the horse’s health and comfort.

Supplements & Medications

Some horses require additional support depending on age, workload, or individual needs.

Insurance

Many families choose to insure leased or owned horses for protection and peace of mind.

Grooming & Clipping

Seasonal care such as body clipping may be needed, especially for horses in regular work.

Estimated Monthly Range

While costs vary depending on the horse and program, families can typically expect:

Estimated Monthly Total: $1,200 – $3,500+

This range will vary based on:

  • Type of lease (half vs full)

  • Level of the horse

  • Frequency of lessons

  • Competition involvement

Leasing Cost Overview

Outside Half-Lease

  • Approx. $750 – $1000/month

  • Includes many horse-related expenses

  • Lessons and shows not included

Inside Half-Lease

  • Lease fee + shared monthly expenses

  • Costs vary depending on the horse and arrangement

Inside Full Lease

  • Lease fee + full monthly expenses

  • Provides full access to the horse

Day Lease (Shows / Off-Farm Use)

  • Inside horse: $250/day

  • Outside horse: $150/day

Additional Costs to Consider

Some expenses are not monthly but may arise depending on your rider’s goals:

Show Expenses

  • Entry fees

  • Coaching fees

  • Trailering/shipping

  • Stabling

Off-Farm Lease or Purchase Costs

If Cedarhill assists in finding a horse outside the farm, additional costs may include:

  • Trial rides

  • Veterinary pre-purchase exams

  • Transportation

  • Travel expenses

  • Commission (typically a percentage of the lease or purchase)

A Note on Variability

Every horse and every rider’s path is different.

Costs can vary based on:

  • The horse’s level and experience

  • The rider’s goals

  • Frequency of riding and showing

  • Changes over time as the rider progresses

We work closely with each family to outline realistic expectations before any decisions are made.