5 Feeding Tips: How to feed your horse like a top athlete
1. Feed any GI medications BEFORE grain and hay. Do you use Gastrogard or Ulcergard on your horse? If so, for best results, research shows that when you administer these
If you are a horse lover, then I have some good news for you. You can live the “horse life” that we all dream of- carefree and happy with your steed by your side. But before this glorious reality becomes yours, there is one important question: what is the cost of owning a horse?
When choosing where to board most people choose either boarding at a barn around their hometown. Renting stalls so they can ride closer to work/school. Or having an exclusive place on someone’s private property like what many celebrities do (although not everyone has $5 million). In addition to location options there also seems to be various costs associated with owning horses as well. From feed and horse supplements to veterinary care.
As many know, the monthly cost of owning a horse and the board costs vary depending on where you live. For instance, in Kentucky, it can be as low as $761 per month. However, in California, that number is closer to around $920. That said, there are many more options such as riding lessons or horse supplements which could cut those numbers down substantially if not eliminate them altogether!
The best way to keep your budget under control when getting into this hobby is by consulting other people. People who have been involved in horses. Do this before you make any large decisions so that all angles will become clear from day one. It is better than being surprised at some point later down the road.
A horse boarding barn is a place of comfort and safety for our furry friends. But that doesn’t mean it comes without any costs. For instance, you could say peace of mind can be expensive. An example could be when an owner goes off on vacation or leaves their animal in someone else’s care. It is important they feel their horse will be well cared for.
One might think to ask about added costs like grooming fees, training fees, or even vet bills. Think about this before committing long-term with another person to handle your horse while you are gone. There are ways to save money! For example, some horses can live on pasture board. This form of boarding is cheaper and has fewer amenities for the rider but does not affect their horse’s health or well-being. Another option to consider is doing some of our Grooming Tips to help save money on barn staff caring for your horse!
Horse owners have a lot of options as to where they can house their horses. Some people opt for boarding. This means that the horse is living at a facility cared for by professionals. A facility off premises of where its owner lives. However, if you want your horse close by or on-site, then it will need sheltering. Typically this is somewhere near home (like out in the fields) or stabled right up next to your home.
The cost varies depending on how much work goes into caring for your animal. Factors include being self-sufficiently housed outdoors all year round. To indoors only in winter months when extreme weather conditions are expected outside. And dry housing facilities during wet periods like monsoon seasons. Because of these changing factors, you should always be on the lookout for a barn that offers what you need!
While most boarding facilities will include feed in their boarding costs, it is important to understand your horse’s dietary needs. What diet does your specific horse needs in order to be as healthy as possible? Based on where you are located in the country, hay and grain costs can oftentimes vary.
In addition, another factor that affects this is if your horse has any allergies or dietary restrictions. Some horses even need daily medications and supplements. When it comes to boarding, the cost of your horse’s diet is important. Even though boarding facilities will include feed in their pricing, be mindful that hay and grain can vary based on where you are located as well as any allergies or other dietary needs.
For example, If you have a horse suffering from weight loss. It can cost many owners a fortune if they are not using the correct supplements and grain to combat that. Excel’s ProElite is amazing because it has the ability to aid in hind-gut health. This leads people such as yourself who own horses eventually have to feed less grain. Learn how the bioavailability of Excel’s Camelina Oil helps with the absorption of nutrients!
Horse owners should make sure to budget for routine veterinarian visits as well. These typically take place in the Spring and Fall during their vaccines. But this is not to say you won’t also need veterinary attention if your horse is suffering from digestive tract problems or lameness issues–or even open wounds.
Recently, programs were established for horse insurance that can help ease off some financial burdens on these large vet bills.
Farrier costs can range considerably based on your horse’s needs. Some horses with corrective shoeing needs on all four feet can cost horse owners an average of $450 a month. That is an enormous amount compared to the cost of other horses requiring a trim every 8 weeks or so!
In order to help maintain this health and keep these hooves growing strong be sure that you use regular hoof products like ExcelHoof Support–-and don’t forget about diet!
Some vet practices double with a dentistry staff. Otherwise, dental work is often overlooked when considering the cost of owning a horse. Make sure you don’t miss out on any care for your equine friend’s mouth and teeth; be sure to ask ahead of time who they use as their dentist.
When discussing a dentist find out what kind of equipment they use. This is in case there are special requirements or needs for sedation. Check if there is anything else unique about maintaining one’s equine companion. Be sure you take it into consideration before making an appointment!
Read more about Dental Care in our blog article “How to Care for Your Horses Smile”.
If you are in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Mississippi you are in luck! They are the most affordable states to own and pay for a horse! Scroll down to read about what the cost of a horse is in each state!
Please keep in mind that these are estimated costs that were sourced from Horse Rookie.
1. Feed any GI medications BEFORE grain and hay. Do you use Gastrogard or Ulcergard on your horse? If so, for best results, research shows that when you administer these
The Henneke BCS (Body Condition Score) is a scoring system that evaluates the amount of fat on your horse’s body. Don Henneke developed this universal scale in the early 1980’s
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