So you think you want a horse; thats great! This article
covers just the very basics, such as the expense of horse ownership.
Here are some things to consider when purchasing a horse:
What Do You Know About Horse Breeds? Of the many different breeds of horses, the most popular are Quarter, Thoroughbred, Arabian,
Appaloosa, Tennessee Walking, and Morgan. There are pros and cons to each breed and before deciding upon a specific breed,
first consider what you wish to do with the horse.
The most popular of all horse breeds is the Quarter Horse. This great
all around horse ranges in size from 14.2 to 15.2 hands. (One hand is equal to about four inches). They are typically easy
keepers, meaning that they are hearty and their care is generally not too difficult compared to some of the other breeds.
Thoroughbreds
range in size from 15 to 17 hands and often are not easy keepers. They many need more feed, hay, and care than other breeds.
They can also be a bit flighty and difficult to manage.
An excellent all around breed to consider is the gaited Tennessee
Walking Horse. They are known for their smooth walking gait. Its unlike the trot of most horses which jars your teeth until
you learn to sit correctly or post! Tennessee Walking Horses are also generally very gentle and forgiving. They range in size
from 14 to 16 hands and come in all colors.
Of the many different breeds of horses, the most popular are Quarter, Thoroughbred,
Arabian, Appaloosa, Tennessee Walking, and Morgan. There are pros and cons to each breed and before deciding upon a
specific breed, first consider what you wish to do with the horse.
The most popular of all horse breeds is the Quarter
Horse. This great all around horse ranges in size from 14.2 to 15.2 hands. (One hand is equal to about four inches). They
are typically easy keepers, meaning that they are hearty and their care is generally not too difficult compared to some of
the other breeds.
Thoroughbreds range in size from 15 to 17 hands and often are not easy keepers. They many need more feed,
hay, and care than other breeds. They can also be a bit flighty and difficult to manage.
An excellent all around breed
to consider is the gaited Tennessee Walking Horse. They are known for their smooth walking gait. Its unlike the trot of most
horses which jars your teeth until you learn to sit correctly or post! Tennessee Walking Horses are also generally very gentle
and forgiving. They range in size from 14 to 16 hands and come in all colors.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Horse? Horses can cost from $100 to over $1,000,000! If youre looking for a basic grade (nonregistered) trail
horse you can expect to spend $1,000 to $2,500, depending upon breed, size, training, looks, etc. If you are looking for a
registered horse, expect to spend $1,000 and up, depending on breeding, size, looks, background, training, ability, etc.
Do You Know How To Ride? You dont have to be a professional rider to own a horse, but taking time to learn the basics correctly and humanely
will make a big difference in your overall horse experience. Consider taking lessons and/or leasing a horse first. Look for
a lesson program that also offers education on care, grooming, etc.
If you choose to lease, expect to spend as little as
$100 or as much as $500 per month or more for your horse. Leasing allows you the opportunity to spend time in the saddle and
get used to the huge, but rewarding, responsibility of owning a horse. The owner should be involved and available for questions
and concerns.
Have You Received Good, Solid Advice? If youre considering purchasing a horse, hopefully youve spoken with knowledgeable and responsible people
in the horse world. You can call upon these people to help you determine what type of horse is right for you. Do you want
to trail ride? Show? A novice and/or young horse and a novice rider is not a good combination. Look for a well-trained horse
the first time around. Remember, however, if your horse is well trained and you arent, he wont understand what youre asking;
and youll have to learn how to communicate with him.
Never purchase a horse without getting a pre-purchase exam, which
runs $75 - $300. Call an equine (horse) vet to assist you. Hell ask what your intended use for the horse will be, and you
should ask him questions about the horse, as well. The vet will give you an opinion as to whether or not the horse is capable
and/or willing to do what you wish, and he can also help you weigh the pros and cons of purchasing a particular horse. Keep
in mind that most small flaws will not affect your intended use.
Where Is Your New Horse Going to Live? If you choose a boarding facility make sure that you are comfortable with the way that its run. Look
for knowledgeable owners and managers who are both capable and humane in their care. Your horse cant call you and tell you
that he isnt being fed or that he is being mistreated. Feel confident that they will be patient with a new horse owner. You
can expect to pay $250 to $500 per month for full board which generally includes a stall, daily turnout, feed and hay. Because
keeping a horse at home is the ultimate responsibility, we dont recommend that a new horse owner keep his horse at home.
Have You Thought About Health Care? To keep your horse happy, remember he is a herd animal and may not want to be alone. He also needs food,
water, shelter, and a safe space for exercise horses werent intended to be confined. To keep your horse healthy, he needs
regular vet care. Vaccinate twice per year or quarterly if youre boarding him at a large facility or if he spends a lot of
time with other horses (i.e. shows, trail rides, etc.)
Because horses feet grow like our nails, they need regular and routine
hoof care by an experienced farrier every six to eight weeks, at a cost of $50 to $80 for four shoes!
Remember, these are just the very basics!
