Buying a horse is a big investment,
and owning one takes a lot of time and money. Before you buy a horse you should
make sure you have found one that fits your personality and that of other
possible riders, and is suitable for what you want to do. There are a lot of
pitfalls that may not only be expensive, but heartbreaking. Find the right
horse and care for him properly and you can have a long, happy relationship.
Ask a knowledgeable horse-loving
friend to help you find resources and learn what's what, and offer to help out
at his barn in exchange. Your friend should be able to offer helpful advice in
both the business world and training world of horses.
Learn about horse management. This
should include basic horse health and equine first aid. See Related wikiHows
(below). Also go to your local library and look for all the horse related
books.
Volunteer to work at a local stable
for a few weeks. This will give you a better idea of what owning horses is
like, and that there is work involved; even when it's nasty weather for feeding
outside horses.
Get the word out that you're looking
for a horse. Let your horse-loving friends know that you're looking for a
horse, and also tell them what you're looking for in a horse. Tell your riding
instructor also; often he'll have clients that are selling a horse, and he may
be able to help you try out a particular horse.
The sooner you let your friends know
you're looking for a horse, the better. Oftentimes finding the right horse
isn't a timely task, and better to start looking for the right fit sooner
rather than later.
Learn your local laws. From equine
liability to whether there is a local tax on livestock that can reproduce
(mares & stallions) to fire code laws for stables, it helps to know all the
laws.
Build a network of horse people. Find
and learn about boarding facilities, tack shops, feed stores, farmers that
produce hay, vets, and farriers are in your area, and where the nearest equine
hospital and horse ambulance service is.
Make sure that you have access to
several hay suppliers, as a horse goes through around 2% of his body weight in
hay daily[1]. Visit your horse friends' barns and ask them where they buy their
hay, also inspecting its quality.
Get the contact information of
multiple farriers in case your regular one is busy.
Find a reputable equine vet. Find one
that knows what he's talking about and also is friendly and explains things
about keeping your horse healthy.
Calculate the cost of your horse’s
upkeep for the most expensive part of the year (usually winter). Price the
following and consider the sum: Are you ready for a horse financially?
Feed (hay, supplements)
Halter, lead rope
Saddle, saddle blanket, bridle, bit
Grooming kit
Water buckets
Don't forget to budget for:
Transport fee (if applicable) and the
boarding cost per month
Deworming
Regular vet visits
Regular farrier visits (shoeing or
trimming)
Emergency treatment
Riding lessons
Training
All appropriate medical check-ups and
supplies
Find a suitable place to keep your
horse. Keeping your horse on your own or rented land should be done only by
knowledgeable and experienced horsemen. Livery/boarding yards are better for
first-time horse owners. Look for ads in local papers, equestrian magazines and
on the Internet. Ask in local tack shops and riding schools. If a yard (stable)
has no spaces, ask them to recommend another yard.
Visit boarding facilities and ask
about hours, cost, feeding schedule, and what you'll be expected to do. If it's
rough board you'll have to feed and water your horse and clean his area daily.
If it's full board, all you have to do is pay! Choose one that meets your
horse's needs (e.g. safe, all-year turnout) and your needs in a comfortable
environment.
Secure a space at a boarding facility.
Spaces are rarely available at good yards and fill fast. Be prepared to pay a
weekly/monthly fee to reserve a space until your horse arrives.
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