| e loved horses ever since you were a kid and have | | | | horse owner, horses are your real life. If you travel |
| always dreamed of owning one. You've spent the last | | | | frequently, can't or don't want to commit to a regular |
| three years taking horseback riding lessons. You know | | | | schedule, or have a very busy work or family life, then |
| how to tack up, muck out, and have read just about | | | | this might not be the right time in your life for horse |
| every book out there on the care and feeding of | | | | ownership. Remember, horses must be fed, watered, |
| horses. No one can doubt that you've put your time in. | | | | and cared for according to schedule, and it's up to you |
| Horses are no fleeting fancy, but are a hobby that is | | | | to be able to maintain that schedule. |
| here to stay! | | | | • Do you have the space for a horse? You |
| So, are you ready to buy your first horse? Well, | | | | either need good accommodations at home, or you |
| before you break out your checkbook you need to | | | | need to find a place to board your horse. If you are |
| take stock of a few things in your life to determine | | | | keeping your horse at home, at the very least he |
| whether horse ownership is right for you. | | | | needs two grassy acres, a run-in shed, and an |
| • Do you have the knowledge? How much | | | | adequate water supply. If you keep your horse at |
| time have you really spent around horses, and has it | | | | home you also need to know that he'll appreciate |
| been hands-on? If you ride at a fancy stable that | | | | some company. It's best if you have room for an |
| tacks and untacks your horse for you then guess | | | | additional horse, a goat, or some other companionable |
| what? You aren't having the full horse experience! | | | | animal. |
| Make sure you know what is really involved in caring | | | | • Do you have the money for a horse? Horses |
| for, feeding, and cleaning up after your horse. A great | | | | are very expensive! Add up everything it will cost to |
| way to learn about all that is involved in horse | | | | keep your horse happy and healthy. Include food, |
| ownership, without making a long-term commitment, is | | | | farrier bills, veterinary bills, insurance, training, and board |
| to lease a horse. Try leasing a horse for a year or | | | | if you keep him somewhere other than home. Now, |
| two and then decide if horse ownership is really for | | | | does this figure fit into your budget? On the fence |
| you. | | | | about whether you can afford horse ownership? |
| • Now that you know what is involved, do you | | | | Again, leasing is a good option. When you lease a |
| have the desire? Horse ownership is a tremendous | | | | horse, you are responsible for all of his monthly bills for |
| amount of work. Are you up for it? If you aren't, that's | | | | a certain period of time. If you find at the end of this |
| perfectly okay. If you really love riding horses but don't | | | | lease period that your horse has eaten well but you |
| enjoy all the extra stuff that goes along with them, | | | | haven't, then you may want to reconsider horse |
| then why not just keep taking riding lessons? Ask | | | | ownership when you are in a better financial situation. |
| yourself what you really love about horses. If you love | | | | Remember, owning a horse is hard work and can be |
| things like mucking out, grooming, feeding, and taking | | | | extremely taxing on your time and resources. Before |
| care of horses, then you would probably make a great | | | | you embark on the exciting journey of horse |
| horse owner! | | | | ownership, make sure you are ready! |
| • Do you have the time for horse ownership? | | | | For more great information on buying horses please |
| No more showing up at the barn, riding for an hour, and | | | | visit our horse network and find valuable information |
| then heading home to your real life. When you are a | | | | that will save you thousands in mistakes or vet bills. |