Posts Tagged ‘owning a horse’

Lately, there has been a lot of discussion about horses that have been left neglected and starving due to gas prices, costs backyard breeding and other factors. As I thought of this, I realized that many people do not really sit and think about all that is involved in owning a horse. First of all, a horse is not a dog or a cat. You can not keep a horse in your house. A horse is generally kept in some sort of barn.

Second, there are completely different expenses with a horse. When your dog, cat, gerbil, hamster, or what have you gets sick, you put it in a carrying cage and take it to the vet. This is not the case with horses. Either the vet has to come to you and charges for a vet call or you have to load the horse into a trailer and truck the horse to the equine hospital. In order to do this, you must make sure you have certain supplies to be able to safely trailer the horse. You will need a lead rope, halter and probably a blanket to truck the horse. If you do not own your own trailer, you will have to pay someone to ship the horse to the veterinary clinic.

Third, There is certain protective equipment a horse needs which other animals don’t. Things such as leg wraps, fly masks, and protective boots just to name a few. Also, a horse needs to have his horses professionally done by a farrier. Many horses also need some sort of shoes whether they are weighed shoes or protective plates. Some horses need corrective shoeing. You can not clip a horse’s nails like you do a dog or cat. Now, you have a shoeing bill.

Further, when you walk your dog, you can wear whatever you want, however, this is not the case with riding or working a horse. You will have to have certain types of riding apparel to ride your horse. This includes boots, jods, gloves and protective helmets. All of these items are strictly for the protection of you and your horse. Again, there are other types of equipment that are necessary such as lunge lines, bitting rigs, bridles, carts etc. All of these things can get very costly.

These ideas are just food for thought when considering buying a horse. We did not cover the cost of feed, bedding and monthly board. I also did not cover costs incurred in breeding horses. Those will be covered at a later date. Before, you consider buying a horse, research very carefully all that is involved in the cost and care of owning a horse. Research at your local library, talk to people, and go to some local barns to get some general ideas.

Horse ownership is a very serious commitment as you can not take the horse to the local humane society if you decide it isn’t going to work out. Maybe if more people would take the time to really consider the true costs of owning a horse, there wouldn’t be so many horses starving and the need for so many rescue horse associations. We all love these animals, but owning a horse is a very serious decision and much thought should go into it.

Nina Kraus

Author: Nina Kraus
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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OK, you think you may have found the right horse. You went through all the check points in part one, you have made arrangements at the nearest horse stables that meet the requirements that were discussed in part two, or you have made arrangements for a facility at home providing either a stall or a lean-to (a two or three sided building with a high roof and preferably built in hay racks). Remember, all horses need to have shelter from the elements. Hopefully whichever place you will be keeping your horse, there will be a considerable amount of room not only for your horse to graze, but where he or she can run and play and have some fun; preferably with other horses. But, before you pass over your hard earned dollars, I want to give you just a few more things to consider, hence – Part Three.

What kind of mannerisms did the horse display when having the saddle and bridle put on them? Were they putting there ears back, or acting like they wanted to step on the person trying to tack them up? Were they moving back and forth, acting nervous or even starting to break out in a sweat? Were they difficult when the bridle was being put on them, or were they interacting, being friendly, wanting attention and not seeming to care that they were about to be ridden? When you started to mount the horse, did they stand there quietly and wait for their first command, or did they want to walk off quickly?

Did they do what you asked or was it a struggle to get them to go forward or turn around? Is the horse trying to take control and go wherever they want to go, or are you on an animal that really wants to please you? If you are saying yes to these negative inquiries, then this may not be a horse for a beginner. The quieter and more agreeable a horse behaves, the better a prospect that animal will be for a first time horse owner. He or she will enrich your life, and warm your heart with pleasant experiences that come with owning a horse. As your experiences grow, you then can step up to meet the challenges of other horses. Horse behavior can sometimes be compared to that of a child. So, if you have children you will understand how to deal with them.

Before making that final commitment, it is to your advantage to ride the horse for more than just a minute or two. Make sure that you walk, trot and canter preferably more than once. Some horses seem to be fine at first but as time passes with you on their backs, they sometimes can change into a “horse of a different color”. It is not unusual, and actually recommended, that you come back a second time to ride the horse again. That way you have something to compare their behavior to. Meaning if the horses’ behavior was very much the same the second time you rode him or her without much variance, then he or she probably is the real thing. Remember that this animal may possibly be with you for the rest of their life. You want a horse that you will really enjoy and who really enjoys you. As I said before horses are social animals, but it is important to understand that they are emotional ones too.

Unfortunately, there will always be horses that exhibit bad behavior, and some, very bad behavior. My experience tells me that a lot of bad behavior is usually the result of human error. That is why I am here trying to talk to you, and hopefully in the future, you will be talking to me. It is so easy to buy a horse, bring that animal home and find that you have an animal that is out of control, and you don’t know what to do about it. Horses have a tendency to try to take advantage of beginners. Trust me, they know! All they have to do is take one look at you, the way you approach them and ride them. Your best defense is knowledge. I am not trying to scare you, I am trying to educate and help you to understand that the more knowledge you have about horses, the more success you will have with them. Please don’t be afraid to enter into the wonderful world of horses. It is a fun place to be and learning about horses is the best part as it is never ending. Most of the riding horses out there are sound, quiet animals. They have a lot to offer an owner who wants to know, love, and care for them, as they will gladly return the favor.

Beverly Jansen
http://bevshorseadvice.com
I’m a licensed Thoroughbred Horse Trainer and a licensed Equine Message Therapist. I have devoted my entire life to horses and have over 40 years experience to share. My blog site was created to share my knowledge and will soon offer exceptional, all natural horse products that are above and beyond any other products in comparison,that will guarantee fantastic results. I will also be posting “How To” videos on my YouTube channel soon.

Author: Beverly Jansen
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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I know this question really depends on the person, but in general, how long should a person be riding/working with horses before owning a horse. A friend of mine has been riding for 3 years and working at a barn for 3 1/2 years, and she feels she is ready to own a horse. Do you think this is too short of a time?

Buying a horse is a moment of great excitement for any horse lover. Horses can be purchased to pamper them as a pet or even for commercial purposes such as for racing or soothing long riding. Considering the price paid for horses are exorbitant, many people just refrain themselves from buying one. However changing market trends and growth of several financing options has increased many lending institutions ability to lend loans to borrowers who want to purchase a horse.

Similar to a house loan, a car loan or even a mortgage loan, you can now opt for a horse loan to buy a horse for yourself. Be it a pony or a grown up horse, you can simply apply for a loan a horse and fulfill your dream of owning one, at no initial costs.Generally owners loan there horses at a point when they are unable to manage them. Hence they loan their horses to interested parties, who can pay for the horse’ expenses like the stable cost, the food, vaccination etc. There are two ways you can get a horse; borrower one or buy one.

One noteworthy aspect of borrowing a loaner horse is that the ownership of the animal remains with the original owner instead of a borrower. The loan agreement is signed for a limited period, consented by both parties. During this period the borrower has to expense the living of the horse and can use it for commercial or personal purposes. After the duration of the bond gets over, the lender or original owner will retain the ownership of the horse. This is a good option if you don’t have an interest in fully owning a horse for it’s lifetime.

If you are interested in buying a horse instead of borrowing or sharing it with someone, you can obtain financing from companies that offer horse loans. Since it is quite an investment and most people cannot afford to pay the lump sum, they get the horse financed. The institutions offering horse loans can lend you anything from $1,000 to $30,000 and the repayment duration could last from 3 to 25 years.

Getting the loan approved for buying an animal is actually a cakewalk like any other loan as most creditors are only concerned with the interest amount and the repayment of the loan. They will not even interfere with the usage of the loan amount, if it loan is applied as a personal loan, installment loan, second mortgage loan, or no-collateral loan. You can even get cash advance loans that are 7 to 10 times larger than your monthly net-pay. Finding the lenders that offer loans to buy horses is not hard, they are usually found on a website grouping page, whereas all the lenders you actually pay to be listed as horse loan lenders.

If unsure whether or not buying a horse is the best option, maybe horse sharing is the more feasible option. Sharing would require you to pay for the horse’s maintenance in partnership with the owner and would allow you, your friends, and family to enjoy rides on the horse along with other horse related activities. What ever you choose to do, either way, make sure it is in both your and the horse’s best interest.

You don’t have to have collateral or a down payment to get a Horse Loan. Take a look at all the lenders standing by to give you an immediate quote on low-rate Horse Loans.

Author: Grant Webb
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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If this is going to be the first horse you own, make sure you know how much money you have to spend on the horse. A horse is an expensive animal to purchase, say nothing of the whole hobby of horse ownership. Read through the segments below to help you calculate the costs you can expect to incur. Research, then type up the costs of these products and services in your area. Make sure the total amount fits into your budget. Also, bear in mind the results you compile are likely to vary between states, regions and counties. In general, boarding, hay, and vet care are more expensive in bigger cities than in the country.

Initial Costs
The amount of money you spend on a horse depends on several factors, including the horse’s age and training. If you only want a pet for the pleasure of riding, expect to pay $1,600 to $1,800 almost anywhere you live. If you intend to show the horse, you will pay much more. The show horse is what makes the difference in cost depending on your locality. Equipment and supplies are another immediate expense. The short list includes a saddle, saddle pad, bridle, halter, and grooming equipment. Riding clothes are needed, too, if this is not just a pet horse. If you are going to board the horse on your property, and you don’t already have horse facilities, you need to build them beforehand. If this is all new to you, the cost of all this can really open your eyes.

Ongoing Expenses
Most people think the initial outlay for a horse and equipment is the largest expense they’ll have after becoming horse owners. The reality is that maintenance will cost much more over the life span of the animal. Expect to encounter regular expenses when owning a horse. The cost of each item and service in the list below will vary depending on where you live, so do your research. Call local veterinarians, farriers (the people who trim and put shoes on hooves), and tack and feed stores to determine how much each item will cost. Estimate high so you won’t be disappointed.

Boarding: If you don’t have your own horse property, you’ll need to keep your horse some place else. The most likely option is a commercial boarding farm. The stable where you take lessons might offer this service. When boarding, you have to pay a monthly fee for a stall, pasture, or a fenced enclosure. This fee usually includes food and stall maintenance, but may not include bedding.

Bedding: If your horse is boarded where bedding isn’t part of the plan, or you wish to keep him at home, you’ll have to provide shavings or another type of bedding, which you will need to clean and freshen every day.

Feed: If your horse lives with you, you need to provide feed, which includes hay and/or maintenance of your pasture. Don’t forget feed extras, such as pellets or food for special dietary needs

Dietary supplements: Feed supplements, which you can add to help your horse’s joints, attitude, or other issues, are popular and plentiful at tack and feed stores. If you plan to give one or more of these supplements to your horse, add this cost to your monthly estimate.

Veterinary treatment: Horses can get sick, too. When it happens to your household, you have to call out the vet. The problem might be minor or require minimal treatment. I might be major and require surgery. Vet bills can be very high, and they can rise quickly if a horse has a serious or a chronic problem.

Preventive veterinary care: All adult horses need regular preventive care. Vaccinations and de-worming usually necessary several times each year. Overgrown teeth are a common problem requiring filing at least once each year.

Shoes and hoof trimming: Horses that wear shoes require new ones every six to eight weeks. A farrier will still need to trim the hooves of the horse if you choose to have him remain shoeless.

Insurance: Many horse owners insure their animals for major medical, mortality, loss of use, and/or liability. It’s usually a good idea. Add the cost of premiums to your list.

Training and lessons: If you are a beginning rider, you will want basic lessons in these skills. Your horse needs to train right along with you. Training is especially necessary if you intend to show your horse. Lessons are usually weekly expenses.

Show expenses: If you plan to show your horse, you have to spend money on show clothes, tack (equipment for your horse), entry fees, and transportation.

Now comes the scary part. Add the total costs. You’ll quickly discover the shape and color of your horse future. The number may not look very cheerful, but too many that have preceded you have gotten their feet wet, not expecting to take a bath.

Tanya Vorgan believes in the easiest way to learn — to teach others as she is learning. Her many interests have lead her to many exciting experiences, but sometimes nothing compares to the richness of quiet moments in which to reflect and grow. Tanya is also among those committed to the never-ending quest for the perfect cup of coffee, which for her begins with the best bar none Bunn coffee makers.

If you already own a Bunn, always use Bunn coffee filters to prevent overflow and to remove all chances of a bitter or papery taste in your coffee.

Author: Tanya Vorgan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Owning a horse is a huge responsibility. Just like owning any pet, you should put a great deal of thought and consideration before you decide to purchase an equine. Since most individuals will have to house horses off their property, you should first consider finding a suitable stable before you purchase a horse. Also, consider your wants and needs. If you or your stable has limited space, you might not want to consider a sizable draft horse like a Clydesdale. However, if you are in need of a large horse to do a great deal of work pulling wagons, you should consider breeds other than Shetlands. There are a great number of breeds, each with a different pro and con. After carefully reviewing each breed, you are sure to find the exact type of horse to fit your needs and your lifestyle.

Ask yourself what you are looking for in a horse. Do you want a horse that you can show? Do you want a horse for work purposes? Do you want a horse to jump or ride competitively? Do you want a horse to race? Do you want a horse to ride on trails or one that is compatible with children? After you determine why you want a horse (and the answer should be better than “just because”), you can set out determining what breed is best for you. Keep in mind, even though the breed might fit everything you want, each horse will have a different personality. Before you run out and buy the first horse in your desired breed, take a careful look at the specific horse in question.

If you are interesting in showing a horse for its beauty and grace, an Arabian horse is probably your best bet. These beautiful creatures are well-liked on the show circuit and enjoy being fussed and fawned over. For those daring riders who want a horse for jump training, the strong-legged Thoroughbred may be the perfect fit. These gentle giants are rugged enough to withstand the abuse of jumping, but are agile enough to soar over the highest gates. If you would rather have a rough-and-tumble horse perfect for uneven trail rides, the American Quarter Horse should be your top pick. These famous horses are often used in competitive Western riding events, including the heart-pumping barrel racing. American Quarter Horses are perfect for the intense training required for competitive racing, but also have the sure-footed step necessary for making the quick turns and negotiating rocky terrain. A Tennessee Walking Horse or Mountain Horse is the perfect fit for the horse owners who want to go on quiet rides. The gentle gait of these beautiful creatures gives these horses the best ride over even terrain. Finally, if you are looking a horse for a child, consider a smaller breed like the Icelandic. The shorter stature better fits the proportion of a child, and their smooth gait and easy-going attitude will prevent much bumping and jostling.

Whatever your choice of breed, carefully consider its pros and cons. Even though you may have your heart set on one specific breed, if it will not meet your needs, you should carefully rethink your choice. A horse is a huge responsibility and you cannot simply return the magnificent creature because you did not seriously research all your options and hastily chose a horse that will not fit into your lifestyle.

To find more information about selecting a horse, just log on to the Internet and visit locations such as http://www.ahorsesite.com/dir/typesofhorses to do a thorough search.

© Copyright 2005 by Lynn Walls. All rights reserved.

Looking for information about horses? Go to http://www.ahorsesite.com A Horse Site is an excellent horse information directory and resource Site. Provides a consolidated listing of the best Horse sites in one easy to navigate location.

Author: Lynn Walls
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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You have dreamed of owning a horse for forever, but you do not live in a rural area. You cherish the thought of the smell of your horse as you brush its silky mane and the rich smell of leather while riding. The problem may be that you have no experience with training and maintaining a horse. If you are among the countless people who love horses yet are hesitant to own one not knowing where and how to care for them, try a look at horse training stables.

Horse training stables are like a workout club or resort for horses. They are designed to keep the horse in maximum comfort, health and condition. Some barns also offer lessons on their own lesson horses to teach you how to ride and care for a horse as well as board, training for your horse and lessons for you on your horse. Some barns are backed by government land as well. Imagine thousands of acres of back-country land lined with trails where you and your horse can spend time together. Some barns have hours of trails with breathtaking views, indoor riding arenas for inclement weather, and some even have bunkhouses for guests.

When and if you are able to purchase your own horse, a training stable not only provides for your horse’s creature comforts, they also train your horse to become a trusting and reliable mount and you to be a consistent and confident rider. From exercising to braiding your pony’s tail and from body clipping to photography sessions, training stables are the perfect place for your horse to stay for physical and mental conditioning while you learn the ins and outs of horse care and ownership.

In addition, training stables can offer other services like horse sales, locating the ideal horse, some assist in purchasing horses from other parts of the world; show training, hauling, and preparation; and in some cases, stud services, mare and foal care.

Aside from training you in basic horseback riding, some training stables also offer horse training certifications and licenses. Lessons offered can range from horse management to horse showmanship in various disciplines. Being under the careful eye of a successful trainer, they provide the ideal environment where horse and rider become partners.

When choosing a training stable for you and your horse, here are some things to look for:

1. Proven records of accomplishment in training horses and if you are going to show, accomplishments in the show pen. Look for a trainer that can turn a scared, rude or sour horse into one that has confidence, good discipline, and responsiveness. Try to see how the trainer works. Pick one that shows concentration, self control and patience with horses as well as riders.

2. Minimum number of horses in training. A smaller number of horses in a training barn means more time spent by head trainer with each horse rider. This enables each individual horse and rider to reach their full potentials in the equine world. Larger stables may look impressive; however, assistant handlers do most of the training.

3. Horse-friendly environment. The facilities are set up and run with the horses needs in mind. The horses needs and even wants can easily be attended to, such as bedding, turn out, open area, stalls and arenas maintained with horse safety in mind, wash and grooming areas, access to trails, etc.

4. Safety first. The trainer should stress the safety of the rider and the horse before, during, and after training and lessons. The focus should be on the horse as an athlete not a machine. Look for a trainer that allows plenty of time for warm ups and cool downs during training and lessons.

Once you find a barn you are happy with, take some lessons and be sure you and the trainer mesh. It does not matter how good the trainer is if you feel intimidated, ignored or angry during your lessons. There is the human element that needs to be considered, we don’t get along with all personalities. Once you find a team that works for you, jump in with an open and trainable mind, learn all you can and have fun.

Jodi Wilson is a recognized authority on the subject of horse training and has spent almost 30 years developing training techniques and solutions for horse owners no matter the discipline or breed.

Jodi is an Accredited Josh Lyons trainer, and is Certified in John Lyons training techniques. Her website, http://Jodi-Wilson.com, provides a wealth of information to improve the relationship between horse and rider. Jodi is also available for clinics and demonstrations as well as lessons, apprenticeships, and horse training.

Jodi has trained and competed in Reining, Sorting, Jumping, Dressage, English and Western Pleasure, Trail and Problem Solving.

Author: Jodi M Wilson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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I have found a wonderful horse. My parents say that they know I am responsible, mature, and committed to owning a horse. Mom had said that she wanted to lease a horse first, so I get to bond with the horse and to see if the horse and I connect. Now she says we aren’t going to, and she won’t tell me why. She and dad said that we can afford a horse, and everything, but she still won’t give. I have tons of horse experience- riding, training, and vet care. I have found an amazing place to board a horse, where we have to pay almost nothing- I just work off most of the board. I am getting certified in trimming and shoeing, so that gets rid of another cost. All my parents have to pay for is the initial cost of the horse which they said they could handle. Please help me!