The Costs and Labor Involved in Maintaining a Horse and Carriage
Managing a horse and carriage involves a variety of expenses and labor requirements. Depending on the kind of carriage and the specific needs of the horse, the costs can vary significantly. This article delves into the details of the financial and labor-intensive aspects of maintaining these majestic modes of transportation.
Repairing and Maintaining the Carriage
The carriage itself requires various specialized services depending on its condition. If there are issues with the axles and wheels, a wheelwright is typically consulted. A wheelwright can replace or repair these components effectively. For upholstery replacements, an upholsterer is sought. The coach casing may require the expertise of a cabinetmaker or carpenter, as might the quire (the area at the front of the carriage). Small maintenance tasks and guidance for the horse are handled by a stablehand.
When a Horse Needs Serious Attention
If a horse is injured or becomes ill, the next step is often to seek the help of a veterinarian. The cost of a consultation with a veterinarian typically averages around 75 euros per hour. If the condition is severe and the horse is no longer fit for service, more drastic measures may be necessary, including euthanasia. In such cases, the average cost for disposal is about 66 euros per 200 liters, excluding pick-up costs. For detailed inquiries, you can contact RendaC.
Major Restoration and Maintenance Costs
For more elaborate carriages, such as the golden coach of the King of the Netherlands, the maintenance can get quite pricey. An in-depth restoration can cost as high as 1.2 million euros. This coach is adorned with teak panels, paintings, and gold leaf, making it a luxurious gem in the royal collection. The royal household of the Netherlands maintains two berline coaches—another uses the throne coach for reserve purposes. Known as the 'glass coach,' this particular coach underwent a restoration costing around 400,000 euros.
The maintenance costs for a top-tier horse can be substantial. For instance, a horse valued at around half a million euros incurs annual maintenance expenses of about 15,000 euros. However, the true cost can be much higher for a cheaper horse, often due to the high cost of feed.
The Dutch king's annual expenditure on his horses totals 415,000 euros. He owns 24 coach horses and an additional 8 riding horses, which amounts to an average of 12,968 euros per horse per year. The riding horses tend to be more expensive to maintain, as they receive riot control training to keep them calm during potentially stressful situations.
Stable Staff and Functional Costs
Running a stable involves a significant workforce. The royal household's stable department employs about 50 out of the total 300 staff members. The stable department has one out of every six employees of the royal household. The functional costs of the royal household are estimated at about 55 million euros per year. About 15 million euros are reserved for building maintenance, which can include stables within the palaces. Additionally, 9 million euros are set aside for the procurement and maintenance of vehicles, including carriages. Another 6 million euros are directed towards the salaries of the royal cabinet, information services, and the military house. The military house budget can cover some of the expenses related to maintaining horses. Furthermore, 8 million euros are allocated for personal expenses, which can include salaries for attendants in the carriage retinue. The remaining 17 million euros are dedicated to the actual salaries of the stable hands and stable masters, averaging about 56,000 euros per year.
Horses may also be used on hunting domains. The royal household maintains several of these domains, and the annual salary costs for the six gamekeepers total about 400,000 euros.
In conclusion, maintaining a horse and carriage is a task that demands significant financial and labor resources. While it can be expensive and intimidating, the majesty and elegance these vehicles provide make the effort worthwhile for many enthusiasts and royals alike.