Commitments and Considerations to Make Before Investing in a Horse *

*This is a collaborative post.

When you climb into the saddle, adjust your helmet and take a deep breath all of your troubles melt away from you. Riding a horse is a form of escape for you and you couldn’t imagine your life without it. You have dabbled in many different hobbies during your lifetime, but horse riding is definitely one that has stuck with you. You have debated investing in your own horse for a very long time now, but you still haven’t come to a conclusion. You realize this is a huge commitment, so it is a decision you’re not going to take lightly. Before you take the leap into making a horsey purchase, consider the following commitments.

Do You Have the Knowledge?

When you give yourself the responsibility of caring for a horse, you need to do plenty of research. With so much information out there you need to gain enough knowledge to feel confident in caring for your new perfect pet. Horse tack and other equipment will need to be purchased too, so you need to understand the essentials to invest in. Learning about horses can take some time, but you will soon get to grips with the basics.

Clear Your Diary!

Taking care of a horse is certainly a full time job. You will need to clear space in your schedule to make the most out of your new horse. Not only will you want to ride them as often as possible, but you will also need to care for them at least once a day or every other day. Their water will need changing, their bed will need to be refreshed and you will need to give them plenty of food. Make sure you have enough time to dedicate to your new horse before making that purchase.

Space and Logistics

Where will your horse live? It’s unlikely that you will have space in your backyard to care for a horse, so you will need to pay for their accommodations. Look into the cost of local stables and figure out what you might be able to afford.

The Financial Impact

One of the biggest impacts you will feel when you buy a horse is the cost. The financial burden of your new pet will be huge, so you definitely need to consider the costs of owning a horse. From initial equipment to ongoing maintenance, you need to be prepared for this and have some savings as a back up.

Buying a horse is not something you can commit to overnight. It will take a huge amount of time and thought on your part before you make the final decision. Make sure you have plenty of support around you as they will be able to give you some additional advice. Horse riding is a fun, exciting and calming hobby that many people love, but owning a horse is a whole new ballgame. If you decide you’re ready to commit then that is wonderful news. Enjoy every moment of caring for your new, beautiful animal and cherish your time with them.

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