Horses are amazing, but let’s be honest–owning one can seriously drain your wallet. Between boarding fees, vet visits, lessons, and all the gear, a lot goes into taking care of a horse. If you’re a beginner, the upfront cost of horse ownership can be a barrier that keeps you from getting involved in the equestrian world.
Maybe your kid has their heart set on competing, but you’re not sure if the passion will stick. Or maybe you’re dreaming of getting back in the saddle once the weather warms up, but caring for a horse year-round doesn’t quite fit your lifestyle. Whatever the case, leasing a horse offers the perfect compromise for those who aren’t ready for full horse ownership. Let’s break down why leasing might be the best choice for you, how much it costs, and how the whole thing works.
What does it mean to lease a horse?
A horse lease is an agreement between a horse owner (the “lessor”) and someone who wants to ride, train, or even compete with the horse (the “lessee”). The lessee pays a fee, which gives them access to ride the horse during agreed-upon times throughout the lease period. The lease also defines who’s responsible for what–whether covering vet bills, farrier visits, or daily care. Essentially, leasing a horse allows you to enjoy all the perks of horse ownership without the long-term financial and time commitment.
Why lease a horse?
For many reasons! First, owning a horse is a huge investment of both time and money, so it’s smart to make sure you’re ready for the commitment before diving in. Leasing gives you the chance to ease into the responsibility and see if horse ownership is truly for you. Plus, it’s a great way to find out what type of horse is the best fit for you or to explore different riding disciplines. Throughout the lease, you’ll have time to bond with the horse and decide whether or not you make a good team.
Leasing can also make sense for logistical reasons. For instance, kids may love riding when they’re younger, but their interests could shift as they get older. Many parents choose to lease highly trained horses for their child’s competitive goals since leasing can be more cost-effective than purchasing, especially for junior riders nearing high school graduation. Some equestrians outgrow the skill level of their current horse, and leasing offers the flexibility to ride a horse that matches their abilities as they progress. And for those who can’t commit to full-time horse ownership, leasing provides a way to keep riding and enjoying the equestrian lifestyle without the year-round responsibility.
Types of leases
Horse leases can be structured in different ways to suit both the lessor and the lessee. Usually, a horse owner has specific expectations for the lease based on their schedule and budget, but some leases allow for more flexibility. The best leases benefit everyone involved–the lessor, the lessee, and of course, the horse! Here are some common types of leases you might encounter:
Full lease
In a full lease, you pay an agreed-upon fee, typically around 30% of the horse’s selling price per year, and cover all expenses for the horse’s care. This usually gives you full access to ride the horse five to six days a week and the option to take the horse to shows. In most cases, the owner dictates where the horse is boarded, care provided, and the training program the horse will maintain. In some arrangements, the owner may allow the lessee to move the horse to a predetermined boarding facility, though they may still specify which vet and farrier services are used.
Half lease
A half lease is a popular option, where the owner maintains control over where the horse is stabled while you split the horse’s expenses. Since you’ll share the horse with the owner or another rider, a half lease gives you set days each week to ride and a limited number of shows to compete in. While this can limit your riding schedule, it’s a more affordable option if you can’t ride daily and ensures the horse receives proper care and attention. To avoid any confusion, it’s best to outline riding days, lessons, and show participation in a contract ahead of time.
Care lease
Care leases are common among owners who have green horses but can’t commit to training them consistently. With this type of lease, you take on all of the horse’s expenses without paying an upfront fee. Since you’re covering everything, you typically have more control over where the horse is boarded. A care lease is the closest you can get to owning the horse without actually buying it–the only difference is that the title still belongs to the owner.
Seasonal lease
Most leases run for a year, but seasonal leases are a great option for hobby riders who want to ride during the warmer months or competitive riders who need additional horses for shows. They’re also helpful if a rider progresses quickly and outgrows the horse’s abilities before a year passes. Seasonal leases may be available for six months at a time or on a month-to-month basis.
Show lease
Some trainers will allow you to lease a highly trained horse just for a weekend. Although jumping on a horse you’re unfamiliar with can be difficult, horses that are leased for show are often highly trained and need very little schooling to get to the ingate. Usually, a seasoned rider can quickly connect with the horse and easily have success in the show ring. If you’re leasing a horse for a big show like Pony Finals, Devon, or Indoors, the cost can be high. But in turn, you avoid the costs of owning a horse, travel and show expenses, and the costs associated with qualifying a horse to attend these prestigious competitions.
Lease-to-buy
In a lease-to-buy arrangement, you lease a horse with the option to purchase at a predetermined price at the end of the lease. These are usually short-term leases that require a pre-purchase exam and insurance before the lease begins, which shows the lessee’s commitment to buy. The exam protects both parties by confirming the horse’s condition upfront, while insurance ensures compensation if the horse is injured during the lease. If lease-to-buy terms aren’t defined in the contract, the decision to sell the horse is up to the owner.
How to lease a horse
Leasing a horse is a straightforward process, but there are a few things you should do before signing a contract to ensure a smooth and positive experience. Follow these steps to protect yourself as you look for a lease that’s right for you:
- Talk to your trainer. Your trainer knows your riding level and can leverage their network to help you find a horse that fits your needs. Tell them your budget and what type of lease you’re looking for so they can help you find the perfect match.
- Ask questions. Before signing a lease, don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions. From the horse’s training and temperament to the owner’s expectations, ask everything you need to know to assess whether the horse and the agreement are right for you.
- Ride the horse. If you’re considering a long-term lease, request to ride the horse before finalizing a contract. Some owners may lease the horse to you for a month-long trial period to give you a chance to see if it’s a good fit.
- Sign a contract. When you find the right lease, you and the lessor should sign a written contract that clearly outlines the lease duration, fees, expectations, and responsibilities. Details to include are riding schedules, whether you can take the horse off-property, what happens if the horse gets injured or sick, and conditions for terminating the lease. A thorough contract protects both you and the owner and clearly defines all responsibilities.
- Get insurance. Unless the lessor is covering insurance, you’ll need to insure the horse. The lessor might add you to their existing policy, transfer the policy to your name, or require you to purchase a new one. It’s important to clarify this detail to ensure you’re covered.
Remember, while some horse owners are open to negotiation, the goal is to find a lease that benefits and protects everyone involved, including the horse.
How much does it cost to lease a horse?
The cost of leasing a horse heavily depends on which type of lease you choose. A half lease is the least expensive type, starting as low as $150 per month. However, a full or care lease could cost upwards of $1,000 per month. If you’re paying a flat fee for a half lease, the cost is more straightforward than if you’re paying a percentage of the horse’s expenses. In this case, you should account for all potential expenses when considering if the lease is feasible with your budget.
These are the typical costs a lessee may be expected to cover:
- Horse tack and riding apparel
- Lessons
- Vet bills
- Farrier
- Board
- Equine insurance
A clear understanding of these potential expenses will help you budget effectively and ensure you’re prepared for the financial commitment that comes with leasing a horse.
Benefits of leasing a horse
While many dream of owning a horse, leasing comes with its own set of perks. Here are some key benefits of leasing:
- Affordability: Leasing allows you to skip the hefty upfront cost of purchasing a horse. Instead, you can pay a fee or share in the horse’s expenses instead, giving you a taste of horse ownership while getting to ride horses that might otherwise be out of your budget.
- Flexibility: If your schedule doesn’t allow for daily riding, a half lease gives you a few days each week to enjoy your horse. Leasing also provides the opportunity to ride different horses with varying skill levels, helping you find the right fit.
- Financial protection: Leasing limits your financial liability to the lease duration. Once the lease ends, so does your financial commitment, giving you the flexibility to reassess your budget moving forward.
- Less responsibility: Most leases don’t require you to handle daily horse care tasks like grooming, mucking stalls, or turnout. This allows you to enjoy the best part of horse ownership–riding–without the full-time responsibilities.
Buying vs. leasing a horse
The biggest difference between leasing a horse and buying a horse is the upfront cost. While a lease may require fees to be paid up front, they won’t be anywhere near as much as the cost of purchasing a horse. Unless you’re entering a care lease, owning a horse also requires more time and responsibility than leasing. A lease frees up your time so you can enjoy riding while attending to all your other responsibilities. Ultimately, the choice between buying and leasing a horse boils down to your budget, riding experience, goals and schedule.
When to lease a horse
Leasing a horse is ideal for intermediate riders who have been in a lesson program for at least a year. You should be comfortable walking, trotting, cantering, and riding independently before considering a lease. Leasing can be a great trial run before committing to horse ownership, or it can provide an opportunity for equestrians to develop their skills more quickly. It’s also perfect for those who can’t fit full-time ownership into their schedule or budget but still want to enjoy regular riding and horse care.
When to buy a horse
Buying a horse is the right choice if you’re ready for full ownership and control. As the owner, you have the freedom to take your horse anywhere, ride as often as you like, and enter as many shows as you want. You also have the option to lease out or sell the horse later, potentially recouping some of your investment. Owning is ideal for those who want complete decision-making power and don’t want to share their horse–especially once you bond with your equine companion!
Whether you decide to lease or buy a horse, you’ll need all the essential horse tack and riding apparel to help you get started. From saddles and bridles to helmets and riding boots, The Farm House offers a wide variety of tried-and-true equestrian gear from trusted brands to keep you confident and comfortable in the saddle.
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