I Want a Pony! (Part 2)

 

Do I have the time required to fully care for a horse?

1. As an absolute minimum horses should be attended to on a daily basis - twice daily is recommended. Daily tasks include...
   
   
• Morning and evening feeding.
• Morning and evening rugging/un-rugging - rugging appropriately. Warm days with cold nights may require rug changes in the morning and at night.
• Cleaning out stall/shelter to prevent thrush and other hoof problems.
• Inspection of hooves for any damage and cleaning.
• Keeping an eye on the horses appearance and being on the lookout for any wounds or other physical indicators that something isn’t right.
• In the warmer months, checking the horse for Bot fly eggs - removing and treating if present.
• Grooming the horse.
• Exercising the horse - whether riding, lunging or being turned out for the day. 
  
  
2. Additional weekly horse care...
   
   
• Cleaning out and refilling of water trough.
• Removing manure from the horse paddock/pasture if kept on a small plot of land.
• Inspect the property/paddock/pasture where your horse is kept, looking for damage to fences or anything that may cause the horse any harm.
• Check food supply to ensure there is enough for the week - order or pick-up more if running low. 
  
  
3. Other recurring care requirements...
   
   
• Having the horses hooves trimmed every six to eight weeks. If it wear shoes, these should also be replaced.
• Treating the horse for worms every two to three months.
• Having the horses teeth floated on an annual basis. Depending upon the horse, it may require more frequent floating.
• Ensuring the horse has it’s recommended vaccinations to help keep it safe from equine illnesses. Vaccinations differ from area to area, so check with a local vet to determine which are recommended for where your horse is kept. Regardless of location, two routine vaccinations to consider are tetanus and strangles.
• Organising a general health exam from a veterinarian each year is recommended.
• Cleaning of equipment, tack, saddles etc. 

Do I have the money to fully care for a horse?

1. Aside from the initial purchase, horses require a regular financial commitment in order to care for them properly and keep them healthy. These can include...
   
   
• Board/agistment fees if you don’t have your own property.
• Feed - hay, grain, supplements etc.
• Routine farrier and dental services
• Routine worming/medication
• Routine vaccinations & vet checks
• Emergency veterinary services
• Remedial therapies/muscle treatment/massage etc. If the horse is suffering lameness, soreness etc.
  
  
2. Additionally there are expenses associated with the following...
   
   
• The horse:
• Tack - the bare minimum you need for your horse includes: a halter and lead rope, saddle, bit, bridle, saddle pad, girth/cinch, stirrups, and stirrup leathers,
• Having the horses saddle professionally fitted for the comfort and safety or horse and rider.
• Rugs,
• Grooming gear,
• First aid supplies etc.
• The rider:
• Standards approved helmet and safety vest,
• Riding clothes & boots
  
  
3. You may also want to...
   
   
• Undertake regular riding lessons
• Join a club
• Enter competitions
• Purchase a horse float to transport your horse to lessons, competitions etc. Expenses related to this would also include registration, insurance, fuel etc.
• Insure your horse - the various types of insurance you can buy include major medical, surgical, full mortality, limited mortality, loss of use, and personal liability. Some even offer colic-specific coverage.