Your first horse

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Where do I begin?

Choosing your first horse is a monumental decision that can profoundly impact your life for decades. The right horse can lead to one of the most fulfilling and rewarding partnerships you’ll ever experience; while the wrong one often results in unnecessary expenses, heartbreak, and disappointment. Tragically, too many innocent horses find themselves in dire situations due to hasty decisions, often ending up in line for slaughter. By understanding the responsibilities and considerations involved in horse ownership, you can set the stage for a successful and enriching experience for both you and your new equine companion.

Choosing the Right Breed and Riding Style

When selecting a breed, consider your riding goals. Study the most common horse breeds, their characteristics, and the riding disciplines they’re best suited for.

Following are some examples to get you started: 

  • Quarter Horse

    Strong, muscular, versatile, and agile; known for their calm temperament. Commonly used for western riding, barrel racing, roping, and trail riding. Good for beginners.

  • Thoroughbred

    Athletic, energetic, and high-spirited; known for speed and endurance. Most commonly used for racing, and English disciplines such as show jumping, eventing, and dressage. Better suited for intermediate to experienced riders due to their energy and speed.

  • Arabian

    Intelligent, versatile, and hardy; known for endurance and stamina. Best suited for endurance riding, dressage, and general pleasure riding.

  • Appaloosa

    Colorful coat patterns, adaptable, gentle, and good-natured. Suitable for western riding, trail riding, and ranch work.

  • Paint Horse

    Stocky build with distinctive color patterns; gentle and sociable. Good for western disciplines, reining, and pleasure riding.

  • Warmbloods

    Warmbloods include Hanoverian, Holsteiner, and Dutch Warmblood horses. Strong, athletic, and versatile; often larger with a calm demeanor. Commonly excel at dressage, show jumping, and eventing.

  • Morgan

    Versatile, strong, and intelligent; known for their good nature. Commonly used for driving, dressage, and Western riding.

  • Clydesdale

    Large, strong draft horse known for their feathered legs and gentle nature. Well suited for driving, and heavy draft work. The Clydesdale is the famous mascot for Budweiser beer, and is best known for pulling carriages in parades and crowded exhibitions.

Once you have an idea of what breeds might match your needs, it’s time to start your search. But buyer beware! Nothing moves faster than an unwanted horse, and some sellers will tell you whatever you need to hear to unload their poor decisions on you.

Recognizing Unscrupulous Sellers

Unscrupulous sellers might pressure you by insisting on a quick sale, claiming the horse will go to another buyer soon. They may hide issues, using vague language about the horse’s health or age, or offering a “trial period” with stipulations that make it hard to return the horse. The important thing is to take your time, and absolutely, positively request and examine veterinary records (including vaccine and de-worming records), and talk to the horse’s farrier.

Does the horse require a special diet? Special hoof care? Has the horse ever foundered? If so, you’ll need to decide whether the horse has chronic issues, or whether it was a one-time flare-up. Horses with hoof issues are extremely expensive and time consuming. During flare-ups, they’re unrideable, so your plans and goals are on hold for weeks or months.

A dishonest seller will also lie about the horse’s age. A good way to catch a seller in a lie is to casually ask how old the horse was when he got him or her. Later in the conversation, casually ask how long the owner has had the horse. Don’t waste your time asking for the age. Asking these two questions far enough apart will allow you to get your best approximation. The best way to determine a horse’s age is to have a veterinarian examine its teeth.

Costs of Horse Ownership

Owning a horse involves significant expenses. Swingin’ D Horse Rescue gets constant calls from people seeking to surrender their horses because they can’t afford routine expenses. Here’s a rough breakdown of what you should budget:

We joke that the purchase will be the cheapest expense you encounter as a horse owner. Total initial costs will easily exceed $5,000 in the first year if you board your horse. One thing you’ll learn quickly as a horse owner is that there’s no such thing as a routine year. Whoever coined the term “healthy as a horse” probably never paid a veterinary bill.

Essential Equipment for New Horse Owners

Once you’ve decided on a breed and coped with the expenses you should expect as a new horse owner, it’s time to gear up for your new companion. Following are the minimum items you should have ready and waiting for his or her arrival. 

  • Feed and hay
  • Saddle and bridle
  • Grooming tools (brushes, hoof pick)
  • Blanket for colder weather
  • First aid kit
  • Feed bucket and water trough
  • Halter and lead rope
  • Manure fork and wheelbarrow for cleanup

Creating a Safe Environment for Your New Horse

A safe environment includes a sturdy, clean barn or three-sided shelter with adequate ventilation and a minimum 10’x10′ stall. Fencing should be secure to prevent escapes, using materials like wood or high-tensile wire. (Avoid barbed wire if possible.) Ensure the pasture is free of hazards, such as toxic plants or sharp objects, and provide ample forage, and access to five to 15 gallons of clean water per day.

Horses can live well into their 30s, making your decision not just monumental for you but also for the sentient being you are committing to. This choice will shape both your lives, as you embark on a journey filled with challenges, joys, and unforgettable moments. It’s essential to consider not only your current lifestyle and riding goals but also your long-term plans and ability to provide for a horse’s physical and emotional needs. Take the time to reflect on whether this partnership aligns with your aspirations and circumstances. Ensuring that this decision is the best fit for both you and your future equine companion will lead to a rewarding relationship built on trust, care, and mutual growth. Remember, a horse is not just a pet; it’s a lifelong commitment, and with thoughtful preparation, you can create a fulfilling journey together.

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