Buying a horse is a big commitment, as horses rely on you for everything, so it is not a decision to be taken lightly.  Once you have made the decision then you need to get expert advice.  Speak to your riding school and ask if someone can help you look for your horse, as your instructor will be able to advice you on what horse will best suit your needs and riding ability.

Once you have found your potential horse it is then advisable to get your horse vetted.  If you visit British Equestrian Veterinary Association, You can search for a vet near you to arrange a vetting.

Then comes the decision of where to keep your new horse? 
See Below for a breakdown of prices of items you will need when buying and Owning a horse.

Buying a Horse:
You would be looking to spend around £2,000 just to purchase a horse/pony.

Stabling:
DIY -  You will be expected to do everything for your horse, mucking out,grooming,feeding etc.  This would cost approx £30 per week

Part - This means you don't have to do everything for your horse, for example instead of having to do both the morning and afternoon duties. This would cost approx £40 per week

Working Livery - This means that your horse/pony would be used in lessons at the riding school, the this would also mean that you don't have to do your horse everyday, but he would still be looked after and exercised.  This would cost around £40 per week.

Full - This means you do not have to do any of the mucking out, you just turn up and ride,  however is will cost approx £80 per week
For Livery yards and Riding Schools visit our business Directory
www.equestrianguide.co.uk/business

Once you know where you are going to keep your horse you will have to get some accessories for the stable. 

Stable Accessories:
Bedding - £6 per week
Haynet -at least one £2
Water Bucket  - at least one £2

Feed Accessories:
Feed Bowls - X2 Morning and Evening £5
Feed Scoop - £3
Feed Stirrer -  £1
Dustbin to store feed -  £10
Hard Feed -  £10 per week ( depending on what livery you choose will depend if the price of hard feed and hay is included)

Once you have your horse/pony you will then need tack, some horses are sold with tack but it's always advisable to get the tack fitted to the horse and make sure the tack is in good safe condition.

Tack:
Saddle - Starts around £200
for a second hand saddle, all saddles weather second hand or new should be fitted by a master saddler, see our business directory www.equestrianguide.co.uk/business
Bridle - Starts around £20
Girth - Starts around £5
Numnah -  Starts around £10
Bit -  Starts around £15

Rugs
You should have at least one of each sort of rugs as they need washing and drying out in winter.
Turnout Rug - Starts around £30
Stable Rug - Starts around £25
Anti Sweat Rug -  Starts Around £20

Accessories
Grooming Kit - Starts around £15
Head collar - Starts around £4
Lead rein - Starts around £3

Shoes - If your horse is shod then you will need to have them checked/changed every 4-6 weeks and for a new set of front shoes starts at £30 and £60 for a full set of four shoes. For more info visit www.equestrianguide.co.uk/tips/shoeing/asp

Wormer - Before you bring a new horse onto a yard most owners will want you to give your new horse a course of Panacur Guard 5 day wormer, this starts about £20, then you horse will have t o be regularly wormed. for more info see www.equestrianguide.co.uk/tips/worming.asp

For You

Clothes
Riding Hat - up to current standard Starts Around £35
Jodhpurs - at least one pair Starts around £10
Riding Boots - Starts around £15
Welly Boots - for those muddy days poo picking the field Around £20
Warm Jacket - Start around £15
Gloves Starts - around £3

Insurance
For horse, Rider and Tack
Visit our links page and check out E&L insurance.

Extra Expenses

Basic First Aid Equipment:
Visit First Aid for products which make up a first aid kit.

Traveling Equipment:
When you purchase your horse you might wish to go to Events or Days out which means more money!!
Travel Boots - Prices start around £20
Travel Rug - Prices start around £20
Tail Guard or Bandage - Prices start around £5

Your initial outlay for a horse would be approximately £3000.  Please remember these are only approximate prices, and Equestrian Guide would advice anyone seeking to buy a horse to check out prices in your area.  Also remember a lot of the costs in owning a horse are ongoing.

For many of the items here, why not visit our shop