Buying a horse is exciting and rewarding.
However, many people do not realize the work, time, and money to keep one. Before you make one of the biggest commitments of your life, there are many things you’ll need to consider, especially if you don’t have prior experience with horses.
If you’re looking into buying a horse, here are 5 things you’ll need to know beforehand.
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Cost
First and foremost, a horse is not cheap. Cost doesn’t just apply to the initial buying of the horse, but also all of the expenses that come after. Vet expenses, feed, and tack is just the tip of the iceberg. As with any pet, you should also prepare for any emergency expenses or the need to board your pet.
And, if you’ve never ridden before, you’ll need to pay for lessons. The cost of a horse should never get overlooked, as this is one of the main reasons horses will be given up or given away.
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Land
One aspect of having a horse as a pet that many people overlook is the land required. The right amount of land is crucial for your horse’s well-being. A good rule of thumb is approximately 2 acres of land allotted for each horse.
If you have horses on too small of land, you run risks for medical problems and inadequate exercise. To be a lifelong horse owner, you want to provide the best care for your horse, and the land is one of the biggest factors of that. Enough room to graze and exercise is essential for a happy, healthy horse.
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Experience
The experience of the owner of the horse should also be factored into one’s decision to buy a horse. If you’ve never ridden a horse before, you’ll need a horse that reflects that. Horses are temperamental, and it wouldn’t be fair to you or the horse if things didn’t work out because you weren’t realistic with your experience and expectations for the horse.
Experience can also come into play with daily or special care. Consider the time and effort you’re willing to put into every-day care. Are you capable of providing the horse what it needs?
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Extent of Care
Experienced horse owners are more likely to understand the day to day workings of how to care for a horse. However, this isn’t to say that a new owner won’t be able to. It just means you’ll have to work harder to learn everything.
From hydration tips horse owners learn to exercise their specific horse needs, each horse owner becomes attuned to their horse’s needs and expectations. Be open-minded, but firm in your resolve and know that horses are not the same as domestic cats and require extensive care.
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Leasing
Finally, before you buy a horse, know that there is usually an option to lease horses. Not only will this allow you a trial run for care, but you’ll get to see the full extent of what goes into caring for your new pet, including those bills.
If it turns out you bit off more than you could chew, then the horse can go back to the owner, and you’re all the wiser.
Buying a Horse
As we mentioned, buying a horse is fun and exciting! But you also have to be realistic with yourself about what you can afford and the quality of care you can provide for this massive animal.
If you still think you’ve got what it takes, then congratulations! Owning a horse is just as exciting and even more rewarding than you could ever imagine. Get ready for the ride of your life!
