So how’s the process going of making your decision to purchase a horse? I am anxious to hear how you did on answering the questions for your “Horse Ownership License”! They are extremely important questions, and the horses have reminded me that the questions of the human’s mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual fitness are truly on-going. In providing good leadership for our horses, we need to go back and revisit these questions continually.
Now that you have passed the test for your “Horse Ownership License,” let’s look in depth to some very practical questions regarding safety issues for you and your horse, dedication of time, and developing a budget for horse ownership.
Safety concerns are certainly a huge issue. These concerns truly should be what drives your answers regarding the amount of time you have to dedicate, and the amount of money you must budget. Here are some examples of questions you need to answer in order to keep you, and your horse, safe and having FUN:
What training level & type of horse do you need to seek? If you are just getting into riding, I highly recommend you try to find an older horse. A school master will have positive experiences accomplishing the types of jobs you are going to ask of him. You can rely on his “Horse Sense” while you develop yours! It may cost you more money, but ask yourself how much is your safety, or the safety of your child worth? You should also take some lessons in the particular discipline you or your child is going to pursue.
How much time & money are you or your child willing to dedicate to horse ownership?
Time Considerations:
Time is a critical element in establishing any relationship. On rare occasions I have met and worked with people who are truly gifted in being able to relate to a horse. They seem to communicate effortlessly without the benefit of hours of time dedicated. Most of us, as “Aspiring Horsemen,” need to give ourselves time to understand how the horse thinks, moves, and reacts, coupled with miles in the saddle. In addition, educational assistance under the watchful eye of a good teacher is a must. Also remember that horses need companionship and love… this takes time! It has been said that horses don’t CARE how much you know, until they KNOW how much you care!
Establishing a Budget:
Boarding – where will you keep your horse? If you own or are renting the land…how is the fencing, the water supply, the type of ground (rocky or soggy), exposure to the elements (shade from sun, break from wind), and does the area provide adequate room for my horse to move and play? If you are keeping your horse at a boarding facility… ask the same questions. If they are to be stalled, how often the area is cleaned and what is the floor/bedding material, and how is the area ventilated? Will you be able to visit your horse daily to not just ride him, but also let him have a little time to play? If you can not visit everyday, will someone you respect and trust give your horse exercise daily? What are the principles of the owners/managers of the facility – do they adhere to your principles of developing a willing partnership with a strong commitment to the horse, or do they see horses in a different light – one based more on fear, dominance, and intimidation?
Care & Maintenance- Horses are not only very expensive to care for, their over-all health is a critical factor in your safety. A horse that does not feel well, has poor nutrition, or has not had proper hoof care, can spell safety problems for the rider. When budgeting, you need to consider the cost and quality of:
- Hay/Pasture/Nutrition/Minerals & Vitamins - Tack/Equipment/Grooming
- Foot Care/Shoeing - Transportation
- Vaccinations/Veterinary/Worming - Insurance/Liability
- Boarding/Maintenance of Facility - Education for Horse/for Human
WOW! This is a lot to contemplate, but absolutely necessary for a successful relationship. Horse ownership is a HUGE responsibility, and one not to be taken lightly. Once you have taken and passed your “Horse Ownership License” (Visit the article archive, Horses 101 January 2006), next make a check list of the items above and develop a budget for each item. (For actual budget comparisons, go to “The Rest of the Story” at: www.nwhorsesource.com) When you have made all these considerations, and are still ready to purchase a horse, prepare for the March issue of Northwest Horse Source where I’ll give my tips on evaluating a horse to find just the right fit.
Copyright © 2009 The NW Horse Source, LLC
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