This page is all about taking care of your horse and how much it costs.
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The first thing you think of when you think of a horse is where he will live. If you don't have acres of land and a barn in your backyard, your only option is to keep your horse somewhere else. For most people this is a local barn or farm. But before you pay more than you have to, consider these options.
| The first option in horse keeping is
to keep your horse on your property, but that isn't always available or
cost effective. On your property you have to do all the work. You
can't benefit from things like group discounts on vet bills, or trainers
that may be available at larger facilities.
There are also good things about home horse keeping. You won't have to wait to use things like the indoor arena or the hose, or have to worry about that naughty horse in the next stall rubbing off on your well-behaved horse. The costs of keeping at
home can be less than boarding at a barn, but things can get
expensive. You have to pay for the all the feed, the upkeep of your
barn or pasture, vet and farrier bills, all the tack you need, grooming
gear, bedding, and possibly the wage of a hand to help you. After
paying for all of this, will you still have money left to pay your vet in
case of a medical emergency? |
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| The next option in horse
keeping is the boarding barn. (There are two different types of boarding
barns, the least expensive will be reviewed first.) Here, your horse
will be kept in a pasture all the time and will be offered shelter in foul
weather. You will have to exercise him and groom him.
It will cost you less and is possibly a safer option. At a boarding
barn other people are always going to be around. If your horse
starts to show signs of colic, a concerned neighbor might call you and
then the vet. Another advantage of pasture boarding your horse are
the group vet bills (these will not always be offered) and the exercise he will get being in the pasture all the
time. A final advantage of this boarding situation is the
trainers that may come to your barn to hold clinics, or give lessons in
return for a board cut.
But there is a disadvantage to this option. If the barn isn't staffed well and the people don't know what they're doing your horse could get injured and wouldn't be noticed until you came to exercise him again. The pasture could be inadequate and your horse could get sick, and the people could be disrespectful of your horse and your property. Sometimes people "borrow" things without asking and never return them. Also, other boarders could be injured by your horse if they don't know him very well and go into the pasture to get their horse. That is why it is a good idea to have all the proper insurance when boarding.
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| The final option is to
board at a barn. This is the option that is favorable for many
people. Here, your horse will be kept in a stall, and sometimes will
be given assigned turnout times. Most barns like this will be
staffed with people to do the work. Sometimes, you must do the work,
and others there will be people provided to do it, this of course will
cost more. This is the option that is chosen by most people because it is
good for the horse, and for the people.
The only disadvantage to this is the price. It can be very expensive and costly. Some barns don't have sufficient staffing, or facilities to take care of your horse properly. You must be aware of what is a good price for a barn of this type so that you are not cheated out of good care for your horse, and a good price for your wallet. |
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| Not only do you have to keep
your horse somewhere, you have to take care of him. Grooming, bathing,
exercising, feeding, and health care are some of the major things you must
worry about in owning a horse.
Grooming helps to stimulate good blood flow and keeps the horse looking healthy and clean. Bathing is not always necessary, but it is desirable if you want to show or to keep your horse cool in the summer. It also can wash away dirt and harmful bugs. Exercising is necessary for a healthy horse. Whether you exercise him, or he exercises himself in the pasture, it is necessary that he gets some exercise. Your horse can't just stand in his stall all day, first because when you take him out he will be excitable, and he will get bored and have vices. Feed is one of THE most important factors in your horses health. There are different feeds for different activity levels, ages, and temperments. There are feeds and supplements to come horses down, give then energy, stamina, keep their joints and muscles healthy, and even improve their quality. You must establish a feeding program that is the best for your horse. When it comes to feed, every horse's needs are different, and must be considered. Health care for your horse could be the single most important thing for your horse. He must have all his immunizations every year, and his feet must be checked by the farrier at least every 4-6 weeks |
 
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