By Theresa Denham
Juniper Meadow Ranch, LLC
www.junipermeadow.com
Spring is here, we are thinking about trail riding and enjoying the summer days with horses. Many newcomers into the industry do not know where to start. The first thing to identify is if you are ready for a horse.
As a stable owner, I have seen more ‘disposable horses’ this year than any time in the last 30 years of owning equine facilities. I think that some of the problems stem from people failing to fully recognize the responsibilities of owning a horse and all that entails – in good times and in bad.
If ownership becomes an economic burden and they leave the horse as payment for the board bill, they may think the stable owner is getting a “good deal”. The problem is that stable owners are being left with many more mouths to feed, with the board still unpaid.
Like any other business, it gets to a point where this situation only leads to heart ache for all. The relationship between the stable owner and horse owner is damaged, the horse’s well-being may be jeopardized if it is moved down the road with little care for it’s well being. In the long run, no one wins.
Before rushing out to buy a horse, be sure to consider the following:
Costs of owning a horse?
The American Association of Equine Practitioners estimates that the minimum yearly cost to care for a horse, not including veterinary and farrier expenses, is $1,825. Add in veterinary and farrier costs, as well as boarding expenses in some cases, and the yearly cost for keeping one horse can reach $5,000.
If I choose not to afford a horse, but want one anyway, what can I do?
· Leasing (and/or lessons) Leasing a horse enables you to experience what it will be like to own a horse without actually owning one, or having the responsibility of selling if you can’t afford it, it’s not right for you, or you move.
· Take lessons
· Find a farm to help out or work at, which enables you to ride horses and be around them without the extra cost and responsibility of owning one.
What happens when (not if) my horse gets sick?
Illness is more common with horses than most people realize. Despite their size and substance, many factors can affect a horse and cause mild to very serious conditions, from a minor cold to acute colic. Few horse owners are prepared to handle a sick horse on their own, and the best course of action is often to contact a veterinarian. Some companies do offer health insurance for horses.
How long should I plan to have my commitment to my horse?
Many horses live for 20 years and some can live for more than 30 years. If you cannot make at least a 20-year commitment to a horse, you should have a plan to provide for your horse or investigate ways to sell your horse long before the point when you can no longer take care of it.
If the horse you are considering buying for your child, you need to have a plan for the horse when your child goes to college, moves out, or gets married. Will you keep the horse in boarding or at home? If so, will there be someone to take care of it? If your child is at an age when he or she may leave home soon or his or her interests might change, leasing is a good option.
Jobs
What will I do if my job is lost, or I am relocated? Cost of moving a horse is expensive, and troublesome. If you move a lot, a lease is a better option. With today’s economic climate, leasing is a great option. Moving out of state requires a health certificate and in many cases a coggins test. The total fees are about $200.00. Some stables require updating all vaccines and wormings prior to moving in. Some stables require first and last or deposits. Money should be set aside for a sudden need to move so your horse will be cared for and accounted for in an instance where unplanned move occurs.
What do I do if I can no longer care for my horse?
Some options to think about
Sometimes keeping a horse is no longer an option, but other options are out there:
Lease your horse
Partial or full lease
Schooling program free lease
Therapeutic riding program free lease
Sell your horse
Second career if he is young and capable
Pasture mate
Give your horse to one of the above, making sure to screen your buyer/taker.
Donate your horse to a worthy organization
Therapeutic riding program
Police department
SAR program
Equine college or university
Horse rescue group
Horse retirement facility
Veterinary clinic
Have your horse humanely euthanized by a veterinarian if he/she is unsound, sick, suffering.
After you have evaluated your position you should know the right answer for you. It is your choice, and your responsibility.
Cheers and happy trails!
Theresa