We now offer the general public an opportunity to sponsor our program horses at a monthly commitment of $10 a month or more. This is a great way to support our program horses or can be a thoughtful present for a wedding, birthday, etc. In return for your donation, you will have the opportunity to meet the program horses and will receive quarterly updates on our horses.

What is our monthly cost?

When people ask about our monthly expenses related to the program horses, they often think that our cost is a water bill, some hay, and sporadic vets bills. In reality, horses require extensive daily care. Each month we spend about $1,400 or $200 per horse.

In Watkinsville, the average facility that provides the necessary services (full stall board and vet care) would charge upwards of $600 or more per horse each month. We work hard to streamline our costs without compromising care.

Where does $1,400 go each month?

  • Grain: Some of our horses are older or have an active metabolism, they require grain to provide additional concentrated calories.
  • Hay: Horses are foragers by nature and will graze for 17 hours each day. This means the bulk of their diet should come from long-stem grass. Hay (dried grass) is supplemented during winter months or when our horses come inside to escape the elements. Keeping hay in front of our horses maintains weight and keeps their stomach acid levels stable.
  • Shavings: Wood shavings are used in every stall. They absorb waste from the horse and provide a clean, soft place to sleep. Each day we remove dirty shavings and replace them with clean shavings. This encourages our horses to lay down to rest and creates a healthy environment; breathing ammonia fumes from urine can wreck havoc on the lungs of horses.
  • Vet: We joke that the vet is someone we hope we rarely have to see, but we are so thankful when she arrives. On top of routine care and unexpected injuries, our vet also helps us provide joint maintenance through injections. While costly, we do not feel it is right for our amazing horses to help us if they are not feeling their best.
  • Expenses: We believe in being good stewards of the resources given. However, eventually things wear out or break. Each month we have a few random expenses come up. We are moving towards putting these items on our Amazon wish list if they do not need to be replaced immediately.
  • Farrier: A farrier maintains the health and balance of a horses’ hooves. The hoof (foot) of a horse is made of keratin, the same material that comprises your fingernails. Just like our nails, the excess must be carefully trimmed every six to eight weeks. Additionally, some horses wear steel shoes attached to the dead layer of hoof to provide additional support and protection.
  • Water, Electric, and Insurance

Sponsor our Horses