Continued from Owning a horse (1)

• Cost of Owning a Horse: Owning a horse is much similar as to taking care of a child and hence comes with its responsibilities and costs. The cost of owning a horse varies depending on the type of horse you wish to get. For example, if you want a starter horse which will help you get better at riding, you could be spending up to $5,000.00 or less while for a mature horse you could be spending more. Hence it is important that you find out the cost of horses and also the payment options available in stables around you before deciding in owning a horse.

• The Cost of Boarding Stable for the Horse: After acquiring a horse, the next thing on your mind should be where to board it and hence the cost of boarding. The cost of boarding horses varies according to the services rendered by the boarding facilities.
  For example, if the boarding facilities are to fully take care of your horse, feeding it and cleaning the stalls, then the charge will be high compared to when you decide to clean and feed the horse yourself. However, if you have a field or stable of your own in your private home, you can take care of the horse yourself but this requires much more time and commitment from you.

In searching for a boarding facility, do ensure that you choose one that is close to your residence and also has the right type of pasture and right size of stalls for your horse.

• Feeding the Horse: Owning a horse also comes with the responsibility of feeding it and hence expenses will have to be made on feed and supplies. A horse eats about 1.5% to 2.5% of its body weight daily in hay and grain. Hence, while planning to own a horse, you also have to set aside a budget for its feed intake and food supplements.

• Specialist Care for the Horse: As time goes by, your horse will require specialist care which can range from farrier or hoof care to vetinary care. The horses' hooves needs to be trimmed and shod every four to six weeks. Its shoes need to be repaired when bad or completely changed. In times of illhealth or emergencies, there may be need to seek vetinary care for your horse also. These factors should be considered while planning to own a horse.

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• Maintaining and Caring for Your Horse: Owning a horse may mean that you should also make your self available and care for it. You have to set out an amount of time daily (at least 2 hours daily) to care for your horse. The horse requires food and water daily and this should not be neglected by you.
  The horse also needs to be trained and thus it is advised that you set up a training plan and also acquire the services of a trainer if need be.
  Riding your horse is also necessary and you have to put a plan or schedule in place to achieve this. Your plan can vary depending on the kind of rider you wish to be. Riding your horse brings a closer bond between you and the horse and is thus necessary.

Responsibilities of Owning a Horse

• As mentioned earlier, horses live up to 20-30years, and hence owning a horse means that you will be responsible for its wellbeing over a long period of time and this is no small task in itself. You should therefore be well prepared both financially and mentally to give devout attention to your horse as the years run by.

• Always keep up to the financial aspects of owning a horse by careful budgetary planning and adjustments in times of emergencies. Make out time for your horse. Find a way to balance your personal life, career and relationships with your horses' welfare.

• Always be ready and prepared for emergencies that may spring up as time goes by. For example if the horse becomes ill or injured, it is important that you are present to support it and help it through such periods.

Consider all these factors before finally deciding on owning a horse. If you can meet up with the challenges then you are good to go. Enjoy the ride.

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