The Training & Care of Horses

The training and the care pay off in special rewards.

The horse experience is like no other. Exercising, feeding and grooming these animals, are activities that put people in touch with the right things. Spending time with a well-trained horse, that responds to cues as if one were pushing a button, is its’ own kind of reward. And sharing horse stories with friends, or anyone with an attentive ear, is a favorite pastime of the enthusiast, as well as the long-time horsemen.

On any Saturday, there’s going to be a group of buddies that saddle up and head to the arena to watch calf roping. These are exciting competitions that are fun for spectators, as well as the participants. Teaching a horse to rope, to know when to back from the calf, and when to hold, takes hours of work along with large helpings of patience and expertise. This might explain why the local paper isn’t filled with ads that list blue-ribbon roping horses for sale. Roping horses are special animals that are loved and prized by the cowboys that train and ride them. Sitting in the saddle at ringside, with an ice cold drink in hand, makes one realize how fortunate it is to have events like this to occupy the day.

The early evening hours are a great time for a couple of horses and a ride with that special girl or guy. A balmy night, with the hills outlined in the distance, and maybe a warm breeze to add to the romance. Anyone who’s ever been on a trail ride under the light of a full moon will keep that memory for a lifetime. Be sure to bring along a bottle of wine and some imported cheese for a touch of class.

Equestrian centers and outdoor arenas are great venues for all types of events. Weekend mornings might find groups of kids in a session where horsemen pass along their knowledge of training and caring for a horse. Kids learn how to do everything from saddling a horse, to the right cues for lead changes. Many an accomplished rider has come from these types of classes, and gone on to compete in top level events such as dressage, barrel racing and other saddle competitions. It’s not uncommon to see trophy case with plaques and awards that were won by those who are now a decade or two older, but no less involved in the horse culture.

Holidays are a great time to trailer the horses downtown and enter in the local parade. These are the times when everyone gets to break out the vintage cowboy duds, and wave the old Stetson at some familiar faces along the parade route. Of course there’s an entry fee, but donating time and a few dollars for a good cause, and having the fun of doing it on horseback, is the kind of community affair that just can’t be passed up.

Possibly the combination of gentleness, speed and power, explains our fond attraction to horses. There’s no other animal like it in our world. Horses are companions, pets, transportation, excitement, mysterious, and a pleasure to be around. Those of us that are fortunate enough to be involved with these fascinating animals are enjoying the special rewards that are only found in the horse experience.

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You’ve decided that you should buy a horse. How do you find the right horse?

The ideal situation would be that you’re taking riding lessons and find the perfect horse. You get to ride that horse for most of your lessons. You inquire about the horse. It is for sale and at the right price. You become the happy owner of a horse. However, it’s usually not that easy.

As a beginner, you should not consider young horses (pass on those weanlings, yearlings, etc.). You will want a well trained gelding or mare that you can ride now. Stallions are not to be considered. The breed isn’t that important for a first horse. A crossbred will do fine. Try to match your level of experience with the horse. If you are a beginner, get a fully trained horse. You need one who has experienced what you intend to do with it and won’t be frightened at new experiences. Older horses are great and with good care can last into their twenties.

There are several places to look for horses.
• Auctions
Auctions are not a good place to find your first horse. It takes an experienced eye to quickly rate a horse and decide upon it. Even experienced horse people can come home from an auction with an unfit horse.

• Newspaper ads or internet
Most newspapers have a section for horses and ponies (or at least livestock section). Horse magazines have listings of horses. You can do a search on the internet.

• Breeders, trainers and stables
Let your riding instructor know that you are looking to buy a horse. Not only will they have access to and/or knowledge of horses available, they can match you with a horse knowing your experience and personality and the horse’s. Sometimes the stable will have a bulletin board where you can post an ad describing what you are seeking in a horse or find ads from people who are selling horses.

• Friends or relatives
Let others know that you’re looking for a horse. You will be surprised at how many people know of others who might have a horse for sale.

After you have found some possible candidates, you will need to go and evaluate each horse. Take your riding instructor (or other ‘horse savvy’ person whose judgement you trust) with you to examine the horse. The owner should ride the horse so that you can see the horse in motion. You should ride the horse. If you feel uncomfortable on the horse, don’t buy it. Don’t make a snap decision to buy a horse the first time you see it. You need to go home and think about it for a few days. How well did you like the horse? Did you enjoy riding it? Were you comfortable with the horse? What were the recommendations of the person you took with you? Did that person think that horse would be a good match for you? You need to see a horse at least twice and observe its behaviour when it’s being saddled or groomed. You will also need to have your veterinarian evaluate the horse for soundness.

The cost of owning a horse

Owning a horse is a dream of almost every child. Some of us lose that dream as we grow up and cultivate other interests. However, there are die-hard horse fans who won’t be satisfied until they have a horse of their own, and whose dreams only grow larger as time goes by.

You may be a parent of a young horse lover and are considering making his or her dream come true. Or perhaps you are the one whose life-long horse goal is about to be realized. Whatever the situation, if horse ownership is in your future there are things to be taken into consideration before you become the cowboy or cowgirl you were born to be. One major area which is often under-estimated is the cost of owning a horse. Horses come with their own set of expensive necessities.

Room and Board
Where will your horse live? Do you have ample land of your own for a sufficient grazing area and barn? Pasture land must be sown with optimum grazing grasses, suitable for your climate. In colder climates you will need to feed your horse hay along with his regular daily feeding regimen during the winter months. Hay prices tend to fluctuate according to the hay production in any given year. It can be quite expensive in years of drought or flooding, for example. You will also need to construct and maintain adequate and safe fencing in which to contain your horse.

If you have to house your horse at a boarding facility, there will be boarding fees. These fees will range in price according to the level of care or special services the horse receives. You will find that the area in which you live and board your horse will also come into play in determining boarding rates.

Basic Equipment
You will need certain items of horse paraphernalia. Saddles, blankets, and reins are basics necessities for horseback riding. Many times these can be purchased somewhat less expensively secondhand, perhaps at an online auction site. You will need feed and water buckets, brushes and currycombs, to name a few essentials. For climates where the water freezes in winter, a heated water bucket will be a life saver for you and your horse.

You will find that a horse trailer, while certainly not a necessity, will pay for itself over time. Veterinarian fees are less if you take the horse to their office when possible, as opposed to the doctor coming out to your place to see your horse.

Medical
Horses, just like other domesticated animals require regular checkups and inoculations in order to stay healthy. They catch equine diseases. At times they will have dental issues and require the services of a horse dentist. Horses develop joint and bone disorders and often require the attention of an equine chiropractor. Many horses have intestinal or gastric issues and must be administered daily medications. Just as with humans, medical attention for horses can be extraordinarily expensive.

Although the expenses incurred through horse ownership are many and large, true horse lovers will tell you that it is money well spent. They will attest to the fact that nothing can replace the sight and smell of your faithful four-legged friend at the end of a long, hard day.