The Real Cost of Owning a Horse
Horse ownership can be a costly experience. There is more
to owning a horse or pony than simply popping them into
the back paddock and pulling them out for the occasional
trail ride. Before committing to making this rewarding
addition to your family, there needs to be realistic
consideration taken to their daily upkeep.
Initial Purchase Costs: (Just bringing your horse or pony
home).
The initial purchase price of the horse or pony is merely
the beginning.
Veterinary Health Care: Before purchasing any horse
you MUST get a vet check. It is even more vital if you
are looking at purchasing a rescue pony. That bargain you
had hoped for, may just work out to be a lot more
expensive than you thought, or worse, completely un-
rideable. Unless you have your own float and plan to
collect the horse yourself you will need to look at the
transportation costs of getting your pony home.
Horse Gear and Tack: Few horses or ponies come with
their own gear. This adds to the cost of start-up. Gear
for every day use doesn't need to be expensive but it
must fit correctly. It is worth having your saddle fitted
properly by a professional whether it is new or second-
hand. There are a lot of adjustable saddles now that can
be changed to suit your different horses or your horses
changing shape. A list of basic equipment includes:
saddle, saddle cloth, bridle, halter, lead rope, feed
buckets, hoof pick, and grooming equipment.
Rider Safety Equipment: Riders also need to have
their own gear to ensure their safety on and around the
horse or pony. A properly fitted helmet and pair of
flat-soled sturdy riding boots are essential. Riding
jeans or jodhpurs will definitely add to the comfort
level and really are a necessity.
Together the last three paragraphs add up the INITIAL
purchase cost for the horse or pony. However, the costs
do not stop there. There are ongoing costs for all horses
and ponies regardless of how often they are used.
Ongoing Maintenance Costs: (for every horse)
Hoof care is a vital element of general horse
maintenance. Hoof care can vary between barefoot trimming
for most lightly worked horses every 3-5 weeks ($50), up
to full shoeing for horses ($120+) with corrective needs,
unconditioned feet or heavy work every 6-8 weeks.
Worming is vital for your horse or pony's ongoing
health. It needs to be done every 8 weeks at the same
time as any other horses or animals on the property
($25).
Teeth are sometimes overlooked until there are
serious behavior problems emerging. Horses teeth continue
to grow throughout their lives and are worn down when the
horse chews. Hence the saying "Long in the tooth" when
talking about the elderly. Horses teeth rarely wear
evenly and results in sharp spurs and hooks in the teeth.
An equine dentist or veterinarian can maintain the
horse's teeth for you. This should be done every 6 to 12
months ($200).
Vaccinations. Horses also need to be vaccinated. In
Australia the standard vaccinations are: Tetanus (1 dose
annually), Strangles (1 dose every 6 months), and Equine
Herpes Virus (1 dose every 6 months), and Hendra Virus (2
doses 3-6 weeks apart then every 6 months) (Current Jan
2014) ($150/dose)
Agistment or Boarding is common for many horse owners
who do not have their own acreage. This price varies on
facilities and care options available ($50-$200/week).
This ongoing cost needs to be factored in when
considering the affordability of a horse or pony.
Feed is also important. Unless you have the luxury of
plenty of space, good grass and rainfall there is likely
to come a time when you are going to have to supplement
the horses grazing. The more work the horse or pony does
the greater the feed requirements. Often baled hay will
be enough to keep your pony healthy, unless you intend to
compete or show. This will require greater nourishment
and a "hard feed" will need to be introduced. Depending
on your choice of sport and the type of horse you have,
there are a great number of commercial premixed feeds
available at varying price points.
Emergency Care is something we all need to budget
for. Horses can get sick just like we do and are also
more prone to do silly things that result in injuries. It
is difficult to put a price on emergency care and having
a horse first aid kit can save you money in the long run
because it allows you to apply first aid while waiting
for your vet to arrive.
Competitive Horses: (Pony Club or Equestrian Disciplines)
If you are intending to take your horse to pony club or
get involved with any of the equestrian sports you will
have additional expenses. Yes there are more!!
Equestrian Club Costs: All clubs have fees,
memberships, insurance, and uniforms. They will often
hold lessons, clinics or rallies to develop you and your
horse's skills. These all have a price tag but are often
well worth it.
Show Saddle and Bridle: Some equestrian sports
require you to have a set of 'show gear' for presentation
or competition. This gear can be quite expensive but is
usually of very high quality and can last a lifetime if
well cared for. Your club will be able to guide you to
what is suitable for your discipline.
Horse Health Care: If your horse is going to be
ridden competitively on a regular basis it will need
additional care to keep it 'sound' and in good health.
Chiropractic, Bowen and massage therapies are often used
to correct misalignment and keep the horse free moving.
Presentation and grooming equipment is required for
horses to look their best. Many competitions have a
presentation component that marks you and your horse on
your overall appearance. Horse rugs, fly veils, clippers,
shampoos and lotions all add to the cost of competing.
Transport: Getting to and from events require a float
and a tow vehicle. These need to be registered, insured
and maintained to be legal and safe for passengers and
horses.
Horses are an expensive and lifelong investment but if
they are your passion there is no substitute. They are
not a 'hobby' that can be picked up and put back when the
interest takes you, but are instead a complete lifestyle.
They bring an extraordinary sense of freedom,
responsibility, pride, commitment and achievement that
cannot be measured.
The decision to bring a horse or pony into your life is
not a simple one to be taken lightly. Like all major
decisions, if you are able to make it completely informed
you are able to make strong decisions in the best
interests of everyone involved. I wish you all the best
with your new commitment and many happy and safe years
together.
The decision to bring a horse or pony into your life is
not a simple one to be taken lightly. Like all major
decisions, if you are able to make it completely informed
you are able to make strong decisions in the best
interests of everyone involved.
Too often horses are "Rescued" only to be returned to the
slaughter yard because well-meaning owners were unable to
meet their needs. Think carefully, horses are a blessing.
Additional information and resources can be found at:
http://www.onlineequine.com.au
http://onlineequine.wordpress.com/
About the Author: With over 25 years experience in horse
ownership, management and training, Sue C. Clark combines
this knowledge with a Bachelor of Education to bring you
straight forward advice relating to horse care.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?
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