It is usually cheaper to keep your own horse, than to have some one look after your horse. Not everyone has a pasture or field in their back yard. If you know of some one with horses you could approach them and see if there is room for one more. This could cost less than having to board your horse at a stable and or riding facility. If you have no place to keep your horse, you should research stables in your area. Doing some investigation could save you money. Some stables charge a set monthly fee and your horse is taken care of completely. All you have to do is arrive and mount up, after riding you can simply hand your horse over to a groom and go home. This set up is not cheap and not always necessary, so consider how much involvement you would like with your horse at a stable.

An inexpensive option is a stable that offers a "do-it-yourself" option. Your horse has a stable and field to occupy for a set fee. You are then responsible for his care such as feeding, grooming and mucking out (stall cleaning). This could take up a good amount of valuable time, which you may not have so perhaps a stable that is somewhere between the two would best suit you.

Stabling is an expensive cost and if you are buying a top level competition horse you are certainly going to want the best care for your horse. There is no benefit in buying an expensive horse and not having enough money to afford quality care and stabling. In the same respect if you are buying an older horse for trail rides on a weekend, you needn't go to the expense of a upscale stable. Of course if you have the money there is nothing stopping you doing either.

Then there is the question of transportation. Would you need a trailer (horse box) to get places? If you have enough money to buy a horse and not a trailer, are you going to be happy riding in the same area and not being able to enter a horse show in the next town? Perhaps you could find some one to hire a horse box from or to share with. Otherwise you may need to spend a little less on a horse so you could also afford a trailer.

The questions may make you realize that buying a horse is not the best option and leasing (half-baiting) a horse would be far more beneficial. This is when someone else owns the horse and you pay partial cost of the upkeep so that you can ride the horse.

Asking yourself these questions and knowing the answers will help you select a horse to suit your financial circumstances as well as meet your expectations. They may give you a clearer idea of what it is you would like to have, but not necessarily afford at this time. Take time to research your options so that your budget can be met and you are satisfied with your first horse.