Free-leasing an old horse - what costs are reasonable?

I am free-leasing a 26yo horse for my daughter. Whilst a standard free-lease states that I will be responsible for all vet/dentist/health bills, I am interested in peoples views on what is reasonable, given the age of the horse. Dentistry of old teeth is a good example.

Free-leasing an old horse - what costs are reasonable?
I would assume that means you will be responsible for the yearly vaccinations, semi-annual teeth float, farrier bills and any other issues that may arise. These are my estimated figures based on what my vet charges:


Vaccinations: $150-200


Teeth: $125-150


Farrier: Barefoot ~$50, shod all the way around ~$120 every 6 weeks





What I would be more curious is what the owners stance on age related issues. What if the mare comes up arthritic, are you then responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of that? A little morbid, but if the horse needs to be put down, are you responsible for that and making the final resting place arrangements? If this mare is on joint or other supplements due to her age, are you now responsible for the cost and expense of those? I am assuming that in this lease the mare is remaining at the owners facility or where she is currently boarded and basic feed and hay are a non-issue, but if a vet suggests changing the feed to something board does not cover will you be responsible for the cost difference?





These are things that when loving an older horse are things to consider whether you are buying the horse or leasing as you are. I would sit down with the owner and get some things ironed out and in WRITING that way there aren't any surprises or confusion in the event something does happen.
Reply:4,000 dollars
Reply:Yes and hoof care , a good diet for Sr horses , shelter from bad weather , plenty of clean water and shade from heat .
Reply:Well, you are probably looking at a little more expense given the age but you have to determine what is reasonable. Dental is going to be a huge thing with an older horse, supplements to keep him healthy if being ridden including that for arthritis if needed. 26 is pretty old, anything could happen at that age now. I guess I can't tell you what would be reasonable but taking this another direction. Is your daughter ready for the fact that this horse could be gone at any given time? His heart could give out on you or even while your daughter is riding. Is she mentally prepaired to accept that if it were to happen? Sometimes, things for free can be more than people are ready to bite off.





Its great though that the owners are free leasing him and great that you are willing to care for him in these later years in his life!
Reply:Anything that correlates to the upkeep of the horse. Vet, farrier, dentist, vaccines, feed, board etc





I would have them also provide you with reciepts of the vaccines so you make sure they are doing the upkeep.





Good luck!
Reply:If your talking monthly I don't think to much more.


Teeth floating costs are different all over the country. I only pay 50 dollars and it's done once a year.


If a horse needs shoes than it needs shoes so that's a cost no matter what.


Senior feed is only a dollar or two more for a 50LB bag so again that cost is reasonable and is a compete feed so you shouldn't need to supplement unless they horse is having a hard time keeping weight on.


I would have a vet out to see this horse to make sure it's not having joint issues which would be a problem


I agree with the person who wrote that you have to find out what else your responsible for.


Who pays if she has to be put down for an injury or colic.


I know many people still riding there older horses in competition with no ill effects on the horse. YOu just need to give her the rest she needs and proper care. She can easily live another 5 to 10 years.

men dress shoes