Is it me

[Restartnewyear]

Or is it getting more expensive to keep horses, just recently a few of my friends have had o give up it just feels like it getting harder

The weather doesn't help and riding on the roads.

I don't think we are paying significantly more than we used to, although hay is dearer now and I'm glad I don't have to pay for shoes as it would be like doubling my field rent. Anything at all that requires a vet is now astronomical of course!, but on the whole it is still mostly possible to keep them on a budget as is proved by lots of us on here who manage to do so.

I think what bumps it up for many people is stuff they think they need (people paying £100 plus for a rug that will be filthy in 5 mins are mad IMO), supplements they think they need etc etc. Also people expect to do more in the way of competing etc which is an absolute fortune in transport, equipment, entry fees, posh pony and all that goes with.

Also I think people who are giving up are doing it because of the general rise in the cost of living. The horse has to take a lower priority than fuel, food, childcare etc. It's not necessarily an increase in the cost of keeping the horse that makes them take stock of their finances, but everything else.