Horse Eden : The Basics

Okay.. so... this may sound very stupid, but I truly do care to get this information. We have been looking into moving to a 5 acre property, and possibly adding an equine to the family. So, I am curious on the following basics:

What type of vet things are needed/How often/Average costs

Basic supplies needed (As I know many are confused on needed/wanted)

I have been riding for over four years now, so I know the basics of saddling, bridling, and overall riding skills, but owning a horse as a whole is foggy to me. I know they need to have their teeth floated, farriers to trim, that sort of thing, but more information would be much appreciated :) I have done some basic research, but feel like this community would be able to help quite a bit.

*I am the only horsey person in my family as well

Edited at July 14, 2017 10:37 PM by ~Savy~

The Basics

July 14, 2017 07:40 PM

Jericho Stables

Posts: 3176
#31735
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Get books. Talk to trainers. They are ten THOUSAND times more reliable and more likely to be right than people on line.

The Basics

July 14, 2017 07:50 PM

~Savy~

Posts: 1346
#31738
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While I know that, I figured it couldn't hurt to ask for some basic advice and tips. It isn't as though I am planning on following every suggestion I am given, just poking about for some info :)

The Basics

July 14, 2017 10:21 PM

Jellos Warmbloods

Posts: 9675
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Savy,

I'll throw my hat in the ring.

1) Horses are herd animals. Please plan on getting 2. A lot of problems arise when keeping a horse singly. Many do NOT tolerate it well and many dangerous behavioral problems can arise from it.

2) Saddle fit is best done by a saddle fitter. :)

My current costs on two:

Monthly Costs :

Hay - $180

Pelleted Feed: $80

Barefoot Trim: $80

Annual Costs:

Vaccinations - $400

Teeth Float - $300

** have an emergency fund. Either in cash or designated CCs. I keep 18k available on CCs to cover emergency expenses. You WILL have an emergency pop up.**

Random Costs this YTD:

Emergency Vet Visits - $2700

Used Saddle - $500

New Hay Nets - $40

Random Crap From Dover - $600

KWPN Registration - $585

Saddle Fitter - $80

Things Needed / Keep On Hand:

Fencing

Shelter

Cross Ties (or tie rings) (I have both)

Saddle(s) (I currently have 3)

Bridles (currently have 7)

Places to hang bridles and store saddles

Tack Cleaners

Saddle Pads (dont wanna know how many I have)

Polo Wraps

Girths

Bits

lunge line

Crops/Dressage whips

paddock boots & half chaps (i ride english XD)

Buckets

Water Tubs (currently have 2 100 gallons)

Metal Food Storage Containers

Hay (I have hay available 24/7. Yes, my 2 have pasture as well)

Hay Nets (unless you like watching your money get pissed on... literally)

Basic First aid kit

(Vet wrap, cotton, antibiotic ointment, scissors, gorilla tape, bute, dorm, liniment, diluted iodine)

Grooming Supplies

Fly Spray & Fly Traps

Manure Fork. Wheel Barrow. A plan for waste removal. (I compost :D)

Washing Supplies

Treats

Blankets / Sheets

Head Lamp (You have no idea how handy this has been)

I'll probably think of more things, and I will add to this if I do. :)

The Basics

July 14, 2017 10:39 PM

~Savy~

Posts: 1346
#31768
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Thank you Jello :) We haven't looked extensively into the actual horse we may look at, as we don't even happen to have the property, nor are we for sure getting it. I'm sure we'd find a companion, possibly a pasture buddy, if we were to get a horse :)

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