I think the hotpatch today will reduce upkeep cost, increase upkeep chance, and you may need to pay repair regarless of which team won (I think that if your team wins and you don't die, nothing brakes, but I could be wrong)
He posted what he is doing in this board. (I think)
12k is nothing near enough to afford a horse. A bad horse + light armor and mid tear weapon (nvm a shield) costs more than that.