Rule of Thumb

Welcome to SC's blog; written by moi, Jessie the Director (as if I don't have enough to do already haha). I do hope you get some entertainment and perhaps some education out of this. Please note all entries to this blog are purely of my own opinion based on nothing more than my own morals and 14 years of consistant equine related experience.

Rule of Thumb

If you can't afford a horse please don't get one. The general rule of thumb I like to advise people to go by is this; If you can afford two horses - get one. Meaning that you should always be prepared for the worst. Be prepared for astronomical vet bills at a moment's notice. Be prepared to be responsible for your horse. Be prepared to pay for safe facilities and all the endless expenses that come with having an equine.

I don't give a rats whether your gets-fat-on-fresh-air miniature is just a cute lawnmower. The poor bugger still must have all the mod cons including SAFE FENCING(!!!), regular worming, vaccinations, farrier visits, dental care, vitamins & minerals and of course proper shelter. Even just a pet needs all this and if it isn't provided, you're neglecting his needs.

So many people I come across with underweight, undergrown, malnourished, feral, entire, sick, injured and down-and-out animals use the "But I can't afford to get a vet/saddle fitter/farrier out" Guess what. If you can't afford to fix the problem presenting right now - you should never ever have bought the animal in the first place!!

By not affording it, you are neglecting your animal. The amount of people running around owing money to every tom dick and harry in town because they rack up bills they cannot pay make me want to bash my head against a brick wall. That would certainly be of more use than trying to explain to these people that they cannot afford a horse (or half a dozen in some cases).

So; for all those interested. What costs would you be looking at? Well lets break it down for you - these prices are the current average and depending on your horse, it is very likely to cost more.
Agistment: Between $35 (DIY) and $150 (Full Board) per week
Feed: Between $20 and $50 per week
Farrier: Trims are around $35/40 at the moment, and full set of shoes can set you back around $110 a set... and this MUST be done no more than every 6 weeks. Most horses require farrier attention at the 5 week mark and many at 4 weeks. No hoof no horse... take good care of those feet regardless of whether the animal is being ridden regularly or just sitting in a paddock being a pet!!!
Dentist: MUST be done annually, any horse under the age of 4 will need the dentist twice a year and same goes for older horses... say 20 plus = between $55 & $200 depending on who does it and what method (manual or power tools) is used. Be aware manual dentists will possibly have to do double the visits for the same effect.
Drenching: Suggest that this is done annually to get sand out of the gut. Most of coastal WA is a giant sandpit and other country areas dry out very fast. Sand is the number one cause of colic, death and weight-loss is WA. $120 a pop.
Worming: Every 6 weeks is advisable although for more in-depth worm control which is advised, you won't have to worm as often but there's a great deal of work and science involved in this: regular worming up to $20 a time.

So even here, for a paddock pet pony you're looking at around $77 PER WEEK.

This is before actual purchase price of the animal, basic equipment such as halter, leadrope, first aid kit, feed buckets, something to store feed in, rugs, transportation costs and any illnesses or injuries!!!

Naturally if you plan to breed anything, ride, show, have lessons, go to Pony Club, buy a float and a car to tow it, replace broken items, hire facilities other than just a paddock or build your own.... the list goes on and the costs go up.

So for the love of horses; if you can't afford that emergency Vet bill tomorrow, if you can't afford to drive out to the paddock this week, if you had to put off the hay delivery until payday... DON'T HAVE HORSES.

But there are alternatives - don't think this means you have to give up horses forever.

Volunteer. Second Chance, other rescues that may be closer to you, the State Equestrian Centre, RDA Centres and Retirement places need volunteers. You will have upteen opportunities to handle and help with horses. Upteen opportunities to get your fix and do something very worthwhile and of course unrivalled opportunities to learn more about horses and their care which of course is paramount.

Get a job in a stable to get your fix. Join online SIM games, Help friends out with their horses, or best yet - have lessons! Don't allow your personal ego, your personal desire to own a horse and your personal whims dictate your actions. Think clearly and understand the moment a horse comes into your care - any and all problems are - whether you like it or not - on your head.

Rule of thumb; if you can afford two horses... get ONE.