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So, you want to know about horses?Read the article this discussion is about
This archived discussion is "read only".
» Ognyen - What do I need? My daughter is quite interested in horses , and we'd eventually like to find a place where we might be able to indulge her wishes. How much land do I need to support 1-3 horses, and how much will the equipment, feed, and other supportive stuff cost me? What kind of actual work is involved in caring for horses? (Yeah, Renee, I know I'm your dad, but I think others would like to know this stuff too.)
-- posted by Ognyen » Cyneswith - hmmm Well, hmm, that's a toughy. It depends on your geographical location, the number of feed stores, not to mention horse breeders, what type of horse(s) you want, what condition you want your tack (I will explain in my next article) to be in, the type of land you get, etc. All I can say is that if you think you and your family have the dedication, are willing to work with a horse, and have the financial capibilities, then then look into it, talk to a horse owner in your area, visit a tack and feed store, and do all the research within reason. You definately want experience with horses before you buy one. Getting a horse takes time, money, desire, and perhaps most importantly, dedication.-- posted by Cyneswith » RevNancyLeigh - Hi Hi,Welcome to the Suite. I have been a horse owner since 1982. I have a Quarterhorse Mare who will be 24 in March and a Appaloosa gelding who will be 22 in May. They are a joy! We have been though all kinds of problems and wonderful times as well together... Have fun with your own learning experiences as you go! Blessings, -- posted by RevNancyLeigh » pcelley - Getting Started Be sure to check your local zoning. Many areas specify how many horses you can have per acre. No less than 1/2 acre per horse is comfortable.Be sure to have a professional help you in selection and include weekly lessons in your horse budget. Also, your local 4-H club is a great resource. -- posted by pcelley » Desert_Rose - Horse care and expenses Hi there. Here in Alberta, Canada the cost for keeping a horse on your own land, buying hay and straw, as well as oats and supplements comes to just under $1000 CDN per year per horse. This also includes their farrier expenses every 2 months and their deworming every 3 months. I have an equine dentist that checks them once yearly and depending on what has to be done the cost could be anywhere starting at $50.00 CDN per horse. Extra farrier costs e.g. shoes are $75.00 per horse every 2 months the shoes are on. Tack for one horse in English costs me about $1100.00 (includes saddle, briddle, martingale, leg wraps, brushes and winter blanket, etc.) The cost is slightly less for one horse in Western. We have about 1 acre per horse for pasture. Lessons at a local barn are $22.50 CDN each. I have two children in lessons. I bought a good condition used trailer for $2700.00 CDN and I trailer our horses to their lessons. If you purchase a horse that needs training, my trainer costs me $500.00 CDN plus GST per month. This includes 4 free lessons per month.While it's true that the list can go on and on, it is better to be prepared for the worst than expect the best! It has proven to be one of the best ways I have spent my money as far as my children are concerned. It is definately worth the investment!!! Go for it! -- posted by Desert_Rose » Cyneswith - Hmmm I found out a bit more on horses' needs since I last posted.If you are as far north as Canada, Minnesota, etc., you will either want to invest in some good blankets and/or keep your horse in a stable at least during the night. If you live somewhere like Missouri, your horse can spend the winter outdoors, as long as you are careful, and the same for summer. If you live in a warm climate, just be sure your horse get sick from the heat (always have clean water and shade for your horse). Five acres per horse ought to provide enough roughage to not buy hay in the winter (if it is properly maintained). The amount you feed your horse depends on how much you work him or her. Naturally, if your horse is out to pasture, you won't feed him as much as when he is in a cross-country competetion. Prices in tack vary a lot. Saddles can cost as little as $75 for a very used small saddle, to $500+ for a brand new heavily tooled and sliver plated saddle. Nylon reins are about half the price of leather, and roping reins are less expensive than others. Bridles vary for decoration, material, and strength. Halters range from around $8 for a basic nylon one, to about $30 and up for personalized. Combs, buckets, etc, are some of the least expensive items, but when they are added up, they may cost as much as a good new saddle. -- posted by Cyneswith » horsefreak - Horse costs Hi I was ceriuos to know how muck it would cost to keep a fellabella. I was hoping you would be able to find out the Minumine I could spend and how much land it would need.Thank you, Rachel -- posted by horsefreak
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