Horseback riding is a fun sport that includes a wide variety of events. There are so many events to choose from that there is an option for every preference. However, owning a horse is expensive, and if you choose to compete in any of these events, you may quickly be overwhelmed by the cost of the sport. Here are three tips to help you save money as an equestrian without compromising the quality of care you give your horse.
Shop for Discounted Supplies
There is no rule that says you have to buy the most expensive horse supplies on the market. While you need to make sure the items you buy are durable and safe, you don’t always have to purchase name-brand supplies. Look for more cost-efficient supplies when shopping, and don’t be afraid to buy some products in bulk if it will save you money. You can also shop discounts online to find equestrian helmets for sale.
Invest in High-Quality Feed
It may seem counterintuitive to spend a lot of money on supplemental feed for your horse, but your mount relies on grain to stay fit and healthy for competitions. Skimping on grain could put your horse’s health at risk. If you try to save money by buying low-quality feed, you may find yourself using more to meet your horse’s nutritional needs, which could end up costing you more money in the long run. It’s a better practice to spend more upfront on high-quality feed so you don’t have to use a huge portion to satisfy your mount’s needs. High-quality grain often lasts longer than lower-quality options so it is a good investment.
Find a Great Vet
Just like people, horses can get sick or injured at any time. Equine medical care is often expensive, so you may try to hold off on vet visits unless your horse is ailing. This is a bad idea, however, because routine vet visits are a good way to monitor the health of your mount so that you can intervene with small problems before they become major. If you’re worried about the cost of vet visits, it may be a good idea to invest in horse medical insurance to help offset the cost of vet bills.
As an equestrian, you never want to compromise the quality of your horse’s care, but you may be concerned about the cost of owning a mount. Using these three tips can help you save money without neglecting your horse.
