Owning a horse is not just about the initial purchase and payments. It’s an investment you must protect. You should consider many factors if you want to own a horse, such as age, type and training. You must also arrange what to feed your horse and other care essentials to ensure they are comfortable.
For most people, owning a horse is more than just a luxury. It becomes a lifestyle that demands proper budgeting, dedication, patience and intelligent resource management. So, if you are thinking of owning a horse, there are many options that you can try. This article will explore ways to get around the cost of horse ownership.
Consider the Cost of Horse Ownership
When planning to own a horse, there are many factors you need to consider, not just the initial cost. Horses are not pets; instead, they will be your responsibility that you need to care for. In addition, horses will take your time daily over a period of many years. When looking for a way to care for your horse, you can check out prillionairesnews.com to understand more about investment management, especially if you are a racehorse owner or part of a syndicate. One of the most significant challenges is the upkeep, especially when you don’t have a stable on your property. The monthly cost to stable your horse somewhere else can be expensive but will vary with the type of livery services you choose for your horse.
You must feed your horse daily, which requires hay, hard feed and often, supplements. In addition, you should have tack to handle and ride your horse. If you want to take your horse for shows, you must have a trailer or wagon, and gas in the tank. Don’t forget you must have riding clothes, including a helmet, boots and comfortable, appropriate clothing.
This is not all. When calculating the expense, you should factor in the cost of the farrier with new shoes or consider trimming it every 6-8 weeks. To keep your horse healthy, you must schedule a visit with the vet or equine dentist for dental work and annual vaccinations. Understanding everything required after owning a horse can help you prepare effectively.
Ways to Get Around the Costs of Horse Ownership
Loaning/sharing
One way to have a horse is to consider loaning it from the owner. This arrangement can be complete or partial payment for the stabling and horse upkeep. Loaning enables you to get experience in horse ownership without fully owning one. However, getting your agreement with the owner in writing is vital to know what you should do or not.
Help out at a local stables, or a friend who owns a horse
Horses need someone to care for them; that’s a given. However, if you have horse experience without the budget, you can consider this option by offering to take care of the horse’s basic needs and, in return, getting the time to stay and ride it. Asking a friend to help care for their horse is a great way of doing this, or find a local riding stable and ask if they are looking for help. Ensure you have adequate insurance if you are handling and riding someone else’s horse.
Working Student
You can get the privilege of getting riding lessons by providing labour for at a horse riding school, for example. This helps you get the basic knowledge of caring for a horse. However, you should note that you can get jobs such as a groom and gain other valuable qualifications needed to succeed in the equine world. It’s crucial to write the agreement with the trainer to avoid scenarios of getting used and abused.
Final Words!
The above are the best options for owning a horse or gaining significant experience without worrying about the cost of purchase and upkeep. However, if you can buy, you should ensure everything is in writing to protect your investment.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.