Hey all - buying a horse

[Aerows]

I'm thinking of achieving my life long dream of having a horse. I've always loved to ride, and I live in a fairly rural area. In conjunction with having said horse, I'd also like to raise some goats for dairy.

It was advised that I need at least 4 acres to do this. That seems reasonable to me. I'm at the very latent planning stage, so I'd like to know about fences, care and what I need to do to make my dream come true.

[Egalitarian Thug]

1. Hi again. You're not very forthcoming with the info, so start here;

http://forum.saddlebredrescue.com/

I'm really serious, if you don't know what you're getting into and are not absolutely prepared for it, you will just end up adding to an already abundant amount of misery and suffering. What kind of fencing and barn layouts are the last things you should be thinking about at this point. These are incredibly beautiful lives and condemning them to horrible suffering and a torturous death just because you have a dream is not the way you want to go.

[Aerows]

2. I ask questions

And seek information so that I don't become a statistic. How dare you act like I'm some person that ISN'T trying to do the right thing from the start?

I appreciate the help, but I don't appreciate the assumption that I'm playing around and that I'm going to be an idiot from the start.

That said, thanks for the advice on the fence work.

[Egalitarian Thug]

3. I don't think you don't intend to do the right thing, quite the contrary. But I do deal with the

consequences of well intentioned people inadvertently getting in over their heads every day. I wasn't exaggerating even a little bit when I said that the results of far too many perfectly nice, well intentioned people would break your heart and make you sick.

I don't know you any more than you know me, but I do know what frequently happens after the reality sets in. I also suspect that if you do commit to this, you will look back on this exchange and think that I was not nearly critical enough.

I wish you nothing but good luck and a long and loving relationship with your animals.

[Aerows]

9. It takes me forever to make decisions

One of my faults, but at least when I make them, they have been well-evaluated.

I still want it, that sort of life, since I'm in the sticks I might as well make the most of it.

[Aerows]

8. I seriously consider everything I do.

I don't *know* if I am ready to take on the responsibility, but I *think* I am. I don't want to make mistakes.

[fasttense]

40. I use to ride in competition

and the 1st thing we thought about before ever getting a horse (or another horse) is where to keep him/her, where and how to feed and water them. Too many people ignore the fact that animals, much like children, must be provided for around the clock. You can't just let them out in the field without thinking through, shade, water, amount of necessary pasture, wind protection.

So, I'm glad that pasture is one of the poster's first thoughts. It shows she/he is thinking it through. Everyone has to start somewhere. This forum isn't the easiest to find so I think anyone who manages to navigate to this rather slow topic is probably pretty serious about farm animals anyway.

[TBF]

4. I was going to suggest a horse rescue group as well -

given the economic downturn I'm guessing those groups have a lot of animals to place and good resources to guide you.

Currently I live in the suburbs, but I grew up in a very rural area in the midwest. My grandfather raised horses (along with cattle and cash-cropped corn on 600 acres). My parents had about 5 acres - old house with a couple of barns. When I was a teenager and wanted a horse I was allowed to have one that someone was giving away, but my dad fixed up the barn and did the fencing. My mom knew how to care for the horse (feeding, riding, brushing, cleaning it's hooves etc) so it was a pretty easy deal for us. We had a welsh pony through my teen years and then gave it to a local farmer with kids when I went off to college.

It's definitely something you can do assuming you are considering the cost and day-to-day work involved. As long as you can commit to that (or to paying someone to help you - no idea what your resources are) then I'm sure it could work out. Animals can be a costly proposition - just for my labs alone I spend money on food, toys, kennel when we vacation, Vet bills, regular medicines like heartworm preventative, etc ... plus you need to make the time to play with and walk them. For folks who work many factor in doggie daycare/lunchtime dog walking as well. It's not something to go into lightly.

[Vincardog]

5. I have a horse and have had donkeys too. Start by getting to know people who have the kind of animal

you are interested in owning. Check out the local riding, reigning, hunting clubs.
Decide what you want to do with your horse.
Learn how much time and effort it takes to so that well.
Decide if you have the time energy and resources to do what ever it is.

It will take LAND. I had 5 acres to turn my animals out on. That was in TX and was not enough to FEED them.
Time. Groom them every day. Clean their stalls at least once a week. Work them at least twice a week if not more, (depending on your activity).

MONEY- aside from food and water, tack, vet bills, transportation, entry fees and trainer fees all can turn a hobby into a nightmare.
Don't forget your own togs you don't want to show up for a roping contest dressed like a dressage rider.

Structure. You need a place to keep your animal, its feed and tack

Transportation. At least a trailer and truck to pull it.

[Aerows]

27. I have the land

Transportation was something I didn't think about, but I have a ford Explorer XLT

[vanboggie]

6. The inexpensive part is buying the horse itself

If you can locate a very reputable trainer, it's well worth the money to have them work with you to find the right horse for your purposes. If you can, board with them and take lessons for a while as you learn not only how to ride the particular horse you acquire, but also learn as much as possible about proper horse care. Have a knowledgeable person help you find the right saddle, bit, etc., because something as simple as a tight saddle or the wrong bit may cause you a lot of heartache (or get you tossed).

As mentioned above, horses need good quality hay (scarcer and more expensive every day), a good pelleted feed, and often supplements. Shots and a yearly once-over run about $300 around here, plus you need to worm them regularly (actually now they suggest a vet check to target whatever variety they have at the moment), and there are always the unexpected very large bills if your horse develops a major sickness - colic, Potomac, EPM. This is a great site to learn about equine health issues:
http://www.thehorse.com/
You'll also need to have a good farrier stop by every six weeks or so to trim your horse's hooves.

We are down to one retired show horse, but still clean his stall and turn him out every day. Horses are herd animalsl and do best with others. Ours is quite lonely now, but it's good you plan on having goats. Horses & goats go well together.

Not trying to discourage you, but as mentioned by others above, you need to know what you're getting into. It's too easy to get the wrong horse or have your financial circumstances change, and then what do you do? Too many are being discarded because they just didn't work out ... or go hungry because owners underestimated the cost. Then they end up on Craigslist going to yet another bad situation, or going to a meat buyer for slaughter.

We're keeping our one because we love him too much to take the chance of letting him go to unknown circumstances, especially in this economy. So we have a 22 year old horse to care for for who knows how long - well into our retirement years (our other horse went strong till passing away at 33).

If you love horses and love to ride, I would just arm yourself with information and preferably a knowledgeable horseman before you jump in. The experience will be much more fun for you that way!

[Aerows]

28. I will have the goats, to help with the friendship

and I will do the rest, because I love the horse. She is gorgeous, and I don't know how else to show how much I love my girl.

[jwirr]

7. When I was small I once told my aunt that I was going to get a horse if I had to buy one when I

was 80. That gives me 9 more years to accomplish my dream! Glad you are getting yours.

[Rider3]

10. As a horse keeper for over 30 years....

If your heart is in it, you can do it. It takes a lot of work and time, but you obviously know this already. The best advice I can give you is buy a horse that suits YOU. Don't pick the prettiest, the flashiest, the one your friend likes -- unless you LOVE the horse. I've seen so many people buy a horse for dumb reasons. You want to enjoy the beast, not be afraid or have it become a chore. Then, read up! I suggest Equus, since they cover a lot of issues. Ask questions! It's one of the most fulfilling things you can have in your life, and I wish you well! Happy Trails!

[Aerows]

11. I'm looking

It's kind of like my cat. She found me, and I adore her without reservation, and I had a dog I adored, too (had him until he passed away). That's what I'm looking for in my equine friend. I've ridden a few though. I am not one to make hasty decisions.

Thanks for the advice There is a beautiful mare I have my eye on. She's rather larger than I thought, but she's got a sweet disposition.

She's a hell of a lot larger than I thought I'd be interested in, but she's got a great personality.

[Rider3]

13. Go for it, Aerows

You won't regret it!

[Aerows]

21. She is huge, though

And that scares me. She's so beautiful though, too.

[Aerows]

22. 17 hands

and gorgeous sorrel coat.

[LWolf]

12. Horses:

I can't say anything about goats except that they need exceptionally good fences, and you don't want them in an area with trees or shrubs. Horses, though, I've had all of my life.

It's a good idea to have some goats on hand when you get a horse, unless you are getting more than one. They are herd animals, and a lone horse is usually a less-happy, more stressed horse.

For horses, you need SAFE fences. Fences that they can't take down, and won't injure themselves on. There are all kinds of fences out there; I prefer pipe to wood. It doesn't rot, it doesn't break or splinter, and weathers all the weather just fine. You can use t-posts and wire, if you use tall t-posts and run a hot-wire to keep horses off of the fence. Otherwise, t-posts aren't the safest.

Horses need shelter, need fresh water available 24/7, and hay at least twice a day; approx 20 lbs per day, depending on body weight. Grass hay is better than alfalfa. A salt block; possibly a mineral block depending on your area. Our area is deficient in selenium, which means our hay is also deficient, so we provide a plain salt block AND a selenium block. Generally, a horse in good health on moderate exercise won't need other types of feeds or supplements, except for psyllium 7 days per month to prevent sand colic.


Yearly, or twice yearly, vaccinations, regular worming and feet trimming, regular dental checks, and the willingness to pay the vet to come out any time the horse needs it; I've had the vet out for abscessed stone bruises, an injured stifle, and a rare virus in the last 5 years.

A clean feeder to keep feed off the ground helps.

I prefer to give my horses more room than many; if you are going to keep a horse in a small corral, then it will need more exercise. If you've got the space, give the horse more room.

Pick up manure daily. Do a visual inspection at both feedings to check for anything "off."

The horse itself? That depends on your level of experience and the kind of riding you plan to do. It's better to pay more upfront for a well-trained, more experienced horse than get a green horse or a horse with issues, unless you know how to train that horse yourself. Here are some things I know: Color doesn't matter. "Pretty" doesn't matter. Conformation, soundness, and mind are what matters.

For a first-time horse owner, who wants recreational riding, the best all-round horse I know is a foundation quarter horse.

The worst would be the arab, based on strong-mindedness, high intelligence looking for trouble, and uncomfortable gaits.

Be sure to see your prospects several times, in different settings, caught and handled by different people, if necessary. Anything a seller says the horse can do should be demonstrated: tying, feet, loading, as well as riding. And, of course, a thorough health and soundness check by a good vet.

[Aerows]

25. You agree that having goats would be a good thing for a horse

I think so, too. I have enough land, but I would like to make certain that my horse is happy. I think having other animals would facilitate that.

[LWolf]

32. Horses aren't happy alone.

Being without a "herd" increases their stress level by quite a bit.

You don't need a bunch of goats; 2 would be perfect. Two because, when you take the horse out to do something, you aren't leaving the goat alone.

Polled goats; no horns.

[beam me up scottie]

14. 1.) Do NOT get a mare for your first horse.

I love my Warmblood filly but she is impossible to work with at times and can be very dangerous.

Stella is a 16H 1400 lb. teenage diva crazed with hormones who spooks way too easily. She was pastured for the first 3 years of her life and was sold to me for a song because everyone else had given up on her (imagine adopting a 13 year old human girl who was raised by chimpanzees). She is a problem child and will never be suitable for novice or even intermediate level riders. She doesn't bite or kick but has terrible manners and needs to be worked with constantly or she forgets everything she has learned.

Don't get me wrong, she is breathtakingly beautiful, a sweet, affectionate curious girl who charms everyone she meets but I don't allow anyone other than my bf, the farrier and vet handle her. I won't even let bf ride her because you cannot relax for a single second when you're in the saddle. She is a joy to me but she could very easily be someone else's worst nightmare.

Even the gentlest mares can be unpredictable, if you want a good natured buddy who will always be glad to see you, get a cold blood gelding. Our boy Jack is a 7yo draft cross who was horribly mistreated and malnourished and has every reason to hate humans, but he doesn't.
He is VERY large but so sweet natured I would let a child ride him. He is insanely motivated by food and lazy lazy lazy most of the time but that's part of his charm. He's the kind of horse who will rest his head on your shoulder, sigh and close his eyes.

I am still healing from a riding accident this past summer -Stella freaked over a squirrel, bolted, reared and fell down pinning my leg underneath her- and I'm riding Jack bareback as part of my physical (and emotional) therapy. He's so big and well-padded it's like riding a couch with legs.


2.) Try the horse before you buy, dishonest horse traders will medicate animals and you won't get a refund after the check clears.

3.) Find an experienced vet (one who is willing to make emergency calls if s/he is to be your horse's doc) and a trustworthy farrier and have them both examine any animal you wish to buy.

4.) Use horse fencing and don't pinch pennies, bad fences can tear up a horse and allow them to wander out onto the highway.

5.) If you can only have one horse please get the goats too, solitary horses get bored and neurotic.

We have 5 fenced acres for two large horses and feed hay in the winter, we keep two large water tanks full at all times and built a three sided shelter so they can get out of the elements when they want to. We feed daily supplements, worm them 4x yearly, get them immunized every spring and a farrier shoes them every 6 weeks. Your vet can give you a more comprehensive schedule.

Do your homework, horses are time consuming money pits and you might find it more appealing to lease a horse that's stabled elsewhere.

Good luck and happy trails!

[Aerows]

17. I do not understand

how you can say a mare is a bad horse for the first time. Good grief. Female horses are very gentle, and I can't understand how you don't want to ride them as first generation.

[LWolf]

33. Mares cycle in and out of season,

and can be more temperamental during parts of the cycle. Where as geldings aren't slaves to their hormones.

That said, most of my horses have been mares, and we've thrived together. Conformation, training, and mind is more important than gender.

[fasttense]

41. My first horse was a mare and she was the most gentle creature in all the world.

We use to go down to swim in the river on hot days (bareback of course). She would stomp the water to splash it up on her when we first rode in. Then in a little deeper, I would slide off her rump into the water, like a sliding board. She would never kick. We would swim in the 30 foot deep section. It felt like heaven on a hot day. About 2 pm the train would go by. The conductor would sound the whistle and wave to us. Then we crawled out shaking off sprays of water. Ah, those were the days, when the river wasn't polluted and I had long summer vacations to romp with my mare.

[LWolf]

42. You make me nostalgic. nt

[Aerows]

20. Seriously, I can't imagine not liking a mare

[Aerows]

23. 17H Sorrel

She has a gorgeous temperament, and has a pretty coat. She's a mare. I'm not sure why this gorgeous girl couldn't be a great horse just because she's a mare.

[Aerows]

26. Goats

They are interesting to keep.

Do you have any suggestions? They are good with lonely horses, and I want to make sure I do the right thing.

[Aerows]

30. I will listen to good advice

and not be hard headed.

[toby jo]

15. Exciting time of life - fulfilling that dream

I have 4 horses and have worked them my whole life. Had to wait til I was 40 to own my first one. Ouch.

Some good advice posted here. I'd try leasing one first. That way you can ride it and be around other horse people to get a feel for what is involved. You can also lease to own, which is how I got my first mare.

Go for a middle-aged, well-broke horse. A gelding would probably be better, but mares can be sweet, too. By middle aged I mean about 6-10 years old. Too old and they get arthritis and you can't ride. Go to the local tack store, you'll find boarding / training facilities full of people with advice, and hopefully something you can lease to get started.

Quarter horses are a good all around breed, and a lot of people are getting into walkers these days, Tennessee Walkers.

Good fencing is a must. My drafts will walk right over fencing that holds the thoroughbreds if there is enough snow! Who would have thought gentle, peaceful drafts would turn into my hard keepers? So I've had to install high fencing with boards across the top. 106 acres - alot of fence. Don't care for electric here, if something falls on it it's off.

Good clean hay is about all they need, but some folks supplement with grain. It depends on how much work they do. A racing thoroughbred will take a good 7 scoops of grain/day. Ugh. Gets costly. Mine get about 1/2 scoop when worked, or when it gets real cold. Mostly they're on hay, close to what nature designed and intended. Good luck & go for it.

[Aerows]

18. Middle aged horses are great for everyone

I can't imagine why people wouldn't want one. They typically are gentle, and are fantastic for kids and the elderly.

[Aerows]

19. Tennessee Walkers

Great horses. Hopefully, I'll have a few.

[Aerows]

24. I picked an 8 year old mare

sorrel.

Pretty, easy to ride, and gentle.

[Aerows]

29. I am trying not to be hard headed

I am going to listen to good advice.

[Aerows]

31. having friendly equines is a good idea, yeah?

goats and sheep will be good companions, correct?

[Rider3]

35. Just curious to know if you got your horse

and, if so, how is it going?

[Aerows]

36. I don't have the money yet

and I would never adopt without being able to completely take care of my horse.

[Rider3]

37. I admire that --

You're truly a good person if you think this way!

[vanboggie]

38. Good for you Aerows

You truly have the heart of a horse person and putting the horse's needs ahead of your wants. Bravo, and enjoy when it's time to take the plunge!

[magical thyme]

43. as a lifelong horsewoman, a few suggestions

1. Check out local lesson stables and work off riding there. You will be able to learn about (get the inside scoop on) and meet local farriers, hay suppliers, feed suppliers, veterinarians, etc. You'll also get a real handle on the expense involved.

2. Don't buy "more" horse than you need to suit your real needs and life. You fell in love with a 17 hand horse. Horses in that size range cost more to feed, more to shoe, are more prone to soundness issues, need more space, are harder on pasture, need more fence, more of everything, sometimes lots more. It is as easy to fall in love with a 15-16 hand horse as to fall in love with a 17 hand horse. It's easier to stay in love with the 15-16 hand horse, who likely will cost less to keep, be sounder, less likely to break bones if you get in the way of a shod hoof, and may even be able to go barefoot.

3. How much land you need is partly a matter of how much of that land is usable and the quality of pasture. You don't actually "need" pasture, but it is healthier for your horse and easier on your wallet. I have kept 2 arabians on 2 acres of lush pasture, even with 24x7 turnout in the summer. In sparser land, 2 acres wouldn't suffice for a single horse for more than a few hours/day.

4. Check out your state laws on horse care; there may be laws regarding acreage, minimum shelter requirements and appropriate fencing.

5. Check out your local (town and county) ordinances and zoning on horse keeping. Some places require 5 contiguous acres minimum; others do not. There may be setback laws regarding fencing, manure composting, etc.

6. Manure disposal -- check out any ordinances as well as state laws. I spread mine in the summer; compost it in the winter.

7. Various breeds are known for certain good and not so good qualities. Learn those qualities and consider first hand what they mean. Go for the ones that *don't* fit the negative knowns. Arabians are very low maintenance; healthy, hardy, easy keepers that do well on hay/pasture only, tough feet can go barefoot. They also are very, very intelligent, can be very strong-willed and come in low energy (prone to fatness) and high energy (prone to crazy) types. Go for the low energy type; the high energy are simply too complicated to deal with in a home environment beyond pasture pet. Quarter horses have great dispositions and willingness, and the old-style were very good working horses. The "modern" type has been essentially bred for potential slaughter -- huge bo;dies on tiny feet that are prone to navicular disease. Paints and appaloosas may be a better choice. Thoroughbreds have tended to be overbred for racing, so insufficient bone substance for their body size, also known for papery thin soles on their feet. The best of them are old-style with more bone substance and quieter temperaments; they are generous to a fault and need to be protected from over-giving. They will run themselves to death in a 3-day event. They also are not usually easy keepers and require hard feed to keep in good condition.

8. If 2 horses are essentially equal, and one is shod and the other barefoot, get the barefoot. You can even learn to trim and maintain the feet yourself. It is healthier and safer for the horse, and far easier on your wallet.

9. I can't say what the best fencing is, but avoid tensile wire and barbed wire. They can't see the wire as well, and if they get hung up in tensile wire, it can cut right through their ligaments and tendons. I saw a gorgeous thoroughbred stallion that got caught up in barbed wire once. He was being starved and could jump the moon, but couldn't see the top line when he tried to jump out to get to pasture. There wasn't an inch on his body that wasn't lacerated. Electric rope and tape work well for lower cost or internal "rotation" fencing. Wood fencing is beautiful and expensive. A lot depends on your location and the lay of your land. On my roadside, I put in 4' 2x4 nonclimb on 4'6" posts, with electric tape at the top to keep them from leaning on the fence and keep outsiders from climbing into my pasture. My property is surrounded by woods and stone walls, so I just use electric tape on the interior part, since they aren't going into the woods without a damn good reason and nobody goes through there to bother them except the deer and coyotes.

You can easily spend more money on quality fencing than on purchasing your horse.

[efhmc]

39. Have had ponies and horses through my life but would

not get involved with one again. I have plenty of land and a person to care for it but I do not have the time to really devote to its care and it does take lots of time and expense. Having written that, I wish you the best with your dream and hope it comes true.

[HealUS]

44. My 2 bits

I'm completely amazed with E-Thug's response!
Think s/he must have a burr in the saddle )
How does any get started on a good track without making a start?

Asking for advice was a GREAT way to get started and I think
the info everyone's been posting has been great -especially
to seek out an experienced owner.

I think your response was measured and even gracious when you
expressed appreciation for the fencing advice.

I know others were talking about a getting with a rescue group,
but didn't see any links for one. If I missed it, than this post is
brought to you by the Department of Redundancy Department.
http://www.horsenethorserescue.org/

Best wishes with your dream! Your active involvement says a lot about
this being way beyond just a casual idea.