The estimations for the cost to own a horse vary wildly. Most people will give you different answers regarding the exact amount that a horse costs, but everyone agrees that horses are expensive. The initial cost of a horse is far from the complete cost of owning a horse. There are many factors that are involved in owning a horse.

Board

            Board can be one of the most expensive costs of owning a horse. You can likely find board for around $100 a month, but board that includes more services may cost upward of $1,000 per month. You may be able to save costs by housing the horse on your property, but you will be required to provide proper maintenance for the property, as well as perform all of the daily care tasks.

Feed

            Keeping a horse fed can be extremely expensive. Unsurprisingly, horses eat a lot! One bale of hay isn’t extraordinarily costly, but it won’t last your horse very long. The expense of feeding your horse will add up.

Medical Bills

            Medical bills are expenses that you can’t always plan for. Ensure that you have savings in place for unexpected veterinarian costs.

Hoof Care

            Hoof care isn’t an optional service. The services of a farrier will have to be obtained approximately every 6 weeks.

Equipment

            The proper equipment is necessary to safely ride your horse. You will need to buy saddles, bridles, and other necessary equipment. This includes equipment for yourself, as well. You need to wear helmets and boots whenever you ride, to ensure that you are safe.

            There are many factors that impact the overall cost of owning a horse. Estimates vary, but it generally costs anywhere from $2,500-4,000 annually. Horses live upward of 25 years, so it is important to ensure that you know what you are signing up for prior to making such a huge commitment!

            Water is one of the most important aspects of a horse’s diet. Horses need to have adequate amounts of water to keep their systems functioning. There are many dangerous consequences of dehydration in horses. Organs can begin to shut down in as little as 3 days of severe dehydration.

How Much Water

            On average, a horse drinks anywhere from 5-10 gallons per day. This can change depending on external factors, like the temperature and the amount of physical exertion. Horses use sweating to regulate their body temperature, just like people do.

            Most studies have shown that healthy horses will not consume more water than their body can handle. Unfortunately, there are many things that can result in them not drinking enough water. Failure to drink enough water can lead to a loss of appetite and organ problems, among many other serious consequences. Horses can live for nearly a month without food, but can only survive around 5 days without water.

Signs of Dehydration

            There are many signs that indicate dehydration in a horse. If you can’t necessarily monitor your horse’s water intake, you must pay close attention to the signs of dehydration. These signs include:

• Sunken eyes
• Lethargy
• Depression
• Changes in gum color
• Skin elasticity- if you pinch the skin and it doesn’t return to its original location immediately, there is an excellent chance that your horse is dehydrated

Preventing Dehydration

            It is important to know that your horse is getting enough water. Providing clean water is necessary to prevent illness. An easy way to keep your horse hydrated is with an automatic watering system, such as the Bar-Bar-A Horse Waterer. This will ensure that your horse always has access to clean water at the appropriate temperatures.

            The amount of water your horse drinks can completely disrupt their health. Dehydration has serious consequences and can be fatal for your horse. To learn more about the importance of keeping your horse hydrated, contact us today!

            Horse riding has many benefits, but there are also many common problems that can arise while you ride. Knowing these hazards can help you prevent them from occurring, ensuring that you and your horse stay safe.

Mismatch

            A horse should be matched with its rider’s abilities. Failure to do so can cause problems on the trail. An experienced rider may get bored on a calmer horse. An inexperienced rider may be unable to handle a more energetic horse. Failure to match riders to horses can result in injury to both parties.  

Awareness

            A rider needs to stay aware of their surroundings. Inattention can result in accidents. Don’t go for a ride if you are too tired or distracted to stay alert.

Unfamiliar Surroundings

            Unfamiliar surroundings may make your horse feel skittish or nervous. If your horse is unfamiliar with the trail, you may also be unfamiliar with the trail. You may be unaware of potential hazards or other issues.

Storms

            Storms can frighten your horse. It is very important to check the weather before riding. Ensure that you don’t put yourself in a situation where you may be caught in the middle of a dangerous storm. Storms can also result in bogs, even if they have passed. Heavy rainfall can cause the ground to become muddy and bog-like. This may frighten the horse, causing them to react dangerously.

Toxic Plants

            Know the foliage that is present on the trail. If your horse nibbles on a plant that might be toxic, it can create serious issues. Knowing what plants are toxic to your horse can help you prevent major problems from occurring.

            Knowing the potential hazards can help you avoid injury for you and your horse. Do your research before riding on a new trail. Safety is important. Keep yourself safe and enjoy the ride!