18 replies to this topic

[top tier hippo]

Hi guys, I've been in love with horses forever, and I'm going to get one (or two) one day. (Yes, probably, but we'll see lol)

 

Anyway, questions!

 

1. How much do you pay every year per horse on average? That includes vet, feed, boarding (If so, please specify), etc.

 

2. How much is good quality tack that you won't have to replace every few years? Like just the basics (halter, bridle, etc.)

 

3. Can I keep a horse alone? A gelding or mare to be specific? Or do they need a buddy? I've heard goats can be good...?

 

4. I don't have to have a stall, right? Like just a three-wall enclosed shelter is okay?

 

5. How old should the horse be? I know to get one already trained, but like 10?

 

6. Is Kijiji an okay place to but a horse? I know auctions and ONLINE (duh) are out of the question.

 

XD sorry for so many questions! Just want to learn as much as I humanly can

[Pookie&Biscuit]

1. 1000$ i must warn you horses are very destructive to themselves and anything around them so the fee could go up

2. halters are only 15$ bridles are 50$ girths can be around 30$ saddles can be around 100$ to 1000$ of course all of this could be cheaper used. chicks saddlery is a great online tack store

3.most horses enjoy company and i greatly advise a miniature horse as a companion i you want to cut down the cost

4.yup that's fine as long as cold winter nights  you use a blanket

5.10 would be a good age to get your horse because they'll be more mellow then a younger horse

6.what exactly is kijiji?

 

Good luck! ask me any question you like i love to teach

[top tier hippo]

1. 1000$ i must warn you horses are very destructive to themselves and anything around them so the fee could go up

2. halters are only 15$ bridles are 50$ girths can be around 30$ saddles can be around 100$ to 1000$ of course all of this could be cheaper used. chicks saddlery is a great online tack store

3.most horses enjoy company and i greatly advise a miniature horse as a companion i you want to cut down the cost

4.yup that's fine as long as cold winter nights  you use a blanket

5.10 would be a good age to get your horse because they'll be more mellow then a younger horse

6.what exactly is kijiji?

 

Good luck! ask me any question you like i love to teach

Okay, thanks!

 

Kijiji is an online used sale type thing. it's basically the same as Craigslist

[top tier hippo]

two more questions, lol!

 

1. What kind of fencing? I know electric is good, but what about cheaper options? Or is that the cheapest you can go?

 

2. What tack would I need for trail/pleasure riding?

 

Thanks!

[Pookie&Biscuit]

I use cattle panels they are expensive but they'll last you a lifetime. No horse can destroy a cattle panel. I knew a horse who would walk right through a electric fence completely ignoring the zaps. Some horses are very respectful of a fence while others pay no mind and think walking and getting all tangled up is a good idea. As long as the voltage is strong they will learn. They are large strong animals so it's okay if a curious horse leans against a electric fence and gets zapped be consistent even if you can't bare that sad face as they realized the fence bit them.(I sure couldn't) sadly I don't know any cheaper alternatives.(if I did I would've bought it a Longggggggg time ago.)


Now for the tack, I love trail rides and this is what I use

You can or cannot use saddle bags I advise so they're very handy for when it comes to carrying food or water
A thick saddle pad to keep a horse nice and comfortable
A western saddle that fits you and your horse
Long leather reins with a western bridle and whatever bit your horse works best in
A breast coaller to keep the saddle from sliding back
Leg wraps to keep your horses legs unharmed
And most importantly a nice easy going bomb proof horse

I know this is a lot of stuff but trust me it will last you a long time and keep you and your horse happy and comfortable

[top tier hippo]

I use cattle panels they are expensive but they'll last you a lifetime. No horse can destroy a cattle panel. I knew a horse who would walk right through a electric fence completely ignoring the zaps. Some horses are very respectful of a fence while others pay no mind and think walking and getting all tangled up is a good idea. As long as the voltage is strong they will learn. They are large strong animals so it's okay if a curious horse leans against a electric fence and gets zapped be consistent even if you can't bare that sad face as they realized the fence bit them.(I sure couldn't) sadly I don't know any cheaper alternatives.(if I did I would've bought it a Longggggggg time ago.)
Now for the tack, I love trail rides and this is what I use
You can or cannot use saddle bags I advise so they're very handy for when it comes to carrying food or water
A thick saddle pad to keep a horse nice and comfortable
A western saddle that fits you and your horse
Long leather reins with a western bridle and whatever bit your horse works best in
A breast coaller to keep the saddle from sliding back
Leg wraps to keep your horses legs unharmed
And most importantly a nice easy going bomb proof horse
I know this is a lot of stuff but trust me it will last you a long time and keep you and your horse happy and comfortable

Well, I'm an English rider actually, but I guess that doesn't matter. So a bit; do they come separate from the bridle? If so, how much are they about? And what's the difference between a thick one and a thinner one. The horse I ride at my English riding school, Peanut, has a thicker one because he's a little...well, sometimes he's a bit stubborn lol. Does that have to do with anything? Also, do you wear a helmet? Just wondering

Edited by Hippophile~, 05 April 2018 - 08:17 AM.

[Pookie&Biscuit]

A bit is about twenty to three hundred dollars lol a snaffle bit could work too. It is gentle on a horses mouth. It really just depends where you're getting the bit if the bridle comes too

[top tier hippo]

A bit is about twenty to three hundred dollars lol a snaffle bit could work too. It is gentle on a horses mouth. It really just depends where you're getting the bit if the bridle comes too

Lol. Okay, with this cattle pane, how do you use it? Like what did you do? If you could get pics, that would be great, though you don't have to Thank you!

[Pookie&Biscuit]

sorry but i could not as much as i tried get an image just type into your search engine "cattle panel"and you'll find it  to put our cattle panels we put a t post at the each end and one in the middle and wired the cattle panel on.  connecting them hopefully that was explanatory enough    

[top tier hippo]

sorry but i could not as much as i tried get an image just type into your search engine "cattle panel"and you'll find it  to put our cattle panels we put a t post at the each end and one in the middle and wired the cattle panel on.  connecting them hopefully that was explanatory enough

Wow, that's expensive from what I can tell! Oh, I guess I have to go with electric rope then. Electric tape breaks easily, or that's what I've gained from all my research

[Pookie&Biscuit]

good idea! good luck with your ponies :thumbsup:hopefully i helped you   just ask if you have anymore questions    

[top tier hippo]

good idea! good luck with your ponies :thumbsup:hopefully i helped you   just ask if you have anymore questions

Oh, also, what would good breed be for a beginner? I might also get a mini horse, or a goat lol

[nebit]

You'll need some sort of permanent fencing, electric tape/rope/wire alone in not sufficient for permanent housing.

 

To properly keep a horse, you're looking at WAY more than $1,000/year. You can easily spend $1,000/year on farrier fees alone.

 

A horse should definitely not be kept alone. they are herd animals, and should not be kept in isolation. I wouldn't recommend a goat, a goat is not another horse and will not replace one. They can male good travel buddies for horses that otherwise have contact with other horses, but should not be sole companions. Some horses also kill goats.

Likewise, whether a mini will work depends on your horse's temperament. You can't just chuck any two horses into a field together, they have likes and dislikes just like humans. Some horses can and will kill or injure a mini either on purpose or accidentally.

 

Tack cost varies substantially based on discipline, quality, and purpose.

 

The age of the horse depends quite a lot on your intent and skill level. And is far from the only factor. Some 20 year old horses are for advanced riders only, while some fairly young horses are good for less skilled riders.

 

You don't necessarily need a barn but having an area where the horse can be restrained and taken inside for vet care, extreme weather etc is a very good idea.

 

I would NOT be buying a horse off the internet or anywhere else right now. Your questions raise a lot of red flags that indicate you are not ready for a horse yet. I would advise continuing on at your lesson barn, and taking advanced classes in horse care there as well- learn about feeds, tack type, how to choose the right bit for your horse, how to recognize and respond to common medical situations etc. There are also hundreds of great books and magazines that can help further your learning. If one day you are ready, and financially able, to care for a horse of your own, your first horse should be bought with HEAVY input from your riding instructor, they should view horses with you, and you should give them veto power. Many instructors will actually help find a horse to suit your level in addition to viewing horses you've selected to look at. Horse buying is a serious prospect with many considerations- it is very easy for a first time buyer to end up with an unsound or temperamentally unsuitable horse through shear inexperience.

Edited by nebit, 05 April 2018 - 04:29 PM.

[top tier hippo]

You'll need some sort of permanent fencing, electric tape/rope/wire alone in not sufficient for permanent housing.
 
To properly keep a horse, you're looking at WAY more than $1,000/year. You can easily spend $1,000/year on farrier fees alone.
 
A horse should definitely not be kept alone. they are herd animals, and should not be kept in isolation. I wouldn't recommend a goat, a goat is not another horse and will not replace one. They can male good travel buddies for horses that otherwise have contact with other horses, but should not be sole companions. Some horses also kill goats.
Likewise, whether a mini will work depends on your horse's temperament. You can't just chuck any two horses into a field together, they have likes and dislikes just like humans. Some horses can and will kill or injure a mini either on purpose or accidentally.
 
Tack cost varies substantially based on discipline, quality, and purpose.
 
The age of the horse depends quite a lot on your intent and skill level. And is far from the only factor. Some 20 year old horses are for advanced riders only, while some fairly young horses are good for less skilled riders.
 
You don't necessarily need a barn but having an area where the horse can be restrained and taken inside for vet care, extreme weather etc is a very good idea.
 
I would NOT be buying a horse off the internet or anywhere else right now. Your questions raise a lot of red flags that indicate you are not ready for a horse yet. I would advise continuing on at your lesson barn, and taking advanced classes in horse care there as well- learn about feeds, tack type, how to choose the right bit for your horse, how to recognize and respond to common medical situations etc. There are also hundreds of great books and magazines that can help further your learning. If one day you are ready, and financially able, to care for a horse of your own, your first horse should be bought with HEAVY input from your riding instructor, they should view horses with you, and you should give them veto power. Many instructors will actually help find a horse to suit your level in addition to viewing horses you've selected to look at. Horse buying is a serious prospect with many considerations- it is very easy for a first time buyer to end up with an unsound or temperamentally unsuitable horse through shear inexperience.

Well, do you suggest wood then for fencing, or...? And by the way, I wasn't planning on buying one NOW, I meant in several years when I have a job, and can drive. That's why I'm asking these questions. To learn.

For tack, I just want moderately good quality pleasure riding English tack. I'm prepared to pay nearer $400 for that, maybe more. That included bits. Helmets depend I know, probably near $70 for that. Are those estimations okay?

What about a pony? Like a Shetland. Only my brother could ride it by that time, he'd be like 6.

I have a VERY LARGE three wall shelter on my property. I could use a part of it to make some sort of stall or something all around protected.

So it takes a bit of testing to see what the horse's personality is then, cause that I understand. And pairing two horses...how do you make sure they like each other?

When I do go (again, in several years) to look at a horse, I am going to bring a vet and farrier wit me. Our local vet luckily works so that horses and cattle as well as companion animals.

[Pookie&Biscuit]

Oh, also, what would good breed be for a beginner? I might also get a mini horse, or a goat lol

a good breed for a beginner is a quarter horse they may not be the flashiest horses out there but their known for their kind souls sweet temperament and all around skills