Taking Care of Your Horse: What People Forget About Before They Buy a Horse

You might be thinking of buying a horse, so what do you need to know? Basic care for the health and well being of your horse is important, and there are several things you need to take into consideration before you set out to find the perfect companion.

1.Vet care. It's always best to have an "emergency fund" of money set aside for those unplanned vet visits. You will have one, or maybe two visits a year for necessary vaccinations. Occasionally, just as people do, your horse might get injured, or become sick when an emergency visit is necessary. Most horse owners cannot transport their sick or injured animal to the doctor, so your vet will come out to your barn. This relates to a "farm call" which is an automatic expense added to any necessary treatment you might need.

2.Dentist. Routine dental care is important for your horse. For younger horses, a 6-month follow up plan with your equine dentist is important. For older horses, you can count on a minimum of once a year.

3.Farrier or blacksmith visits. A lot will depend on the quality of "feet" that your horse has. Plan on regular visits from your farrier for a "trim" at minimum. Horses requiring shoes will also need regular visits and is more expensive than your "barefoot" horse. Hoofs are similar to fingernails, and as they grow, they will need to be trimmed back for the comfort of your horse, otherwise if they get too long you can run into serious bone structure issues in your horses' legs.

4.Worming. A necessary requirement! Plan on a dewormer schedule at minimum of every six weeks. There are different wormers, each targeting a specific group of worms. Your veterinarian can give you the best schedule to fit your horse's needs.

5.Feeding. The cost of grain is reasonable; it's the hay that can be very expensive. Depending on the area you live, hay can run from $3.50 to over $5.00 per "bale." The average horse consumes anywhere from half a bale to one full bale of hay per day, depending on the amount of grass available in your pasture. Seasonal conditions such as an excessive amount of rain, snow or drought can affect the growing season therefore translating into higher costs for hay. It pays to plan ahead and order your hay to get you through your winter months, leading to a higher "up front" cost.

Also, take into account whether you will be boarding your horse at your own home, or at someone else's stable. Boarding amounts vary per area. If you keep your horse at home, you will need basic supplies such as a first aid kit, stable supplies such as pitchforks, shavings, and bucket; the list can be endless! Homeowners' Insurance rates can also be affected, making it slightly more expensive on your policy.

Not only is it important to research horses for sale before you purchase, but also equally, if not more important is to research prices for your area of the various things you will need to give your horse a happy and healthy home. Make sure you do your homework before you commit!