Do I see a horse in my future?

[Desert Arabian]

Well, boarding at the my local stable includes feeding, watering, turn out, blanketing (if requested), mucking, etc. When I get my horse I am definately having it inspected by the vet, if the vet thinks there is anything fishy, no way am I purchasing it. I have read many articles on what to look for when going to by a horse, so I know what to look for and what to avoid. I also plan on having my friend Chad come along for second opinions. Chad is the farrier for the horse camp I work at, he has been in the farrier business for 17 years and owns (I think) 19 Standarbreds- he harness races them. Farrier costs won't be a problem, Chad said he'd take 50% off his price for me, since we're buddies!

Oh, I know, the purchase price is the cheapest part of horse ownership. I have talked to many horse owners when it comes to expense, and working with the horses at camp, I know how much it costs to take care of 47 horses- it isn't cheap!!!!!!!!! The cost of food alone for them would make any sane person cry!

Hey Sleipnir, when we get our horses lets plan a camping trip somewhere in Canada and we can camp together and ride around Canada!!! Actually, that would be sooo fun!!

[Toby's my baby]

That's great! I have been riding horses since I was about 5, I started off riding race horses over at my neighbors. When I was little I didn't know which horses were safe and that I should be scared to ride those big racers! I thought walking was the speed for me when I was little, but when you gain the trust of your horse and you have a safe horse you will love to do anything wheather its walking or running as fast as you can go! My sisters horse thumper was both of ours and we grew with him, he can now tell when we were scared or when we were having fun. That is a very good idea that you are going to have a vet check the horse before you purchase it. I bought my own horse in 02' and I brought it home and I was coughing so we didnt turn it out in the pasture with the rest of the horses, we thought she would get over it but she didnt, we called the vet and they said she had heaves, it is like emphasema (sp?) in people, so she wouldn't me able to be shown or anything, so she had to be returned

Maybe when you get your horse you can work out a deal with your dad, Sara and I also have to pay for EVERYTHING for our horses, but I am lucky because my sister and I have to split the cost of everything. My dad will pay for the really expensive stuff then we have to write it done and then we have to pay him off wheather it is by doing work for him for free or what ever, but then we just cross off how much money we made working for him and I gets subtracked from our dept.

Good luck to you in finding a horse that is right for you!

[equinelover23]

Thats great! I just got my first horse about 3 months ago! She's only two though and we are in the process of breaking her. I finally got to sit on her while someone trotted her next to her, and we recently went to our first show, in hand, not riding of course. Hehe, anyways, enough rambling about my new pony.

Luckily for me though, my parents are paying for board. And its only $50 because its at my BEST friends house and i clean 4 stalls every day there.

My girl was only $1500, but again part of that is because I bought it from my best friend and rizzo was staying at their barn anyways. She has PERFECT manners but she wasn't broke so that is a big reason why she was so cheap. Although I have seen MANY, many horses for $2000-3000.

I think getting an older horse is a wise choice. I got a filly because i love working with them and I want to be a breeder one day. I figured it would be a great learning experience.

When you do decide to buy, Take your time! Look at EVERY horse! It is a huge decision and you need to take your time. take into concideration the conditions it is living in. Make sure the barn is CLEAN, and the other horses the owner has are also healthy.

As sweet sixy said, it would be wise to lease for a while. Just so you can see if you like it, and if you will have the time to take care of your new horse.


GOOD LUCK!