It can be said that caring for a horse comes with its own set of challenges, but the rewards you can reap from horse ownership far outweigh these challenges as well. But owning a horse is a great responsibility – apart from making sure that your horse has the proper shelter, you also have other factors to consider, which are outlined below. You have to have a basic idea of what a horse needs even before it comes to purchasing one.
Your horse’s food
We all know that our equine friends typically consume grass. But in most cases, especially if you would like your horse to be healthy, grass is not enough, especially today where pastureland is prone to over-grazing, drought, snow cover, or even poor conditions of the soil. As a rule, your horse will need additional fodder and other types of food like hay, a mix of grains, and minerals, as well as salt. You should also provide your horse with fresh, clean water at all times.
Your horse’s shelter and environment
At the very least, you should provide your horse with a clean and dry stall where it can shelter from the elements. This shelter would also need to have a dry area where the horse can lie down. But just like other animals, horses appreciate being in a natural outdoor environment wherein they can roam freely, socialise with other animals, and graze.
With this in mind, your horse should also have access to a pasture where it can move around. Make sure the pasture does not have any hazards like rusty fencing and machinery, loose wood or wire fencing, and holes. The fencing of the pasture should also be safe and of good quality. For this, you can opt for wood, mesh wire, vinyl railing, or plastic.
Your horse’s equipment
Apart from the horse’s environment, shelter, and food, you also have to pay attention to the equipment you need. This will include brushes, tack (used for driving and riding horses), water troughs, and feeders. To effectively clean up after the horse or gather the food that it needs, you need to have wheelbarrows, shovels, and pitchforks. If you reside in an area with winter freezing or frost, it may be best to acquire a water heater as well.
Additional equipment for grooming and handling your horse includes lead ropes, a halter, hoof picks, combs and body brushes, and clean cloths. For riding, you will need certain equipment such as a saddle, bridle, helmet, blanket or pad for the saddle, and stirrups for safety. It would also be a good idea to have a first aid kit on-hand for any emergencies.
The cost of keeping and caring for a horse
Whether you are planning to purchase a horse as a personal or business expense, you should also be aware of its cost. The cost of caring for a horse includes its food, health care (vet visits, dental care, vaccinations, and the like), and equipment. Whilst prices of food, health care, and equipment can vary, the cost of taking care of a horse can be approximately £1,200 per year (with no unforeseen expenses). Nevertheless, you must be prepared to give your horse the proper care, nutrition, and companionship it needs.
But if, at the end of the day, there is nothing you want more than to have your own horse, then you should also know where to look. Whether you are looking for quality Arab horses for sale or other horse breeds on the market, knowing where to go can make a big difference.