Owning a horse is a big responsibility. It cannot be done in spur of moment as there are many factors to be considered. Adopting a furry pet is one thing, but owning a horse requires a strong commitment. Hence, it goes without saying that you will need to make major changes in your schedule after getting a horse. There’s a vast difference between riding a horse and taking care of one. Remember, impulsive decision will always have repercussions, so do a thorough research first.

Here Are The Factors That You Need To Consider Before Getting A Horse –

• Learn About The Breeds – Like cats and dogs, equines also have different kind of breeds. Every breed of horse has its own special requirement, so choose the one that fits best with your lifestyle.
• Compatibility – Finding a horse that you are capable to handle is vital. You don’t want to end up having a horse that you cannot manage. Understand the equine’s behavior and enquire about their history so you have knowledge about the horse you’re getting.
• Budget – Only get a horse if you’re prepared for all the expenses that come with it. Horses are high maintenance, thus you need to have financial stability. You might have a budget prepared for all the expenses, but there are many hidden costs. Transportations, vet fees, stable modifications/repairs, horse tack are the expenses we often forget.
• Riding Lessons – Riding a horse is not at all like horse ride. In the latter one, someone else is leading the equine and you’re just enjoying the experience. In reality, you have to be very alert and cautious while riding a horse. Therefore, investing in riding lessons is a must before owning a horse.

These factors will help in decision making and you’ll know what you’re getting into. The best way of taking care of a horse is by following your instinct. Yes, having knowledge about equines is essential and so is getting advise from other horse owners. However, don’t let it get to you; always listen to what your heart (and brain) says. Learning along the way will make the journey worthwhile.

Looking after a equine will not only keep you fit, it will also make you a pro at juggling multiple tasks. It requires patience and trust for you to let your horse trust you. Taking care of a horse is time-consuming but at the same time, it’s very rewarding.

Horses need to roam in the wild; they can’t always stay in stables. Hence, with change in seasons, you’ll have to alter your schedule as it might be impossible to ride your horse in monsoon. Moreover, the nutritional requirement of horse also changes according to the weather and so does their other needs. The vital part is how well you assist your horse in adapting to these changes. There may also be times when you’re clueless and don’t know how to handle the situation. At the end of the day, you will only learn to tackle the hurdles when you face them; nothing else can prepare you for it.

Below Are Some Tips For First-Time Horse Owners –

1. Give your horse some time to settle in.
2. Have a qualified person (or an experienced horse owner) with you when you first ride the horse.
3. Walk your horse after the riding session to cool him down.
4. Test how your horse behaves when he’s around people before taking him to a crowded place.
5. Always check your horse for any kind of infection. Intestinal worms are very common in horses, so always keep treatments handy. Eraquell  are quite effective for treating worm infection in horses.
6. Be gentle when you’re leading your horse, don’t put too much pressure under his jaw. Doing so will prevent him from shoving his shoulder into you or stepping on your toes.

Whenever you get a horse, talk to the vet and farrier beforehand. They have all the required information about your horse’s health. Health plays a vital role in any living being, more so when it’s animals. Thus, if you find anything suspicious about your equine, contact the vet immediately.

As long as you are happy with your decision, everything else will fall into place. Be there for your equine and he’ll never leave your side. The initial process during the first year with your equine might be exhausting. However, there will come a point where you won’t need any help. You’ll know exactly what to do even in the toughest situations. Thus, to reach there, you need to take that first step. We are always here to help you with any horse related queries you have.