They are expensive no doubt about it, on top of the usual care coming up as a for example I have - saddle refit c.£130 (saddle over £1k few years ago but horse changing shape) that is booked in for payday, initial visit was £50 last month. Annual jabs also needed trying to sort with others at yard should be £35 ish each for group visit plus teeth coming up at around £40. Factor in the time spent as most of the people you need work the hours you do and is very difficult to get time off work as most bosses do not understand why saddle fitting etc is important and why should they. Make sure you get a good to handle horse as well or you are talking vet sedation for the teeth (plus possible clipping) and no one willing to help with vet jabs if you can't be there. Plus all of last winter mine was on box rest mucking out morning and night with horsey eating tonnes, thank goodness he was insured with NFU who were great, btw that is £60 a month without tack cover or any of the extras for me but they paid out - horse had chipped bone and without insurance xrays just to find out what was wrong would have cost around £600 a visit. I love my horse and wouldn't change having him but sometimes think I can't really afford him and I am well paid, no way he is going anywhere at 17 though especially as he can be a tricky ride and a bit riggy to be honest, beautiful though, schooled this morning at 7am for 20 mins after mucking out and he was a saint. I did not need a 16.3 warm blood x tb and would recommend if you do get a horse get a hardy type that can live out and do with less rugs and food, it will be cheaper, not everyone needs a stunner and the power of mine means even at 5'9 and well built he is strong for me, tried hunting and he was a good boy but astoundingly strong, would go native 16hh max next time I think, although I do love how beautiful my boy is and as very proud of him. I am at about £5k per year and that's DIY, hard feed = at least £50 a month at the moment, am trying for a baby and then it will have to be field livery near home I think as statutory maternity will not cover livery yard, will miss social side and menage/ hot water on tap and advice but can't see another way. Sorry for long post but best to have eyes open to this it is a huge commitment verging on ridiculous really but I wouldn't change things even if it means I am poor and ungroomed myself!