What things do I need to know before owning a horse?

Learning to ride and learning the basics of stable management and elementary first aid is really a good start, you will find out that you will pick a lot up without even trying if you just lend a hand at the stables instead of shooting straight off after your lessons ( so many people miss great learning opportunities that way)

A lot of people have rideable drafts - they have become quite common recently.

As for the rest I really wouldn't worry about it at this point but if you should happen to win the lottery or discover the location of a dependable money tree that would also be a great step in the right direction !

Start learning to ride and then offer to help out at the stables - this will give you some practical experience handling horses as well as riding.

You need to consider (cost wise)

vets fees

insurance

tack

livery

vaccinations

worming

farrier visits

dentist visits

feed

bedding

hay/haylage

grooming supplies

first aid kits

and other things, but these are the main things.

Owning a horse is a lot of hard work, time and money. However it's very rewarding. I suggest you read up on all things horsey - particularly horse health.

Don't get too hung up on breeding - unless you need a specific breed (for example, you need a mountain and moorland pony to show in mountain and moorland classes) then just look for one that is good natured, safe and experienced. Don't be so quick to write off TBs - I admit that as a rule they're not usually an ideal first horse, however I have a TB and he is ridden by a 10 year old novice and he looks after her. He is, however, an exception to the rule.

I have an e booklet called "The Beginner's Guide To Riding and Horse Care" - I think you'd find it useful. Email me if you want it :-)

"You ask a mare, tell a gelding and negotiate things with a stallion"

You will need to know ALOT

Get riding lessons for at least a year before you decide to get a horse. Not only will they teach you how to ride but also how to care for a horse and they will get you in touch with other horsey people around your area.

Many draft breeds are rid able. Consider getting a warmblood which is a draft breed crossed with something else like a thoroughbred or many other types of horses. Warmbloods make excellent mounts as they are not as spooky as hot bloods.

Apart from the main horse care you will need to know where to get good quality hay, good farriers, a local vet etc...

The expense of buying a horse is the least. You will have to get a farrier in every 6 weeks to maintain your horses hooves, hay, horse feed etc... as well as the starting up costs such as a good saddle and bridle, grooming supplies, a barn and other things you may not have.

You should consider breeds like quarter horses or older school horses. The breed doesn't necessarily matter, every horse has a different personality. Try to get an older horse around the age 10 or up so it will be well trained and out of the jumpy stage.

You should get a gelding a your first horse. They are calm and don't have mood swings like some mares get when they are in heat. Do not get a stallion. They are not for beginners.

You will need alot of supplies like grooming supplies, riding supplies, feed, a barn etc... You will learn all this at a riding school.

You will need at least 2 acres split up into two pastures to rotate between. You should not keep a horse alone though so you will need about 2 acres of pasture for two horses. This does not include the barn, riding area or hay storage. You can also keep a goat or miniature pony as a friend for your horse.

You just need to know alot about horses in general. Especially study horse health. Get a good book on horses and it will answer all these questions. Better yet take riding lessons and learn it all.

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.

You need to know the horse, and his/her level of training. You would probably want to pick an older, fully trained horse.

You should consider the price of hay, supplements, boarding, Tack!, travel expenses, and how much time you are willing to give. Also vets and farriers must be considered. Horses are expensive, but can be very rewarding.

You might want to consider a quarter horse, or perhaps a morgan. I wouldn't choose a really hot-blooded horse for your first horse.

Mares and geldings are much easier for a first horse. Stallions are much harder to control, more expensive once they are bought, and are often not as well handled.

You should have a place to keep the horse, a saddle, bridle, halter, lead rope, lounge rope, grooming supplies, and of course feed. Also you will likely need a mineral block, and places to keep your various implements.

Where my horse is boarded, we have two horses on an acre of land. This is a good deal. Many horses are kept on a half-acre. If you plan to exercise him a lot, he won't need as much space to run, but he still will need some.

Horses require a lot of patience and attention. Yes, they are cute, beautiful, and amazing. They also have personalities of their own. Many horses have bad traits and few are perfectly trained.

All those questions are based on your personal preference. And because no two horses are alike, I can't tell that you should get a gelding because they are easier to handle. Because I've met some mean geldings, some bomb-proof mares, and some cuddly stallions.

My advice: Start taking lessons at a stable. Don't be afraid to ask your trainer questions on whatever you're curious about. The best way to learn about something is to experience it first hand. I gained a lot of my knowledge by staying after my lessons and watching the older kids, or helping my trainer feed, or listening to the vet come out when he gave vaccinations, etc. All the questions you are asking are a long way off-go get your feet wet first.

Oh, and it's gonna be expensive, no matter which way you slice it. Start saving now.

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Alot........ it's best that you dont get a horse untill you have at least 5+ experence with them. You shouldn't get a horse just to ride it, although its perfectly fine to ride, but you should know more then enough to own a horse. Plus, horse can be very rewarding if you know your facts! good luck!!!!!!!!

~horsegooroo15

One of the things people often forget is the cost of a furrier (important) and vet bills.

call your local for costs.

good luck