Welcome to my recurring budget series, Rein It In. On the last Friday of the month, I report all horse related expenses with some commentary. Think Money Diaries, but equestrian!
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Horses: 3
Discipline: Dressage, foxhunting, trail riding
9/2: Lessons, $220
I’m billed monthly for my weekly semi-private lesson.
9/4: Feed, $335.05
This month’s trip to the feed store included loose salt, Story and Madigan’s ration balancer, more Triple Crown Senior for Moe, and a bag of German Horse Muffins for hiding Story’s nightly Equioxx.
9/5: Barn supplies, $45.37
I reordered my favorite wound gel and restocked the first aid kit’s supply of triple antibiotic ointment. My barn boots need to be re-waterproofed, so I also added a can of mink oil.
9/17: Hay, $2,250.00
September tends to be an expensive month because I usually make my annual hay purchase then. This month’s purchase is about a little over half a year’s supply.
I buy hay from a neighbor who sells all sorts of quality forage (very convenient). I buy Bermuda hay in both large and small squares. This year, I opted to buy more small squares than I did last year. They’re more convenient for travel and filling hay nets. This hay delivery included 42 small square bales and 14 large square bales. I’m planning to buy another 11 large square bales next month. That should see the horses through until they go back to the pasture in the spring.
TOTAL: $2,850.42
Nothing unusual or unexpected in this month’s report, which is always a plus! The hay expense is a significant one, but it’s easier to plan for because you know it’s coming. If only all horse expenses worked that way!
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