Humane Society Offers Advice On Horse Care

Being a successful horse owner requires a great deal of time, money, and a lasting commitment to the care and well-being of your horse, the Humane Society of America reports. The keys to a long-term, successful relationship with your horse are twofold: making sure you choose an appropriate horse for your goals, skill level, and resources; and having the knowledge and understanding to properly care for your horse daily.

The Humane Society of the United States’ Horses: Companions for Life program gives potential, new, and veteran horse owners access to information and resources they need to have a long, successful relationship with their horse. The new book The HSUS Complete Guide to Horse Care covers lease versus purchase options, breeder versus adoption and rescue, and more topics on horses.

Some of the most important things to consider before adding a horse to the family:

1. Does my child need a horse of her own? Riding lessons are a great introduction and a wonderful way for children to develop confidence and learn responsibility. Riding lessons, however, do not give you all of the information necessary to be a horse owner.

A good way to test the waters is by leasing a horse or volunteering at a local horse rescue, therapeutic riding center, or community stable.

2. Do we have the resources to care for a horse? Whether you keep your horse at home or at a boarding barn, basic care costs a few thousand dollars per year. In addition to food (hay and grain), water (8 to 12 gallons per day) and shelter, horses require regular hoof care, dental care, de-worming, vaccinations, tack and equipment, and more.

3. How will we choose our horse? Horse shopping should be approached with the same careful consideration, thought, and planning as buying a home or car. First-time horse owners should not foray into the world of horse shopping unassisted. A horse-savvy friend or teacher is a good resource, as are the hundreds of horse rescue organizations across the country.

4. Am I willing to provide a permanent home for our new equine companion? Horses can live well into their 30s, and many remain rideable well into their 20s. For a 12-year-old girl who wants her first horse or pony, a horse in late teens/early 20s would be an appropriate age. You never want to pair a young inexperienced horse with a young rider. Even if you choose a horse in his 20s, he could live an additional 10 years or more. Are you willing to provide care to the horse for the remainder of his life?

For more information visit humanesociety.org/horses_equines.