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Saving money and horse ownership?

741 views 5 replies 4 participants last post by  squirrelfood 
#1 ·
Basically, what are your tips to cutting costs (but not cutting important corners) when it comes to horse ownership and life in general?
 
#2 ·
Horses? I don't think there is a way, other than not getting involved in showing/competition where you have to buy the horses with the latest, greatest bloodlines, and lots of bling to wear.

Life in general, spend your money on things that will bring you a proper return in pleasure, not stuff that consumerist culture says you 'ought' to have or want. For instance, I'm perfectly happy driving a 15 year old car and a 26 year old pickup, even though I could easily go out and pay cash for fancy new ones - which wouldn't get me there any quicker, would probably burn more gas, and would get me to worrying about scratching the paint :)
 
#4 ·
Buy used when possible, practical and safe.
Scour sales.
Resist the urge from society to upgrade just to stay with the trend, only upgrade when it really is necessary. (horse stuff AND human stuff!)
Buy feed and supplements that won't spoil in bulk, buy feed that will spoil only in the amount you will use before spoilage. (horse AND human feed!)
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and cheaper to boot!
Some horsekeeping strategies lend themselves to less costs. I keep my horses in a large drylot/corral/soon-to-be paddock paradise with a run-in. No shavings costs.
 
#5 ·
Don't fall into the supplement trap. People too often feed a horse "supplements' that aren't needed, "just because". If you KNOW (per vet's advice) the horse needs supplements of some type, of course you should use them. Otherwise, stick to a balanced diet.
 
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