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 !