The Essentials of Horse Ownership
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There’s no shortage of wonderful animals that you can bring into your life. The classics are, of course, cats and dogs. These pets can be hard work, but they’re relatively accessible. If you really want to have a cat, for example, then it won’t require too much effort to bring one into your life. But that’s not the case with all animals, especially large animals, such as horses. They require a level of comfort and care that is above other domestic animals. In this blog, we’re going to take a look at the essentials of horse ownership. Don’t get a horse without ensuring that you can provide all the elements that we outline below!
Time and Commitment
A level of responsibility is required no matter what animal you’re looking after. After all, if you’re caring for an animal, then you need some engagement with it! But of course, a different level of engagement is needed for a horse than it is, say, a hamster. Before you buy or lease a horse, make sure that you have enough time in your schedule (or you’re willing to make time in your schedule) to look after it properly. It’s not just about finding time to ride the horse and have fun; it’s about dedicating time to looking after it in all senses.
The Right Space
A horse needs a special place in which to sleep, eat; live, basically. Before you buy your horse, it’ll be important to think about where he or she will live. Will you rent a stable? Or look for horse property for sale, and have your horse live with you onsite? There’s no right or wrong solution, only the one that’s right for you. If you do decide to rent a stable away from your home, then make sure it’s not too far away -- when time is sensitive, you’ll find it much easier to manage your horse if it’s only a short drive from your home.
A Trusted Vet
You’ll hope that nothing major goes wrong with your horse. But your horse will pick up minor issues all the time, and even if they’re not overly serious, they’ll still need to be looked at by a professional. As such, it’s a good idea to identify a trusted vet with whom you’ll work for the duration of the horse’s life. Remember that your horse’s health isn’t something that you can overlook, so be sure to factor in the cost of vet visits when you’re making your budget.
Basic Equipment
You’re planning to ride your horse, right? Then, in that case, you’ll need all the essential tack equipment. These include items such as saddle, girth and cinch, stirrups, horse boots, and reins. These can be expensive, but there are plenty of second-hand options available.
You’ll also need equipment for your stable, too. This includes a feed bucket and hay net, pitchfork, broom, and manure fork. If you’re keeping your horse in a rented stable, then they’ll probably have all this equipment for you to use.
