With any pet, an owner must be sure they are capable of properly caring for the animal before they can adopt them. Horses require much more care than a cat or dog, and therefore it can be more difficult to determine if you’re ready to own a horse. Before taking that exciting step of adoption, you should be prepared for the type of lifestyle and space a horse requires, and how expensive that will be. Read on to see if you are ready to take the next step from horse lover to horse owner.
Another important part of owning a horse is concerning yourself with their health. Be prepared for minor scrapes and burns with Fauna Care healing sprays. This article covers:
- Consider the price
- Consider your lifestyle
- Consider the space needed
Price
It may be appropriate to start first with considering whether you can afford to be a horse owner. Caring for a horse is a big financial commitment that will last for years, from first buying the horse, to feeding it, caring for it, and equipment. The initial purchase price of your horse will depend on what you intend to accomplish with your horse. For first-time owners, it is typical and probably best to start with a starter horse with which owners can have fun and, if wanted, compete at a local level. This type of horse can cost up to $5,000.
Price of Boarding
The next concern is the cost of housing the horse. If you intend to care for the horse on your own property, you will need to consider the cost of feeding and daily maintenance of the stable and land. However, another option is to choose a boarding facility -- preferably at most a 20 minute drive from your home -- at which your horse can stay. The cost of a boarding facility varies, so research prices of facilities near you.
Price of Health
The health of your horse is your next priority. A farrier should be caring for your horse every six to eight weeks. Horses require different types of trimming and shoes, which will influence the cost. A veterinarian will take care of your horses’ shots that are needed at least twice a year and worming which is needed about every two months. Your horse will also need dental care about once a year. In addition to these vet visits, you should be prepared for the cost for an emergency trip to the vet.
Price of Equipment
When you first buy the horse, you will need to buy lasting equipment such as a saddle, bridle, grooming supplies, horse blankets, and more. There are many basic supplies that a horse will require, plus replacements for when equipment is worn down or damaged. You should also prepare for the price of riding lessons and competitions that you may want to enter.
Lifestyle
Becoming a horse owner will require a big change in lifestyle. Horses are a big time commitment, and if you can’t see yourself adapting your lifestyle to accommodate your horse, being a horse owner isn’t right for you. If your horse lives on your property, you’ll have easier access to them and be able to go out more frequently to care and interact with them. However, the responsibility of maintenance is bigger than if they live in a boarding facility. If a boarding facility is what you go with, you need to be able to go out there often to see your horse and care for them when necessary. No matter where your horse is housed, you should be aware that caring for them requires a lot of time and effort.
Taking care of horses is hard work, so be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get a little dirty. Consider the most basic responsibilities, such as stables that need to be cleared out regularly and daily grooming. This constant attention to care can be too difficult to uphold for some individuals, so make sure you have the resources and time to put in the necessary effort.
Space
This is for the owners that intend to board the horse on their own property. Do you have enough land to satisfy a horse’s needs? They need somewhere around two acres of pasture and/or hay ground. However, you should also check your state and county’s agricultural statutes as they vary. This space is important for the exercise and nutrition of your horse, so to fail with a big enough space would put your horse at a discomfort that’s unfair.
Of course, there is much more to consider when getting a horse. For example, you should familiarize yourself with care and use of equipment, as well as take lessons on how to ride horses. However, this is a good place to start to determine if you’re in the right place to own a horse. With financial commitment and the right lifestyle and resources, horses are a feasible animal for you to own! Next, you’ll have to do research on what the right horse is for you and prepare yourself for the joys that come with being a horse owner.
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