by Rebecca K.

Created on: August 21, 2009

The decision to buy that first horse should not be one that is taken lightly. A horse requires major financial commitment as well as demands a great deal of your time and other resources you may yet be unaware of. While horses open us up to a wonderful hobby, sport and social circle, buying one isn't the only way to gain these benefits. In fact, you may find it more beneficial to lease a horse or borrow a friends and still participate without all the headaches.

"Yeah, but I really want my own horse."

Well I hear you, I was the same way. I was the most annoying horse-crazy kid you'd ever meet. At every fair, birthday or holiday, I'd beg my parents for a horse. They always said no, of course even though we had some room for a pony shed and paddock on our land. They didn't want to spend the money and hoped it would be a phase; unfortunately it was not. As a young teen I became more adamant about horses. Finally I was able to start taking riding lessons. A year or so later, I leased a horse one summer.

After finding out we 1/2 leased a horse and so did another girl, but yet the riding instructor used the horse also we questioned the value of leasing. Why were we paying for a 1/2 lease when it was really only a 1/3 lease. Anyhow I had a part-time job and some money saved up so my parents agreed to help me get a horse. I was on cloud nine.

I've been a horse owner since 1998. My first was a Quarter Horse mare and now I live on a farm with my husband, son and our 15 other horses; mostly Appaloosas and a couple of draft horses. We raise, train, sell and use the horses to do farm-work like pull wagons. I can be the first to tell you, horses are a bunch of headaches. Let's talk about some of the things you will face as a horse owner:

Housing- You will have to build a barn or shed or pay expensive boarding fees per month in order to keep your horse. Boarding costs can be raised whenever the owners see-fit so you are rather at their mercy. The good stables have long waiting lists and the lousy ones will send you packing up after a few months. You will also need to have adequate pasture for the horse and a safe fence. That means electric that is HOT or sturdy vinyl or wooden fence. Some fencing is cheaper than others but usually requires more maintenance. Whether you keep him at home or board it's going to cost.

Veterinary- Vets are expensive and horses need to see them at least once a year for shots and a coggins test. You'll want a pre-purchase exam which is expensive and there's always a surprise illness or injury to deal with. Horses can act tough, but really they can be susceptible to a whole host of illnesses, injuries and unforeseen events, all that will cost you as the horse owner. Be ready to deal with: stone bruises, hoof abscesses, colic, lacerations, heaves and who knows what else. This is not to say your horse will get all of these, but they are bound to get one or two during the course of ownership.

As a horse owner, you'll have to make hard decisions like when to call the vet or if a horse needs to be put down. You'll need to set aside plenty of money for show entry fees, trailering costs and equipment. Having a horse is rewarding, don't get me wrong, but you most of all need to be at least an intermediate rider and know the basics of horse-care before getting one, otherwise you are doing a disservice to yourself and the horse. So, if you have a good chunk of money set aside, are willing to deal with the unexpected and know how to ride, you might be ready for a horse.

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