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Author
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Topic: Want a horse but need some info beforehand
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Gr8danesnhorsesforme
Junior Member
Member # 755
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posted September 25, 2003 06:28 AM
I have wanted a horse all my life. Ive ridden before and I believe once you ride a horse, you aren't happy till you have one of your own. I've wanted one since I can remember and it is now tearing me up inside not having one and waiting soo long to be able to get one.
Well, here's my BIG problem. NOW I have the room for one (We have 2 acres), we have on our property what was at one time (before we lived here) a horse barn. (it now is being used as a storage shed for garden supplies..mowers, etc.)
Well my husband doesn't really want one but is willing to let me get one some time down the road. His big thing is he knows NOTHING about them..cost, etc. And he now knows that horses can live to be 30 yrs old. (not always but they can). Soooo....he wants me to do some research and get it together to show to him and until I have all the research done, he doesn't really want to talk about it. The big thing here though is he doesn't see the need for one at this time, he knows I want one and will let me get one somewhere down the road but no time soon. He feels stressed (and I realize this) because he's working and I am not, I am at home with the kids all day (well I have two in school, and a 2 yr old). So until he can determine the cost, etc... and see where it can fit in our finances, then he will be willing to talk. I am sitting here and it's really beginning to tear me up 'cause I want one ASAP.
Sorry to ramble, but my question to everyone is, we have 2 acres, (total property), we would want two horses, how much total pasture area do 2 horses need. We live pretty far off the road and we cannot put them in our backyard as we want a backyard and we have a Great Dane and a mini pinscher back there, kids swings, trampoline, etc.. So I need to figure out how much of our front yard they'd need...OUr front yard is a good acre or little more. We would like to have Quarter Horses, but would settle for anything we can find that's not expensive and healthy too. I did talk to an owner of a stable here where I live yesterday while my son was taking his riding lesson, he told me that the farrier he has come out charges $20 per horse to shoe ($5 a shoe) and he spends about $75-80 a yr on shots for his horses. I have seen in my paper people selling hay for $3-$4 a bale. I have seen horse feed advertised in the Tractor Supply Store ads for $8-9 for a 50lb bag. I don't know what else I'm missing besides tack..(and I know sometimes you can get "lucky" and have the tack come with the purchase of the horse) so I'm not worried too much into looking into that yet. I just want to know price of upkeep per year. If someone could please tell me, I know I'm missing something like hoof trimming, (not sure how much that cost). I live in NC where there's a pretty large population of horses (there are horses all up and down my road).
Please help me get some info together on price of upkeep. Thanks! (Also, if any of you women had to "Talk" your husband into getting a horse because he'd rather have a motorcycle one day...(harley)and he didn't see the "need" to have a horse right away...please let me know how you did it!) (I think it doesn't help that I am a stay at home mom and not having a full time job...but I'd be paying so much to have a babysitter during the day and someone to be here for my kids when they got out of school..)
p.s. If anyone lives in NC that needs a little help caring for their horses during the day, let me know...I am willing to work part time. I know..check with the stables, but the stable owners I have talked to around here are only volunteer stables, and I'd get nothing out of it besides free or reduced riding lessons. I'm not asking to make a lot of $$ just some to start save up for a horse or even so I can just get a horse and be able to care for it. Plus even though I know how to ride, I need experience taking care of the horse too. Thanks!
Posts: 18 | From: NC | Registered: Sep 2003
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spyro1
Member
Member # 647
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posted September 25, 2003 06:54 AM
Hi there:) welcome ot our forum, let me start off by saying that I did not own a horse when I met my hubby 13 years ogo, I had, however grown up with them and owned them in the past, he knew this going into our marriage.. When I found one that I had to have, I approached him with this, "If I don't get a horse, you are going to have to pay for my pshychatrist bills"!!! I am so in your shoes: kids, housework, homework, driving kids around to various meetings, dr's, dentist's. etc. I have two myself, son, age 11 (pre hormonal year) and my daughter, 8 years old (nine next month) It sounds like you are well on your way to horse ownership and just by being here and asking questions, you have already, in a sense proven to your husband that you are responsable and really want a horse. It pretty much sounds like you are gathering good prices for your new horse's hay and grain. An average horse will go through about 2 bales of hay and 1 bag of grain a week. they need their feet done by the farrier an average of every 6-8 weeks depending on how fast the feet grow (varies from horse to horse) teeth will need to be floated about once a year, contact a dentist for the price of this I understand it is cheaper up where you are than down here in FL. shots yearly, what else here, oh, your tack box, brushes, hoof picks, shampoos, fly spray, all the extras. You can price these at your local feed store. make sure you have adequate shelter and paddock for them. We had an acre and a half at our old house, but the way it was set up I had a nice little 2 stall barn with 2 small paddocks and a bigger one behind the barn. I would turn out there, but it was also big enough for me to ride comfortable. The standard size of most stalls are 12x12.
Maybe volunteering at your stables wouldn't be such a bad idea for a few hours a week. You would gain experince that way, yes, now pay, but experience is always worth it. A free lesson here and there would be great for you too. Here is another thought, Check into becoming a school crossing gaurd. That's what I do. You can take your little one with you and make around 100-150 a week. Down here they pay $30 a day for about 3 hours worth of work. It is steady money and works around the kids schedule. Perfect job!! just a suggestion:) I guess that's all I can think of for right now:) Hope this helps... ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
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Posts: 2755 | From: Sunny South Florida | Registered: Aug 2003
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Gr8danesnhorsesforme
Junior Member
Member # 755
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posted September 25, 2003 07:15 AM
I like your saying "if I don't get a horse you'll pay for psychitrist (sure I killed the spelling on that one!) for me" I know if I don't get one sometime in the near future that's where I'll be heading. LOL Maybe I'll be on the Dr. Phil show one day soon over this.
I have thought about even going to the supply store and just "getting stocked up" buying that hoof pick (they'll never go bad sitting around), buying the brushes, combs, etc. Things that would go with ANY horse.
As far as pasture land how big of an area per horse is required for them to be happy in and not tear up right away? (if it came down to it I could ask my father in law {inlaws live next door} who have about 20 acres they lease out for crops which adjoin our property to keep a clear area for a couple horses. ) Also how much grain do they eat per day..how long would 50 pounds last me between 2 horses?
Posts: 18 | From: NC | Registered: Sep 2003
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spyro1
Member
Member # 647
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posted September 25, 2003 07:30 AM
I think that if you set up the one acre pretty good, it should be enough. Personally I would put 2 paddocks up and that way you could rotate them so you always have grass in them. You could also turn them out at night and keep them in a stall during the day:) Ummm, most horses eat approx. 4-6 quarts of grain a day, with feedings in the am and pm. If you have two horses, you would probably go through 2 bags a week. One bag would last 2 horses about 3-4 days. Each horse requires different amount of grain, some may need more, while some may need less. When you go to look for a horse, look for an easy keeper, they generally require less grain than others. If your in laws would part with some of their land, heck yeah, go for it, maybe 2 acres would be nice, huh? My sister in law has been stocking up on her supplies too. It never hurts to be prepared. Get everything you need and then you look for the perfect horse:) ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
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Only those who risk going too far, will ever know how far they can go.
Posts: 2755 | From: Sunny South Florida | Registered: Aug 2003
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Dawn
Member
Member # 14
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posted September 25, 2003 08:30 AM
Keep in mind that if you only have an acre or so of land for even just one horse, you are going to go through a lot of hay. The grass will not last that long. You might want to talk to the farrier as well as that seems very cheap for shoeing.
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Heard in the midst of a handwriting exam ~ "And to think, we could've been bio-chem majors."
Posts: 6885 | From: Tennessee | Registered: Nov 2002
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Gr8danesnhorsesforme
Junior Member
Member # 755
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posted September 25, 2003 08:53 AM
Well, all things considered, now that i think about it he probably gets a discount with the farrier. He's got about 15 horses of his own (the rest are boarded) and there's probably maybe 10 being boarded. (guessing).
I somehow need to itemize this however. If I can get (and am sure I can)my father in law to not lease a part of his land to cropping and let me use it for horses (i'd be very willing to pay him so much per month even) then it won't be so bad. But somehow I need to itemize this
by different things horses need and add it all up. As far as grooming supplies, I believe that things that "wont go bad sitting" like brushes, combs etc, I can purchase now to have later when the time comes. But I am looking at feed, regular vet care, shoes, etc. I need to get this itemized. Also, how big of a stall on average is good to keep a horse in? I do have a horse barn, good for one horse, but if 2 are here I need to add on some. If someone could please help me itemize this for me...Hay, Feed, vet, farrier, etc.... I'd be GREATLY appreciative. Also the average size paddock, what is good enough for 2 horses...sizewise?
Posts: 18 | From: NC | Registered: Sep 2003
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Dawn
Member
Member # 14
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posted September 25, 2003 09:19 AM
An good stall size is 12x12. You can go a bit smaller than that, but bigger is better. You will also need to add in the cost of shavings. Other things you will need are buckets, shampoo, first aid supplies, bandages, halters, lead ropes, water troughs...
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Heard in the midst of a handwriting exam ~ "And to think, we could've been bio-chem majors."
Posts: 6885 | From: Tennessee | Registered: Nov 2002
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Tammy Grace Lynn
Member
Member # 704
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posted September 25, 2003 09:38 AM
Get a first aid kit together also and keep it stocked..you can buy one already put together with some of the basics just about anywhere! Also if you have a neighbor or a relative that can help you with the vaccinations and the worming saves alot of money in paying the vet to come out and do it! Most importantly when you are ready to buy your horse, take your time and really look around..have them vet checked before you pay for them and ride them a couple of times. You want to make sure you get a horse that suits your riding ability, one that is well mannered. I see so many people buy a horse strictly on looks and end up terrified of the animal! Good luck!
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If you are looking for a stable relationship..buy yourself a horse.
Posts: 127 | From: Queen Creek, Arizona | Registered: Sep 2003
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friesianluvr
Member
Member # 697
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posted September 25, 2003 10:25 AM
If you are going to hack most of the time (just cruise around) chances are you won't need shoes. Spyro gave you great advice and so did the other girls. I'm going to offer some advice on something else however, motorcycle vs. horse. I have lived with my boyfriend for 5+ years, will probably never get married, not having kids. He wanted a Harley, we have separate funds so I told him to do what he wants with his $$$. I rode on the back for a month, then went and bought my own. Harleys are like horses, once you ride, they get under your skin and in your blood. If you want a horse more than anything and he wants a Harley, draw the parallel and try to get him to understand. I will tell you, you can buy two horses (good, sturdy, well-mannered, well-trained quarters for example), all the equipment, feed, vet bills for 3-4 years for what my Harley cost, not including maintenence. Mainetence and gas on my bike runs another $1000/year plus all the goodies he WILL buy when he gets a bike. HD does stand for high dollar. BTW, here's my Harley:
and my sport bike
Prepare to spend some money but it will be strung out over time and Spyro gave you some great suggestions to offset the cost. I really hope this helps, I'm lucky I have both horses and motorcycles so I feel for you both, you should both get what you want!
[ September 25, 2003, 10:49 AM: Message edited by: friesianluvr ]
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Babies are Haverson (Perch x Saddlebred) and Brandy (Qtr x TB)
Friesianluvr aka Candy!
http://www.picturetrail.com/friesianluvr
Posts: 179 | From: Florida | Registered: Sep 2003
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Sandra-A1
Member
Member # 588
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posted September 25, 2003 11:02 AM
Here I go again with the links....but honestly I do believe these will answer a lot of the questions you asked about the land, stalls, equiptment and costs plus a lot you haven't even thought of yet! ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
StableWise Horse Farm Planning Questions & Answers
Horsr Ownership Is it Right for Your Family
Also get yourself a copy of this book: HORSEKEEPING ON A SMALL ACREAGE
FACILITIES DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT
by Cherry Hill
Also do some serious thinking about and research on MANURE MANAGMENT! That is the one part of horse ownership you DON'T want to put off till later!!!!!
[ September 25, 2003, 11:06 AM: Message edited by: Sandra-A1 ]
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"It is our choices Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
-Dumbledore
Posts: 1863 | From: Alabama | Registered: Aug 2003
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Gr8danesnhorsesforme
Junior Member
Member # 755
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posted September 25, 2003 01:07 PM
Thanks for all the info! GREAT! I will check out the links above too. Any info I can get will be of great help.
As far as shoes go, you say if I just do some light riding and nothing harsh, I should be okay without shoes? Where I would ride is in fields, grassy trails, and some in wooded trails. Every now and then I may want to go around the block so I might have to do a little riding on the road where I can't get away with riding on the side in the grass (some areas it's even hard to walk my Dane in when I take him out..it's so narrow on the side of the road..I have to go on the pavement itself to keep from walking in the ditch)
Posts: 18 | From: NC | Registered: Sep 2003
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Sandra-A1
Member
Member # 588
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posted September 25, 2003 01:48 PM
One other thing....who will be taking care of your horse should you get sick or your family needs to go out of town on vacation or for some other reason.
I know of "keep-them-at-home"horse owners who don't really take trips and vacations anymore. So unless you have someone who you trust to horse sit for you or you have a place you can board for the time you will be gone you might find yourself among those that stay at home.
Just something else to consider.....
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"It is our choices Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
-Dumbledore
Posts: 1863 | From: Alabama | Registered: Aug 2003
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Gr8danesnhorsesforme
Junior Member
Member # 755
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posted September 25, 2003 02:01 PM
I have thought about that, believe me. I doubt we would even take many trips right after buying horses. Not unless we just win the lotto or something.
Posts: 18 | From: NC | Registered: Sep 2003
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Dawn
Member
Member # 14
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posted September 25, 2003 06:46 PM
It sounds as though you won't need shoes especially if you get a quarter horse. If you do, I'd say fronts at the most. You'll still need to check out trimming prices. If this is your plan, you'll need to inquire about any hoof conditions that require shoeing prior to buying.
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Heard in the midst of a handwriting exam ~ "And to think, we could've been bio-chem majors."
Posts: 6885 | From: Tennessee | Registered: Nov 2002
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whirlybird
Member
Member # 756
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posted September 25, 2003 09:58 PM
I just found this forum today... I was so excited to read this thread! I am dealing with a very similar situation.
I grew up with horses and have been "horse crazy" since I was still in diapers. When I went away to college all the horses were sold and I haven't had the time/money/room to care for one until now. Now, all I have to do is convince my husband. He comes from a family of farmers and has what I call the typical farmer outlook about horses. Mainly, that they are a money pit and aren't good for anything but eating hay and causing a lot of work. "You can't make money with a horse like you can cows, sheep or pigs." ![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif) When I mentioned the $10,000+ worth of guitars and sound production equipment we have in the basement that isn't making any money either he gracefully gave in. He is still dragging his feet and thorws up road blocks whenever he can but he does say we can get one... someday. Eventually, I will get past all the road blocks. Someday is coming soon.
Like you, I am getting the prices for everything so that I can work it into my budget. We have a 2 yr old son and I have been only working part time since he was born. I got lucky and landed a job where I make my own hours so I can work after my hubby gets home from work or the grandparents can watch our son. It's really hard to find a full time job that pays enough to pay for the daycare he would need. But, I think I make enough to support two horses. I am thinking that I will get one horse for me and a pony that my son can ride when he gets a little older. The pony can keep the horse company and won't cost as much to feed as another horse. At least that is the theory.
I plan on fencing off about an acre and dividing it into two pastures. That would leave us with enough of a backyard to play in and for my dogs. I have just started the process of finding the prices for everything so I can't really offer any advice there. I would look into the volunteer stables for a couple hours a week. You can pick up some valuble information there on horse care and handling.
I don't know about you but when I first started looking at horses again I was in sticker shock... still am if truth be told. Horse prices sure have gone up since the late 1980's. When I went to college I sold my championship pleasure horse for only $1200. Now you would have to pay $6000 for her. Even grade horses are higher than they were. If I want a well trained horse for under $2000 I think I will have to buy it young (or green broke) and train it myself. Maybe I'll get lucky once I actually start looking for a horse and find a good one cheap.
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A horse is more than a pet... it's a lifestyle choice.
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Posts: 200 | From: Michigan | Registered: Sep 2003
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friesianluvr
Member
Member # 697
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posted September 26, 2003 05:57 AM
Wow! You sound like me! Sold my crew in late 80s and just getting back into it after college. I think too cost depends on where you are. Horses are considerably cheaper down here than what you mentioned!
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Babies are Haverson (Perch x Saddlebred) and Brandy (Qtr x TB)
Friesianluvr aka Candy!
http://www.picturetrail.com/friesianluvr
Posts: 179 | From: Florida | Registered: Sep 2003
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Gr8danesnhorsesforme
Junior Member
Member # 755
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posted September 26, 2003 10:03 AM
Well I was just told by someone that lives here in NC that you CAN get a good horse here for $600. Just have to really look. She said she got hers for $600 a year ago and he's really good, broke well,great with the kids on his back, etc. She said how some people might say it's impossible to find that, but that you can.
I talked to other people on a message board for horses that is a NC message board, and from what I gathered from everyone, the average basic upkeep..feed, farrier, vet, etc...is $95 a month ...that's average. Yes, it can go higher and it depends on the horse, too. How much feed they require, and it depends on how much they are worked. With me, I want QH's, and my riding would be mainly pleasure/trail riding...through fields, trails, and wooded areas and every now and then go around the block or whatever. Just your basic pleasure riding, really.
Now to find a PT job so I myself can pay the $95 a month or better horse upkeep costs, and have some set aside for those times the horses want to get into mischief and end up hurting themselves.
Posts: 18 | From: NC | Registered: Sep 2003
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friesianluvr
Member
Member # 697
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posted September 26, 2003 10:36 AM
And they will!
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Babies are Haverson (Perch x Saddlebred) and Brandy (Qtr x TB)
Friesianluvr aka Candy!
http://www.picturetrail.com/friesianluvr
Posts: 179 | From: Florida | Registered: Sep 2003
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spyro1
Member
Member # 647
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posted September 26, 2003 01:54 PM
Oh yes they do:) "knock on wood" for me and mine...I won't even say it..LOL
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Only those who risk going too far, will ever know how far they can go.
Posts: 2755 | From: Sunny South Florida | Registered: Aug 2003
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Gr8danesnhorsesforme
Junior Member
Member # 755
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posted September 27, 2003 06:41 PM
well....(sigh) ...we discussed it. Hubby says maybe sometime next year when he gets his raise (he gets a yearly raise) then we'll look into it. Well, I have waited this long..I've wanted one since I knew what a horse was (and then someone sat me on the back of one....then that did IT for me! )
Well, in the meantime, I'm a horseless rider. It's tough too. I am going to check in at a stable down the road and maybe put in some volunteer work on weekends to get some experience with taking care of horses, etc. Plus maybe she'll give me free or reduced cost lessons for my 9 yr old son who LOVES horses as much as I do.
[ September 27, 2003, 06:42 PM: Message edited by: Gr8danesnhorsesforme ]
Posts: 18 | From: NC | Registered: Sep 2003
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Gr8danesnhorsesforme
Junior Member
Member # 755
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posted September 27, 2003 06:51 PM
forgot to add...
I want to thank everyone for helping me out getting together info. Helped a GREAT deal!
I got it all together on Micro. Word, and got it saved in my folder on PC. (future reference!) Thanks sooooo much everyone!
Posts: 18 | From: NC | Registered: Sep 2003
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spyro1
Member
Member # 647
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posted September 28, 2003 05:44 AM
Hey, just because you are horseless *right now* doesn't mean you have to leave the forum. Please stay and learn and talk with us:) Show your husband that you will not give up that easy!! Start tallking horses with him, drive him nuts, whatever it takes....(Patience is not my middle name either) It was really nice to meet you and hear about your fam. life (much like mine)
P.S. "Next year" is only 3 months away..heehee
[ September 28, 2003, 05:45 AM: Message edited by: spyro1 ]
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http://members17.clubphoto.com/beth819817/2122088/guest.phtml
Only those who risk going too far, will ever know how far they can go.
Posts: 2755 | From: Sunny South Florida | Registered: Aug 2003
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Dawn
Member
Member # 14
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posted September 29, 2003 01:26 PM
I don't know where in North Carolina you are, but getting your first horse just as the weather is getting cooler might not be the greatest idea anyway. Well that goes for everyone but particularly if you're in the mountains. So keep working, talking to him, and learning. Then in the spring, start pusing it again.
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Heard in the midst of a handwriting exam ~ "And to think, we could've been bio-chem majors."
Posts: 6885 | From: Tennessee | Registered: Nov 2002
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jackhorse21
Junior Member
Member # 811
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posted October 09, 2003 01:33 PM
Hi,
I'm new to the forum and I was intrigued by your post. I too, have always wanted a horse for as long as I can remember. I've been riding for almost 3 years now, and owning my very own horse just seems like the next step. My husband has always been supportive of my passion for horses, but appreciates the expenses that come with it. I'm from Miami, and horses aren't as common as they are in NC, (which by the way, we plan on moving up there eventually). Sooo, I have all the same questions that you have about horse ownership. The difference is that I don't live on a large property. My horse would have to board at the farm I go riding at. I wish we could afford to own enough property and the horse, but real estate is VERY expensive in Miami. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I hope you get your horse real soon. You're so lucky to be in NC with 2 acres. I mean, you've already got your foot in the door. It's a lot more difficult for someone in my predicament. I guess I'm just venting now. I really want my own horse!! ![[Frown]](frown.gif)
Posts: 3 | From: Miami, FL | Registered: Oct 2003
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old timer
Member
Member # 785
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posted October 10, 2003 05:18 AM
i started riding when i was 3, i always wanted one of my own, 42 yrs later i have him! we bought 4 acreas here, and right now we are waiting on the closing of the house, then hubby will be doing the fencing and run in's, then we can bring the big guy home.
now as far as your hubby goes, well mine knows that if i am not happy, then no one is happy. he knows all my life i wanted a horse, and no matter what he ever said he knew he could not stand in my way. hubby hates horses, always has, he thinks they are all out to get him. however, the funny thing is, he already has been on my guy, with us leading him, but at least he has been on him. my hubby and i are so completely opposite people, we don't get permission from one or the other for doing things, so our situation is a little different than yours. for example: his theory is that his career money is mine money to run the household and for my expenses, he got a part time job, so that he has spending money. so as long as i can afford to work the horse into my budget, i was good to go. good luck to you and i hope you get your horse really soon!
by the way, i love danes! i had a male merle, for 2 yrs, then got a female, hubby promised that he would get the fencing and seperate them, well by the time he did that it was too late, the deed was done, we ended up with 13 babies! we did loose 3. what a riot it was rounding up all those babies and getting them into a puppy pen, i have always said that i went into premature labor because of them. i had my son at 29 weeks, 11 weeks early, because i was trying to get them all into the pen, i would get one in and 3 would escape, i would get 3 in and 4 would get out, i mine, finally i got all of them in, and wham, my water broke, well that was 4 yrs ago, i don't have the danes anymore, but miss them dearly.
sorry this was so long, again good luck to you.
Posts: 32 | From: eastern shore va | Registered: Oct 2003
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