MAY be getting a horse..

[ponyXhunterz]

Alright, so my dad said that if I can prove to him that a horse would be more worth while to me than getting a car, then i can get one. Also, the prices have to be somewhere around the same. I know a horse is going to cost a lot more, but I still have to try to convince my dad because he thinks i give up to easily and i want to prove to him that I am trying. I already know that the barn I ride at boards for $355 per month. However, I don't know how much the farrier and vet are. I'm pretty sure most people use the same vet and farrier but you can choose your own. The farrier prices were listed in the barn, last time I was there. but I still need to find out how much a vet bill usually is. I know it will always be different, but for a checkup or shot or somehting, around how much will that be? if anyone has any advice or anything, please talk to me! thanks!

PS- id rather have a horse because all my friends have cars and id never use mine, and riding is my only passion so it would be way worth while, a lot better than having a car!

[Lydia]

Hi....Congrats on getting a horse....hope you can! I had always wanted one too and thought I couldnt afford one.......now I have 10 and babies coming and doing some breeding. I have shopped around so save money too. I have learned to do most vet care myself. I have probably had a vet out 4 times in last 10 years. Only for the things I cant do or if I have an emergency. You can get most all the shots, dewormer etc at your farm supply store and with some practice, anyone can give a shot.

I am in my own place, but if you are planning on beginning in a boarding place, they will know horse care. If a horse if well fed, has free roaming, exercise, you will have very little need for vet calls.

Ferriers depend, I hunted around for that.....usually one that comes for a barn load of horses, I have found charges more. (Paying for a name and experience). I have paid anywhere from $15-$25 for a private one, for trimming. They did as well as one I had to pay $50. (I had checked with other horse owners for recommendations. Don't want to get someone who doesnt know what they are doing). Alot will depend on your location too. Where are you? I am in midwest. Hope that helps some.

[ponyXhunterz]

im in colorado. i remember seeing the price for the farrier because it had just been updated and it was posted on our event board but of course i didnt pay any attention to it because that was before i had the talk with my dad. i should be taking a lesson this week so i think im just going to talk to my instructer then. because i dont even know if there is room at the barn so i have to talk to her and do some more research before i talk more to my dad! but thanks for your help! if theres anything else you can tell me, please do! thanks again!

[Paige9]

Have you ever considered leasing a horse? Most leases mean you don't have to pay farrier and vet expenses, and you may only have to pay half the board for your lease. If owning your own horse turns out to be too expensive, consider leasing. Also, many horse farms will let you work there part time in exchange for riding their horses. But of course there's nothing like having your own. Best of luck to you, hope you find the best horse in the world. :)