Buying Your First Horse
The more time you can spend with your horse, the more you'll get out of your relationship. You need to be able to look after your horse sufficiently and this means work. Grooming, feeding, mucking out stables, cleaning tack, and washing gear are only some of the tasks. If you don't have the knowledge to do all this and more, then you're not ready for a horse of your own.
You need to also have a sound knowledge of horse health and how to treat minor horse injuries. You should know what to do in an emergency, and how to efficiently care for your horse. Even if you have an endless money supply, if you don't know the basics of riding, and detailed horse care, then your in for trouble.
Once Off Costs
Equipment (hopefully once off !)
Helmet- $70
Halter and Leadrope- $25
Grooming Kit- $30
First Aid Kit- $60
Saddle- $500
Mounts- $150
Bridle- $200
Bit- $40
Saddlecloth- $50
Winter Rug- $250
Summer Rug- $70
Tack Cleaning Equipment- $25
Agistment- $120 (Prices Vary Greatly Depending On Your Requirements)
Shoeing- $60
Worming- $30
Feeding- $60
Bedding-(if stabled) $40
Annual Costs
Teeth Floating/rasping- $70
Vaccinations- $30
Drenching- $70
Above are Rough Estimates Only !
Once you've bought your horse and tack, maintaining your horse is a lot more simple.
But don't forget optional (sometimes not optionals !)
Vet Fees
Showing Fees
Buying or Hiring a Horse Float
Extra Riding Equipment
Buying Your First Horse
Buying your first horse can be a trial, but there are ways to make this process a lot less painful, and a lot more rewarding!
Visiting a Horse: The Trial
See if you can handle the horse yourself, ask the owner if you can catch the horse, and if you can groom the horse yourself. Take this opportunity to look for any faults you might find. Even if you're inexperienced, you may pick up some faults. Trust your instinct, and keep an open mind
Ask to tack up the horse yourself. Make sure you ask the owner why she's selling the horse, and ask questions!. The more you learn about the horse now will help you make a decision later on. When you're ready to test ride, ask the owner to get on first, so you can see the horse move for yourself. Remember, you're there to see if the horse fits your requirements, it's not a test of your riding ability.
Make sure you're safe at all times, and that you are confident to get in the saddle before you mount. Don't be nervous, begin slowly and relax. Once you're on board, walk slowly to get the feel for the horse. Check the flexibility of the horse, and check that it's comfy and attentive. The rest is down to personal choice, but there are a few golden rules to remember when you're buying horses, no matter who you are or what you do!
Never buy a horse out of sympathy for a horse or owner
A neglected horse might look like it needs saving, but DON'T get involved unless you
know what you're doing. A sick horse will cause a lot of heartache, and can be a terrible burden for a inexperienced horseperson.
Never exceed your budget, you'll only be cutting a corner somewhere else, remember that buying your horse isn't your only expense. Even if you already own tack, you'll probably have to pay to get it altered!
Agistment Costs
adequate shelter
a permanent water source
good fencing (no loose wire)
a paddock with good drainage
equine or other animal company
suitable grazing most of the year
no poisonous plants in the paddock
room to move and stretch their legs
a paddock free of obstacles and rubbish
Riding Lessons
Lessons can cost anywhere from $20 for an hour to $50 an hour.
When you choose a riding school, make sure you take a good look around
before you sign up for horse riding lessons. Ask the students if you
can, what they think, and take a good close look at the property and
their horses.
The horses should be well cared for, and the facilities
should be clean and in good order. The tack should be in good condition
too. If you can, watch a lesson, so you can see what actually goes on before you take a lesson there yourself.
Riding schools are the best way to learn to ride, but many have
problems with their instructors. For some reason, some horseriding
instructors don't help at all, and typically push students too far.
Finding a good riding school is very important, and if you're not enjoying riding where you are,
then quit, there are places to learn where you're encouraged rather then frightened.
Riding at a riding school that hands you a saddled horse for your lesson is also
a waste of time, you won't learn anything about horse care, and you won't be
prepared for owning a horse. Make sure riding is fun, and learn everything you can,
so when you're ready, you can buy the horse of your dreams!.
As An Alternative
Trial rides are a great way to get out there and get a taste of horse riding. If you've never ridden before, go see what it's all about on a quiet reliable horse. Trail rides are not the place to learn to ride, but you'll get a feel for what it's about, and exactly how difficult it can be to start out. Plus, you'll see some gorgeous country! As far as any sports go, equestrian is amazing in so many ways, and so rewarding!. Get out there on horse back and have some fun!.
Leasing a Horse
Leasing is a great option if you're new to riding, and know a bit about horse care. If you get stuck you can always ring the owner of the horse for help, and you can learn a LOT this way, however, getting to know a horse that someone else owns can turn into a heartbreaking situation.
The problem with leasing a horse is that you have no control over the horse, or what happens to it. Many riders find that the horses are wanted back by their owners after a period of time.
Some owners with no time for their horses lease their horses out with option to buy on termination of the lease. This is most often the best way to buy your horse, but it's a rare opportunity.