Buying a horse is not a small purchase. It’s a lifelong commitment that can last up to 25-30 years. Yes, horses can live for a substantial amount of your lifetime and like other household pets, they become part of the family.
With that being said, this is not a quick decision that can be made without thought. It’s important to know what’s involved with owning a horse, the costs and time dedicated as well as how to care for the animal properly.
Here are a few things to consider when buying a horse this year or beyond.
Budget for the costs involved
Be sure to budget for the costs involved which include buying the horse and all of the living costs that it will have around the year.
On average a horse will cost $4,000 annually and that doesn’t include the upfront costs of paying for the horse itself.
With a horse to purchase costing anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. Depending on the type of breed you want and the history of the horse, it might include some eye-watering costs that some may not be able to afford or justify spending.
When it comes to buying a horse, make sure budgeting has been considered and that you have a cap on how much you’re willing to spend on the horse.
Prepare for equine care
Part of the average $4,000 spent per year, it’s important to have great equine care in place. With the right equine care products available, it’s going to help ensure that they’re well looked after and that the horse is getting the best care possible.
Remember to factor this into the costs that you’ll likely be spending when it comes to the horse so that you can spend the amount they need without having to restrict yourselves budget-wise in general.
Find the right place to keep the horse
Horse care comes with finding the right place to keep the horse. Not everyone is going to have acres of land where they can just keep a horse on site. Some will have to think about renting out a stable for the horse.
Finding the right place is important because you don’t want to leave the horse with just any old rental. It’s important that the rental you choose is appropriate and reputable for keeping horses and ponies of all shapes and sizes.
Know how much time is required
How much time do you have to dedicate to the horse itself? A horse like any household pet is going to need a particular amount of attention given to it in order to keep it healthy. From clearing out in the mornings, to giving it a fair amount of runaround throughout the day. There’s a lot of time that needs to be sacrificed and dedicated to keeping the horse in good shape.
Adapting to a lifestyle with a horse in tow isn’t something that everyone can do, so make sure you’ve thought it through properly before committing.