| You've loved horses ever since you were a kid and | | | | then heading home to your real life. When you are a |
| have always dreamed of owning one. You've spent | | | | horse owner, horses are your real life. If you travel |
| the last three years taking horseback riding lessons. | | | | frequently, can't or don't want to commit to a regular |
| You know how to tack up, muck out, and have read | | | | schedule, or have a very busy work or family life, then |
| just about every book out there on the care and | | | | this might not be the right time in your life for horse |
| feeding of horses. No one can doubt that you've put | | | | ownership. Remember, horses must be fed, watered, |
| your time in. Horses are no fleeting fancy, but are a | | | | and cared for according to schedule, and it's up to you |
| hobby that is here to stay! | | | | to be able to maintain that schedule. |
| So, are you ready to buy your first horse? Well, | | | | - Do you have the space for a horse? You either |
| before you break out your checkbook you need to | | | | need good accommodations at home, or you need to |
| take stock of a few things in your life to determine | | | | find a place to board your horse. If you are keeping |
| whether horse ownership is right for you. | | | | your horse at home, at the very least he needs two |
| - Do you have the knowledge? How much time have | | | | grassy acres, a run-in shed, and an adequate water |
| you really spent around horses, and has it been | | | | supply. If you keep your horse at home you also need |
| hands-on? If you ride at a fancy stable that tacks and | | | | to know that he'll appreciate some company. It's best if |
| untacks your horse for you then guess what? You | | | | you have room for an additional horse, a goat, or |
| aren't having the full horse experience! Make sure you | | | | some other companionable animal. |
| know what is really involved in caring for, feeding, and | | | | - Do you have the money for a horse? Horses are |
| cleaning up after your horse. A great way to learn | | | | very expensive! Add up everything it will cost to keep |
| about all that is involved in horse ownership, without | | | | your horse happy and healthy. Include food, farrier bills, |
| making a long-term commitment, is to lease a horse. | | | | veterinary bills, insurance, training, and board if you keep |
| Try leasing a horse for a year or two and then decide | | | | him somewhere other than home. Now, does this |
| if horse ownership is really for you. | | | | figure fit into your budget? On the fence about |
| - Now that you know what is involved, do you have | | | | whether you can afford horse ownership? Again, |
| the desire? Horse ownership is a tremendous amount | | | | leasing is a good option. When you lease a horse, you |
| of work. Are you up for it? If you aren't, that's | | | | are responsible for all of his monthly bills for a certain |
| perfectly okay. If you really love riding horses but don't | | | | period of time. If you find at the end of this lease |
| enjoy all the extra stuff that goes along with them, | | | | period that your horse has eaten well but you haven't, |
| then why not just keep taking riding lessons? Ask | | | | then you may want to reconsider horse ownership |
| yourself what you really love about horses. If you love | | | | when you are in a better financial situation. |
| things like mucking out, grooming, feeding, and taking | | | | Remember, owning a horse is hard work and can be |
| care of horses, then you would probably make a great | | | | extremely taxing on your time and resources. Before |
| horse owner! | | | | you embark on the exciting journey of horse |
| - Do you have the time for horse ownership? No | | | | ownership, make sure you are ready! |
| more showing up at the barn, riding for an hour, and | | | | |