Hi Cherry,

I'm purchasing a horse in 4 months for my bday, and I need to know what should I have to own one? I have a general list but Im unsure if it is all accurate. I would love to hear back., Thank you.

-Kayla

Hi Kayla,

The short answer is a love of horses and time and money !

The long answer, well I've written books about all the facilities, tack and equipment necessary to properly care for a horse, so please browse through my books to get all the details . Here is a list to get you started.

A mentor - a trusted, knowledgeable horse person you can call on endlessly to help you and answer questions.

Refer to Becoming an Effective Rider to read about how to select a mentor.

Knowledge about selecting and buying a horse, Refer to Horse for Sale, How to Buy a Horse or Sell the One You Have

Knowledge about what makes a horse tick.
Refer to How to Think Like a Horse.

Proper facilities that include adequate shelter and exercise areas. Refer to Horsekeeping on a Small Acreage for all the details related to facilities.

Feed
Refer to Horsekeeping on a Small Acreage and Horse Health Care to learn about feeds, pasture, supplements and more !

An equine veterinarian. Refer to Horse Health Care to see the equipment you will need to care for your horse's health and how to select and work with a veterinarian.

A farrier. Refer to Horse Hoof Care to see the equipment you will need to care for your horse's hooves and how to select and work with a farrier.

The tack for the type of training and riding you are planning to do.
Refer to the following books depending on the age of the horse you are planning to purchase:

The Formative Years for foals.
Making Not Breaking and
Longeing and Long Lining the English and Western Horse for yearlings on up.
From the Center of the Ring for show horses.
Horse Handling and Grooming for grooming equipment.

It is good you have four months before you are going to buy your horse because as you can see, you have some reading to do ! And plenty of lists to make and decisions to make.

Owning a horse is such a great privilege and a huge responsibility. Best of luck in your endeavor !