Owning a horse is no easy task. There are many different things you need to know to be a horse owner, on top of the cost and the time. People may greatly underestimate what goes into being a horse owner, and this can lead to some frustration as a new owner. To help you prepare for horse ownership, read on to learn five major tips that will help you on this journey.
Tip 1: Not all breeds are the same.
When people think about buying a horse, they may get caught up in looks. After all, who doesn’t want to ride a majestic steed? However, just because a breed is beautiful does not mean it is the right fit for you. Some breeds are more difficult for beginners and require a strong bond before allowing you to be in control. Other horses are much more amenable, which makes it easier on inexperienced owners. Do some careful research before settling on a breed.
Tip 2: Horses need more care than the average pet.
Think about owning a dog. What do you need to do to keep them happy and healthy? You can feed them in the kitchen while you’re eating, let them out into the backyard when they need to exercise or relieve themselves, and play with them from the comfort of your living room. Horses, on the other hand, require daily visits for feeding, stall cleanings, cosmetic and health upkeep, and exercise. It can be a significant time, energy, and monetary commitment to make sure your horse is in tip-top shape.
Tip 3: Medical conditions can be expensive.
Horses’ vet bills can be expensive, especially when treating a condition. Horse owners can easily spend thousands of dollars treating conditions and preventing them from returning. You have to prepare to spend a significant amount of money or make the difficult decision to euthanize. If you cannot afford even a $1000 vet bill, you may want to reconsider buying a horse before having to put one down prematurely.
Tip 4: Injuries can and do occur.
Unfortunately, people do get hurt when riding horses. You can be thrown off, stomped on, or even injured by another animal if you are in a rural location. If you are not able to support yourself after an injury — both physically and financially — you should think about improving your situation before committing to a horse.
Tip 5: Horses need plenty of space.
If you do not have a significant amount of land on which your horse can exercise, you should consider the costs of boarding. This is a major expense that new horse owners tend to forget about. It may be that boarding is too costly each month and you would rather save your money until you are able to afford to board or buy a piece of land.
Before owning a horse, you should research everything you can get your hands on. Learn about diet, exercise, breeds, illnesses, and anything else you find. It is essential to have a solid understanding of your horse before you purchase it.