For many people, a horse is the best possible type of pet. If you have never considered choosing one of these beautiful animals before now, you might like to know some of the main factors to take into account.
The Benefits
Owning a horse is a great way of ensuring that you get out for fresh air and exercise on a regular basis. You will stay fitter and healthier once you start looking after him and riding him. This is one of the very best ways of getting in touch with nature while having fun at the same time.
This can also lead you to a more active social life. There are sure to be other horse owners near you who meet up for activities and social events. A look online should let you see what is happening in your local area in this respect.
Studies have also shown that spending time with horses can be beneficial to your mental health. This can help you to deal with depression, stress, anxiety, and a range of other conditions. The activity known as equine-assisted therapy has a long list of potential benefits for you to explore.
Horses are terrific companions that you can build a bond with very quickly. Children are especially likely to fall in love with a horse or pony and make it the most important thing in their life.
The Cost of Buying and Maintaining a Horse
Probably the biggest factor that puts people off the idea of owning a horse is the cost. This is commonly regarded as being a hugely expensive type of pet that only the very rich can afford to look after. That isn’t really the case, though.
A piece of research carried out by the University of Maine showed that the average cost of owning a horse is under $4,000 each year, with the median cost at under $2,500. A lot of this money goes towards food, as a 1,000 pound horse will eat up to 20 pounds of hay every day.
Vets bills can also be expensive, while stable costs can be quite high if you need to find somewhere for him to stay. The good news is that you will keep your costs as low as possible if you are happy to carry out the tasks such as cleaning and feeding him regularly.
Taking Part in Events or Working
The most important point of all is why you want a horse in the first place. It is possible that you just want a new hobby or a companion to spend time with your kids. These are valid reasons but you might also like to consider the idea of taking part in competitions or putting your horse to work.
A lot of work goes into preparing a horse for a race, showjumping event, or dressage competition. If you buy a young horse that hasn’t been trained, you will need to put in plenty of hours. You will also want to fully research the rules and look into understanding odds if you plan to race him. Maybe you should tune into Twinspires.com and look into the Kentucky Derby odds for a start.
In many parts of the world, horses are still used for heavy labor such as plowing fields or dragging heavy pieces of machinery. You will need to check with a vet to make sure that he is fit and able to work before making any great demands on him.
If you make this decision for the right reason and think it through properly, owning a horse can be a wonderful move that adds so much extra enjoyment to your life.
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