Recessed Lighting with Horse Hair Plaster

[Mike Silva]

Hi all! I ended up closing on a duplex house this week with the intent to rehab the whole place. This is my first purchase, where my intent was to install recessed lighting all throughout the house. Soon after purchasing the home, I found the ceilings were made of horse hair plaster. I didn't know at the time of purchase, but it can be a deal breaker (from what I've been told by several contractors) on putting up recessed lighting. I was told the ceiling could fall down while drilling the holes. I am looking for options to some how get recessed lighting up regardless of this feat. For instance - I am looking to see if anyone has experience with installing recessed lighting into a horse hair plaster ceiling and if anyone could offer advice on the process I should take when doing so? 

I was considering strapping and drywalling the ceiling and installing the new recessed lighting there, but it would be a good chunk of money I am not sure I would get back in the investment. Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome here!