2023 Florida Horse Costs

[spirithorse22]

Hello! I’ve searched for this topic and found either quite a bit older threads or not quite what I’m looking for threads. I am researching a return to my home state of Florida and was curious what others in the central/north central areas of Florida are paying for their hay, feed, farrier, vet.

Specifics:
I feed alfalfa/orchard hay, clover/orchard hay, and mixed grass hay which I pay anywhere from $5 to $12 a bale straight from the hay grower in bulk. What is the average price for o/a or t/a, etc, going for these days?

I currently feed a locally produced high-fiber senior feed at $25 a bag. I previously used Seminole Wellness brands when I was in Florida as a young adult but have not in years. What is the price generally for Seminole senior-type feeds these days?

I currently pay $40 a trim for my barefoot horses and $200 for front steel shoes (no mechanics, etc.). Is it difficult to get farriers out for 5-7 horses at home?

Vet bills may be too varied to give an accurate quote but I would be interested in hearing whether it’s difficult to get vets out for routine vaccinations, Coggins, etc. for about a 5-7 horse herd at home.

[2DogsFarm]

I’m nowhere near FL, but Google can help you find prices for hay & the feed you’re looking for.
Most searches will let you change the location/zipcode to see local pricing.

[luvmyhackney]

Join local Facebook groups and ask pricing on there.

There is so much variance across different areas in the same state it’s difficult to answer.

[lenapesadie]

Hello!

I’m up by Pensacola FL

I get O/A trucked out from Idaho. Two string bales but relatively large heavy for $27 each if I pick up from dealer. Timothy and alfalfa are similar though alfalfa tends to be cheaper and more readily available. I pay $38 for 3 string Teff bales.

My barefoot trims are $50 each. Plain front steels are $120 ish.

I don’t have an issue having vet and farrier out to my farm for my two horses. That said, I live close to the vet hospital / clinic and in an easy access area (relative to the county).

Per a recent thread regarding vaccinations, it seems my vet clinic charges a pretty small mark up on vaccines relative to the experience of others in different areas. Unsure if that’s the clinic I use or the area I’m in. One of the vets at the clinic I also a chiropractor. Follow up adjustments are $125. Clinic does provide emergency services after hours etc.

Hope that helps

[NoSuchPerson]

There is a Facebook group called “Ocala Equestrian Community.” There is a lot of conversation there about hay availability and costs and it would be a good place to ask your other questions.

Also, it’s interesting that you’re thinking about going back to Florida because I am also contemplating a return. After 6 years of winter and mud, I’m starting to look more favorably on the things I thought I hated about living in Florida.

[spirithorse22]

This is super helpful! Thank you for sharing!

I enjoy reaching out across multiple platforms for personal suggestions and experiences. I also have friends in the area. I enjoy hearing from a lot of different folks.

[spirithorse22]

Exactly! My hay prices are awesome and grass is great here but the winters and mud … mercy!

[lenapesadie]

It’s trade offs everywhere I think.

I really like my location. Yes it’s hot and buggy, but it’s also 70 and sunny today. And I don’t get mud. I can ride outside on native soil year round.

Mind I’m still applying fly spray and fly gear but that’s the trade off for mild winters.

[Windward]

Greeting from Central Florida!

I am currently paying $19.50 per bale for northern Orchard/alfalfa.

$50-60 for trims on the barefoot horses, $300 for a full set of shoes

[MsRidiculous]

I’m in Ocala. Expect to pay $18-20 for a 2 string bale of O/A depending on how much you buy… you can make it come out to a bit less by buying 3 string or pasture blocks too. I feed TC Senior Gold and pay $30 per bag. Some on the farm eat Seminole Sporthorse, I think it’s closer to the $25 mark? Shoes are $250 for a full set. Our farrier has been great - he came when we only had 3 and still comes now that he’s doing 8.

[2tempe]

I board so cant talk re feed costs. I have 3 different horses, different locations in the area and three farriers. My older show horse, still in work I pay $140 for a reset of 4 basic shoes. This farrier is the outlier. Adds $30 when new shoes needed.
My retired mare has “special” shoes on hind, barefoot in front, I pay that guy $150 for trim and reset.
My 3rd horse is with a trainer, his farrier charges $300 for reset, with cost of new shoes included when they are needed.
Vets - well, that’s a question…Local vet who is easy to get, does all the basic stuff, arranges dentals, is quite reasonable, accessible for emergencies and because I board, always manages to spread the farm call across a few people. When sport med vet is needed, special appt, and honestly I dont look to closely, grit my teeth and pay the bill…

[2tempe]

Adding dental cost here: just got the bill, $225. sedation included.

[spirithorse22]

Thank you everyone! Hay seems to be fairly consistent around the $18-20 a bale mark. I am fortunate to live where my hay is grown currently but everything is a trade off! I have appreciated the personal responses!

[spirithorse22]

@lenapesadie

It’s trade offs everywhere I think.

I really like my location. Yes it’s hot and buggy, but it’s also 70 and sunny today. And I don’t get mud. I can ride outside on native soil year round.

Mind I’m still applying fly spray and fly gear but that’s the trade off for mild winters.

This!! I grew up riding out all year on the fields, never really knew what mud meant! Now I can’t ride half the year on our property because of slippery footing.

[NoSuchPerson]

About the mud…

You know, I knew all the individual elements before I moved north. I knew it rained quite a bit here. I knew it was clay soil with poor drainage. I knew the place I’m boarding doesn’t have a covered arena (no one around here does). But, I just never put those pieces together to realize what that meant in terms of actually being able to ride my horse.

[spirithorse22]

@NoSuchPerson

About the mud…

You know, I knew all the individual elements before I moved north. I knew it rained quite a bit here. I knew it was clay soil with poor drainage. I knew the place I’m boarding doesn’t have a covered arena (no one around here does). But, I just never put those pieces together to realize what that meant in terms of actually being able to ride my horse.

I was so excited about the pasture here in KY! And it is amazing pasture that makes “fat out of lean” but I also never knew a state to kill so many horses (founder)! I have to be so careful with the majority of my horses but gotta admit the TB thrives here. lol I have enjoyed my experience here but definitely ready to start planning a return home in the future