04-20-2009, 08:01 AM
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#1 | Foal
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 6
Horses: 0 |  Keeping a Horse on a Budget
We've been working on a small article about keeping horses on a tight budget and I thought it would be a good idea to post it for any suggestions we could add? Any additions are very welcome, and hopefully it could turn into a useful resource :) Quote: Keeping a Horse on a Budget
Surviving the credit crunch is difficult enough, but when you have horses and ponies which rely on you for food, shelter and medical attention, every little bit helps.
It’s a sad fact that many horses and ponies are given up or abandoned every week, as owners struggle to cope with the current economic climate.
Sara Tuppen from the Horse Refuge in Wittersham Kent, knows all about looking after horses when money is scarce, having to rely solely on donations to keep over 40 rescued horses in good health.
She believes there are a few points which could help make owning a horse on a budget a little easier:
1. Many horses can live quite happily outside for most of the year, as long as there’s food, water and shelter available. If this is a suitable option for your horse, it could reduce the cost of stabling considerably.
2. Removing shoes is an easy way to keep costs down. If not ridden regularly, or on rocky ground, many horses will not need shoes.
3. Sharing your horse is a great way to cut (even halve!) costs, and provides a cheaper introduction to horse ownership for someone else.
4. In many cases you can get free stabling and occasionally hay and bedding in return for chores. Mucking out, grooming, maintenance etc. are all jobs which could save you money for a little hard work!
5. Vets bills are an unknown factor but still have to be considered. If money’s a little tight, you may find a lot of Vets will allow you to spread the cost, and pay in instalments.
6. Many people can make lifestyle changes! It’s not all about finding ways to keep your horse more cheaply, see if you can do it for yourself!
7. Wherever possible, horse owners can often club together to buy feed and bedding in bulk, reducing the overall price and passing on savings to all.
8. As a last resort, you can look into getting your horse a foster home, even as a companion.
There are many ways in which The Horse Refuge can help. If you would like any more information, or would like to donate, please call Sara on 01797 270555 or visit The Horse Refuge
If you’re in a position to loan, or even buy a horse or pony, there are many horses and ponies for sale on the Horse and Pony Directory – Horses for Sale, Ponies for Sale, Horseboxes for Sale | | 
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04-20-2009, 08:36 AM
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#2 | Weanling
Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 666
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That's a good article, I know first hand how to manage with 4 on a budget add to that 2 kids and 5 dogs it's tough but it can be done.
Everything that doesn't go on the basic necessities to live for myself goes on the horses/dogs ie: I don't eat out, I don't go shopping and I don't go to movies or any other type of activity that requires money.
Some tell me "you need to get out" but perhaps it's because they couldn't handle the life I've chosen. I have always had to manage on a little bit of nothing so to me it isn't that big of a deal,they may not get a bag of treats like some do and I don't have flashy tack or expensive saddles but everyone is healthy & happy. | |
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04-20-2009, 05:21 PM
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#3 | Foal
Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Dayton, Ohio
Posts: 107
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thank you! | |
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04-20-2009, 11:25 PM
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#4 | Started
Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2,467
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That is helpful, thanks for sharing. And welcome to the Forums! | |
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04-22-2009, 12:15 AM
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#5 | Green Broke
Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Eventing Country
Posts: 3,158
Horses: 0 |
Thanks for sharing that. I have a tight budget, and I only have 1 horse. | |
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04-22-2009, 03:29 AM
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#6 | Weanling
Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Australia, Queensland
Posts: 504
Horses: 0 |
yeah, I really like the article. It's very interesting.
you could talka bout how much the equipment(saddles etc) cost and you could just buy second hand or something...but I think it is really good anyway | |
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04-22-2009, 04:19 AM
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#7 | Foal
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 6
Horses: 0 |
Thanks very much for the replies!
I'm hoping any contributions can be added to the article to make it a truly useful resource which can help horse owners manage.
If you have any suggestions please let us know! :) | |
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04-22-2009, 08:51 AM
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#8 | Yearling
Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Texas
Posts: 959
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I'll be overly critical here. It seems that its written for the novice horse owner that doesn't know much about horses...so I have to jump on #2...removing the shoes. To me that reads "take those shoes off and turn him out in the pasture...he'll be fine!" When you first take off shoes you usually have to trim MORE frequently...which for the first 6-12 months can actually cost MORE than shoes (at least in my area). #3 I think it should read "leasing" instead of "sharing"...sharing implies to me an informal agreement without legal implications which is bad for both parties especially the horse. And I don't think #6 should be on the list but rather a closing argument in your end paragraph. That's overly critical but I used to be a proofreader at a magazine...so I guess you brought it out in me. Good content though...and with the article I would include a smiling picture of your contributor (Sara) with a happy horse beside her. | |
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04-22-2009, 08:53 AM
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#9 | Yearling
Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Texas
Posts: 959
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I would also personally add one for horse insurance...it can cost about $600 a year but can help cover surgeries, colic treatment, etc...and save you thousands in the long run. | |
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04-22-2009, 06:12 PM
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#10 | Weanling
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 496
Horses: 0 |
that reminds me i have to send in the horse inshurance papers for outlaw and his AQHA paprers. | |
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