Posts Tagged ‘show horse’

I normally help train hunters and Western Pleasure horses but I’ve been asked to help a student train her Tennessee Walker to be a show horse. His major problem is that he paces instead of doing the running walk. How do you fix that?

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
Programmable Multi-cooker

I have sent my son’s show horse to a new trainer. The trainer is wanting to take my son’s horse to a horse show and show him. The trainers sister is also going to be showing the horse. The trainer as well as her sister will be paying for their own classes. With me being the owner of the horse am I entitled to any of the winnings that the trainer and her sister win.

Before you purchase any horse rugs, there are some things you should consider in order to find the right ones. There are a wide variety of types of horse rugs and finding the right one for your horse should be a lasting investment. knife edge stirrups Most horse owners end up buying more than one type of horse rug.

The size of your horse is an important consideration in your purchase. Before you shop for the perfect horse rug for your horse be sure to take the horse’s measurements. The risk of not taking measurements is getting a horse rug that is too large, which is a risk to the horse. Stable rugs

You will need to take some twine or rope and wrap it around the horse’s mid section in order to get a proper measurement. Measuring the twine against a tape measure will give you the width of the horse rug you need. You also need to measure your horse from the mane to the tail for the length.

Consider the climate of your area when you shop for a horse rug also. Any exposure to extreme weather conditions will warrant either a heavy weight horse rug or a light weight horse rug. Investing in a summer cooler horse rug is a good idea to protect your horse from heat, flies and other insects.

If you have a show horse or compete in horse competitions, you will want to find a dressage horse rug that is colorful and ornamental. You can easily find a horse rug that matches your horse’s personality and performance as there is wide variety of color and design available.

For horses that spend a lot of time in the stable, for whatever reason, there are stable rugs. These horse rugs can be anything from light weight fleece to fancy duvet types. Cooler Rugs These are meant for the comfort and warmth of the horse.

No matter what type of horse rug you choose for your horse, follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to keep it lasting a long time.

Whether you horse is a show horse, racing, competitive or jumper you need to take care of it accordingly. This means spending time each day to ensure he/she is comfortable, well fed and exercised and, in this weather, warm. Food is as important for the horse as it is for you so ensure that the horse has all the nutrition it needs. Pasture is the horses’ favourite and it gives the horse the nutrients and protein he/she requires, as horses are constantly grazing you need to ensure you have the right type of pasture for them

As well as pasture, Hay forms an important part of the diet of a horse and is a good replacement is fresh pasture is not available. There are many different types of hay such as Tifton and Alfalfa so make sure you pick the best type of hay for your horse to ensure it is fit and healthy. Alfalfa in particular contains a considerable amount of protein.

Once you have brought the correct type of hay it is important that you store it in a well ventilated area but it must be dry. If the hay is wet and mouldy then the horse can become very sick so check the hay before you feed it to the horse. One thing in your diet is not good for you and it is the same for horses so consider adding things to it such as horse pellets to ensure it is getting all the nutrients it needs.

Your horse needs a lot of water each day with many horses drinking up to 12 gallons a day. This is a massive amount of water and if the weather gets colder then it is a good idea to purchase heated buckets so that the water does not freeze. Salts, Minerals and even treats are important for the horse as well but each horse is different so consult your local vet for the best advice on what measures you should be giving to them.

As with humans, horses need the exercise to keep healthy. The intensity of the exercise will depend on what the horse does (race, jump, show etc) but even if you just have one to ride on occasions they still need regular exercise maybe 3 days a week to keep its fitness levels high and stop it from getting arthritis when its older.

Bob Brightside is an experienced author in the equestrian field. Horse riding boots are an essential product to buy when horse riding. If you are looking for horse riding equipment then search online where there are some great deals available.