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Date Posted: 20:10:26 11/28/06 Tue
Author: Beverly
Subject: Horses are VERY expensive to keep -- even 'free' horses ...
In reply to: Agnes 's message, "Re: I was just wondering............" on 17:15:19 11/28/06 Tue

(Horses are VERY expensive to keep -- even 'free' horses that you can keep at home. Quality feed is not less than $10/50#, and quality hay, even here in 'farming' country, is not less than $5/35-40# bale. The average 15.3h, 1000# horse, doing 'average' work, will eat between 6 and 8# of feed a day, and 10# of hay -- Good barley straw is at least $3/bale. If you do a GREAT job of cleaning his stall, and if he's out for 12 out of 24 hours, you'll use at least a bale of straw a week, after filling his stall with about 4 bales, to start. I never EVER sit down and figure out how much it costs me to keep the horses, 'cause I know I'd probably panic. Then, there's 'routine' farrier and vet bills -- not to even consider the 'extra' vet care (illness or injury -- horses are not as hardy as one might think ...). I didn't adopt the horses I have -- my late husband was a TB trainer, and my horses are the 'decimated' remains of his racing stable. My three ponies, I did purchase two, and adopt one -- I must have been out of my mind! LOL! The horse's age isn't the major concern, unless he's had a hard life. You could easily get 5 good years from a 21 yr. old, but then, you might have to really baby him. You need to get a vet's opinion -- and don't expect a 'perfect' free horse. Some conditions are acceptable, depending upon your intended use. The vet will be able to give you an opinion. DON'T use a vet recommended by the person who has the horse now. Get a vet via either a different stable, or via the local tack shop's professional recommendations. Even tho you would not be paying for the horse, the horse could cost you a fortune, if its not well. You'll feel responsible.

Then, there's also the consideration of what to do, should something unfortunate happen, and the horse needs to be euthanised. If you can't deal with that possibility, do your heart a favour, and be happy either 'sharing' board on someone else's horse, or with just hacking a horse at the local riding stable. I've had several horses euthanised. It's not painful to the horse, and if you are willing to hold them, while the vet works, you can make their passing very comforted -- for them. You will be heartbroken, every time.

If I didn't have these horses, I would be very happy to find someone with a horse to share, on a local state park, or to just hack a horse at a stable.

Speaking of horses, time for me to bring mine in for the night!



>Well, I can tell you right Up front I am the wrong
>one to ask about that. I have loved horses all my
>life. And all my life have dreamed of owning one.
>But now I am too old. I have taken a few lessen
>myself. Age 21 is not old for all horses in my
>opinion. I think it all depends on how healthy he is.
>If he has arthritis or not.. etc.. If you can afford
>a horse, and you have a place to keep him, and your
>willing to go thru the hard work of caring for him,
>(brushing daily, cleaning his hoofs, cleaning his
>stall, feeding him , bring him in, letting him out) Go
>for it.. Beverly has adopted 3 horses and 2 ponies.
>Connie has had horses all her life. Both of them can
>help you in that area. Good luck, You lucky lady...

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