How Much Does It Cost to Keep a Horse in the UAE?

Owning a horse in the UAE is a dream for many riders, whether for leisure riding, competition, or simply the joy of horse ownership. But before you commit, it’s important to understand the real financial responsibility that comes with it.

The livery costs in the UAE are the biggest factor, but they’re far from the only expense. From training fees to supplements, vet bills, and the occasional unexpected cost, keeping a horse can add up quickly. In this guide, we’ll break down the main expenses you should expect so you can budget with confidence.

The Biggest Expense: Livery Costs

Livery—also known as boarding—is the monthly fee you pay for your horse’s accommodation, feed, and basic care at a stable.

What’s Included in Livery?

Most full livery packages in the UAE include:

• A stable or stall with bedding (sometimes the bedding is limited to X bags per month)
• Daily feeding (usually hay, grain, or pellets)
• Turnout (time outside in a paddock)
• Mucking out (cleaning the stable)
• Use of stable facilities (arena, tack rooms, wash bays)

Some higher-end livery packages may also include extras like exercise, grooming, or blanketing. And some yards charge EXTRA for these services, so please make sure to ask all of your questions before you end up with an unexpected bill.

The average BASIC monthly livery cost ranges (e.g., AED 2500 – AED 4500 per month, depending on location and facilities).

Training Costs

If you’re a competitive rider or want your horse exercised regularly, training is the next major expense.

Options for Training:

• Rider Training Lessons – Private or group lessons with a coach.
• Horse Training/Schooling – Professional rider works your horse several times a week.
• Competition Coaching – Specialized training for showjumping, dressage, or endurance.

We’ve found that you’ll typically end up paying anywhere from AED 300 – AED 500 for private lessons at the bigger yards. Group lessons are usually around AED 200/person.

Additional Monthly Costs

Even with livery and training, horses need ongoing care that comes with extra expenses.

Supplements

Many horses in the UAE benefit from feed supplements, especially for hooves, joints, or digestion.

This will range obviously, but you can expect to pay AED 100-600 per supplement item, but they can potentially last 1-3 months.

Deworming

Parasite control is essential. Most horses are required to be dewormed every 3 months at some yards, which is a predictable, low monthly cost. But on average, people do it twice per year.

The typical dewormer cost will range from AED 50 – AED 150/piece.

Farrier Care

Whether your horse is barefoot or shod, regular trimming or shoeing is necessary every 6–8 weeks.

Insert average UAE farrier pricing AED 350 for trims, and can vary drastically for shoeing, anywhere between AED 650 for basic shoes all the way to AED 1500 for therapeutic shoes.

Incidental and Annual Costs

This is where the unpredictable expenses come in—every horse owner’s reality.

Vet Bills

Routine vet care includes vaccinations, teeth floating, and annual checkups. But horses are prone to injuries and illnesses, which can add up quickly.

Vaccinations range from AED 200 – AED 600 per injection

Basic teeth floating can range from AED 200 – AED 400

Pre-purchase Vet Check can run anywhere from AED 800 to AED 2500

Tack and Equipment

Saddles, bridles, rugs, grooming kits—these aren’t monthly, but they do wear out and need replacing over time.

Emergency Costs

Colic surgery, lameness treatments, or major injuries can cost thousands. While not every owner will face this, it’s smart to have an emergency fund set aside.

We’ve heard the average cost for a colic surgery can be around AED 40,000 – AED 50,000 without complications.

Factors That Influence Cost

The cost of keeping a horse in the UAE isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on:

• Stable location – Facilities in Abu Dhabi or Dubai may be pricier than smaller emirates.
• Level of care – Basic livery vs. premium packages with grooming and exercise.
• Horse type – Competition horses often require higher-level care than a retired horse.
• Owner’s goals – Leisure riding is less costly than competing at a high level.

Final Notes on Cost

Owning a horse in the UAE is a rewarding experience, but it comes with significant financial responsibility. The livery costs in the UAE form the base expense, but training, supplements, vet care, and incidentals quickly add up.

Before buying or importing a horse, take the time to calculate a realistic monthly and yearly budget. That way, you’ll be prepared for the joys of horse ownership without unexpected financial stress.