Money Saving Tips For Winter Riders
This winter's cost of living crisis is having a major impact on household disposable incomes. We are all feeling the effects of increased mortgage rates, high fuel prices, utility price hikes, escalating food costs etc.
Winter is always the most expensive time for horse owners anyway but the addition of rising bills has led to many equestrians struggling to make ends meet.
The National Equine Welfare Council have published a practical guide to help equine owners find ways to cut costs without compromising level of care.
Click here for the downloadable guide.
Photo: Courtesy of The Telegraph
Here are some of the BHE Team's suggestions for saving money this winter:
- Buy feed and hay in bulk. Delivery costs have sky rocketed with the increase in fuel charges so try to organise a large delivery between other horse owners if possible
- Semi deep litter bedding so only need to muck out at weekends. Consider adding rubber matting - expensive in the short term but will save money long term
- Use a half day bed - put up front half of bed to save bedding during the day when it's unlikely your horse will lie down.
- Turn out as long as possible each day - if the British weather permits!
- Get the slow cooker out! Prep in the morning so dinner is ready when you get back from the horses. Less snacking and it's cheaper to meal prep for several days
- Don't waste hay, weigh it out or use hay rack/corner feeder to prevent wastage
- Feed more hay and less hard feed through the winter when the horses probably getting less work. Add forage and a feed balancer to make sure they get their vitamins and minerals and reduce expensive hard feed
- Save fuel costs by having zoom training sessions or share lessons with a friend
- Group hire facilities to get best price as most hire by hour, not per horse
- Declutter your tack room and wardrobe and sell unwanted items on eBay/FB, Depop
- Keep a spread sheet of outgoings. Put small amount to oneside in separate account in case of emergencies
- Take a flask to the stables instead of buying takeaway coffee. A large takeaway cappuccino is around 2.85 = 14.25 a week for 5 coffees (one a day). = £57 a month! Almost £700 a year which equates to about 50 bags of pony nuts!
Share your winter saving tips with us on our Instagram and we will add a Part II
Cover photo courtesy of The Times