Equine-nomis (Part II)

We all know horses are expensive to keep. I myself have struggled to keep my own horse over the last year and a half with the loss of a steady job, and the horse market in Central Florida being on the higher side of expenses in comparison to other places I’ve lived.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have had the experience of keeping my horse on my own property, on smaller backyard properties and at the big expensive show barns… and just about every other option in-between. I’ve seen a lot of good and a lot of bad ideas when it comes to horse care and management and the economics of it all. And, I’ve spent a lot of time reading, and researching in the last several months.

What I’ve come up with is a list of ways to help cut equine costs. Some are only appropriate if you own your own property or do self care while others are better for boarding, but none the less here they are:

Feeding

·      For easy keepers:

-       Feed grass hays like coastal which are often cheaper then T&A or Alfalfa

-       Feed more hay and less concentrates

-       Think about feeding a balance ration as apposed to grain

·      If you buy your own feed - buy in bulk

-       Feed is generally cheaper if you buy in bulk

-       Ordering your grain through a mill as apposed to buying it by the bag from a feed supplier is almost always cheaper

·      Buy your winter feed early! Often there will be a shortage of hay in the winter which leads to higher prices

·      Streamline your feeding and care and management in general!

-       The more organized you are the less time it takes which is huge if horses are a business, but maybe not your full time job

-       The more consistently a horse is cared for the more likely they will be healthy… no surprise vet bills!

·      If you have to feed supplements and you can order in bulk with a friend or the whole barn you’ll save and maybe even get free shipping

Tack, Equipment, Grooming Supplies Ect…

·      Don’t be cheep!  Buying quality equipment initially will mean that the things you buy last longer.

·      Maintain your equipment! Regularly cleaning tack, and keeping all equipment in a safe clean environment will limit ware and tare

·      Repair things that “break” if possible. There’s no reason to throw out a blanket with a tare in it if it can be stitched and patched. 

·      Share! My saddle needs to be reflocked.  Can’t afford it so I borrow my leaser’s saddle to ride in an exchange for a discount on her lease. Eventually I will fix my saddle, but in the mean time we both save on some money.

·      Swap! Need something, but don’t have it, have something but don’t need it? Swap! Do a barn swap or go to your local tack store and see if they have a resale or swap day.  For those who are in central FL check out Saddler of Orlando! They have several of these a year including one this Saturday!

·      Don’t waist! Use grooming supplies like shampoo or conditioner sparingly.

·      Use alternate grooming tools to cut costs

-       Dawn soap makes a great alternative to expensive shampoos, won’t irritate the horse’s skin and does its job quite well!

-       Swav Shampoos and conditioners also work very well!

-       A mix of Apple Cider Vinegar, Mouth Wash, and water makes a great and very economical fly spray in comparison to $20 a bottle and up at the tack store.

-       MTG while not cheep makes a great conditioner and works! It can be used very sparingly… a lot goes a very long way!

Vet & Farrier Care

·      If your horse can go barefoot I highly recommend it! I have a great barefoot farrier who charges a bit more then your typical farrier, but he comes less often because I maintain my horse’s feet by rasping them periodically myself between trims. However this is something my super farrier has taught me to do and should not be done with out knowledge or in place of trimming all together!

·      Team Up! Save on farrier or vet trip fees by having your horse treated or trimmed with a larger group of horses.

·      Maintaining proper vet and farrier care. Ultimately doing so will save you an emergency trip from the vet or farrier.

Showing, Training, Lessons Ect…

·      If you take lessons try taking a group lesson

·      Cut out lessons. If you can’t afford it like me at the moment take a lesson here or there and work on things in between on your own… only good for people who are not beginners of course!

·      Cut down on showing and work on sharing transportation to shows or other events

·      Make your own clothing as apposed to buying everything… I wish I had some talent here!

Barn Vs. Pasture & General Management Tips

·      If you can keep your horse outside do it!

-       This is a more natural environment which equals a healthier horse

-       It saves you shavings or stall mats

·      If your horse is in a stall buy shavings in bulk. Sometimes you can even get them FREE if you know where to look!

·      Sell your manure!  It makes great garden compost! If you have to get rid of it anyways sell it!

Lease Your Horse

I offset my costs by partially leasing my horse. Always have and probably always will. However its important to keep in mind your horse’s capabilities, and the rider you choose to pair with that horse.  When I buy a horse I don’t just look at it for how it meets my needs and skill level, but how hard it will be to lease the horse if needed. The less complicated the horse the easier it will be to lease it out. I also lease to more then one person because it makes it more affordable for all parties despite the frustrations of having to juggle schedules.

Lastly – Teach & Pass On What You Know

I am not a professional horse person. Horses are a hobby for me. I consider my skill level to be on the higher spectrum of intermediate.  I am lucky enough to know enough about solid basics, and horse care to be able to teach. Teaching beginner lessons and helping first time horse leasers/owners helps me offset my cost of equine care.

For Those Who Don’t Have A Horse Yet…

Consider lessons and leasing before you buy, and when you finally do take the plunge make sure that you know the cost of horse care in your area!

I am sure that I’ve forgotten something or that there is something to be added to this list that I have not come across so for my few loyal readers feel free to sound off and share your suggestions for saving $$ when it comes to owning a horse. For those thinking about getting a horse and wanting to know the average cost ask away! I am happy to share my  own experiences.

Equine-nomics (Parte 1) For All You Crazy Horse People Or The Normal Ones Who Don't Understand Us!

My sister has on more then one occasion told me that all horse people are crazy.  Now, I have to admit that I've run into my fair share of crazy, bipolar horse people particularly in the last 2 years, but  I've always argued that that's not a fair generalization. "Look at me" I'd say. I know I'm not perfect, but I'm a pretty stable, level headed person. I think most people who know me would agree with that. She just looks at me and shakes her head every time... nope you're crazy! Gee thanks!

But, lately I find myself questioning even my sanity. Could she be right? Where am I going with this you ask? Money... horses cost money and lots of it. Its not like having a dog and spending $50 a month on food and $100 a year on vet expenses that may or may not be taken care of depending on the owner's level of responsibility to their pet.

If you own your own property you might save a little bit of money, but you end up having to pay for property upkeep, and liability insurance. If you keep other horses to offset your own expenses be it horse care, feed, property upkeep, or a mortgage payment you are basically saddling yourself with a full time year round job... no vacations... its a year round every day commitment to care for those horses.

If you choose to board your horse and let someone do the work for you you're looking at anywhere from $1200 a year to $12,000 depending on the barn you choose and the region you live in. 

Then there's foot care, vet care, tack and grooming supplies, training for the horse if you are not at a level that you can do this yourself, and lessons, never mind the expenses of showing if you choose to compete. Oh and did I mention the truck and trailer you need to be able to go anywhere with your pretty pony? What happens if there's an emergency...you could be looking at hundreds to thousands of dollars to save your best friend. 

A couple of things have happened of late that have made me sit back, look at what I spend to keep my horse, and question my sanity. 

One, I've met a few families through trying to lease my own horse who, having no horse experience, and you guessed it, no money, have gone out and "rescued" a horse that they know next to nothing about. They end up with a horse that's way too much for them and they can't afford the horse once they find out what they really need to put into its care, training, and lessons that they didn't take into account prepurchase.

As I sit and lecture them about doing everything backwards I realize that at one point I did the same thing they are doing or I guess my mom did. My first horse was a half starved $200 rescue that would have been bound for slaughter or euthanasia. I was a few steps ahead of the families I'm helping having at least taken 2 years of lessons and keeping the horse at my trainer's facility as apposed to an open grass field with no place to ride, and no knowledgeable person to help educate. Luckily the story has a happy ending. Through years of struggle Katie did eventually be come a good match for me or I guess you could say I grew into her. I even taught lessons off of her when I was in college. And, she lived 17 years longer then she would have had I not taken her. But, unfortunately, this type of situation does not always turn out for the best. 

The second thought provoking event has come in the form of a recent job offer. As a teacher it is very hard in Florida and in this economy to find a teaching position that will stick if you are not tenured. 

I'm taking a homeschooling/nanny position for the next year, or at least I'm 99% positive I've made up my mind to do so rather then holding out for a teaching job that would pay a lot more and give me benefits if I can just hold out long enough to find the right teaching position for me . I've spent the last year tutoring, driving all over creation, and working a part time job that's minimum wage and has kept me from looking for better work. Why?Because, at least in part, any money is better the no money and as long as I bring in some income I don't have to sell my horse.

That's right folks I'm making crazy career decisions to keep my horse! In fact I've lived at home with my mom since loosing my last teaching position because I can't afford rent, but I wouldn't sell my horse. 

And, this is not the first time I've made crazy decisions for the sake of a horse. I spent $1000 to move a 26 year old arthritic horse across the country rather then put her down or place her free to good home... because at 11 years old I made a promise to that horse that I would never let anyone abuse her every again, that she would die with dignity when it was her time, and always be loved. 

And, I know I'm not the only one who's done similar things. I've got quite a few friends who live pay check to pay check, but will do just about anything to keep their horse. 

So in retrospect, yes I supposed I am crazy too, but then again there's a trade off. My horse is better then any therapist I could ever hire. He provides me a focus and an intense passion and love Riding offers exercise and a social outlet. You spend your money on a gym membership and movie tickets... potatoes - potautos, tomatoes tomatos... 

Funny to think that while my daily decision to keep my best friend in my life may be crazy given the sacrifices I make, he is what keeps me sane in the rest of my life....

Stay tuned for part two in which I discuss ways I've found to cut costs and help cover your horses expenses... a timely blog given the state of our economy, and one that would make for some interesting discussion!

And just because he's beautiful here's a recent picture of my spotted money pit ... er best friend....

Until next time Rio sends his love to you all!

A Very Merry Un-Birthday To You... (And Rio)

Rio unceremoniously demanding more Birthday treats... as if 3 apples, a half a bag of carrots and umpteen peppermints weren't enough!

      

      You could say I am wishing my four legged best friend a belated birthday, but I prefer to ignore how horribly late this is and just wish him a very merry un-birthday… you know like in Alice In Wonderland?

            Yes, I am a horrible horse mom, and an even worse blogger at that. I haven’t written in a few months, not for lack of things to write about, or the enthusiasm to write, but definitely for lack of time and organization… But I digress... before I’ve even begun!... where was I?

            I feel like I’m in a time warp or a little bit like Alice falling down a hole and finding herself in world that doesn’t quite make sense.  It has been an absolutely insane year, both in horse related events, and in my life in general. Never mind the craziness... I would love it if someone could just explain to me where does time go and why does it disappear so quickly!?

            As of April 17^th my pony turned 13 years old, and this blog, or lack there of, turned one. I am a huge fan of celebrating Rio's Birthday because other horses I've had I never knew official Birthdays for. So Rio is never lacking in the spoiled rotten department on Birthdays. This year was lower key, but he did enjoy many treats, a good brushing and extra turn out time. 

 When I first Met Rio he was a rising 6 year old with not much training to his name, and very little real life experience. I was working my butt off trying to navigate college, work a full time job, and manage 2 horses at the same time.

A lot has changed in 7 almost 8 years. I officially bought Rio. Katie passed away leaving a huge hole in my life, I graduated, I got my first teaching job, I left that job after the first year and moved to Central Florida, took on a job that I absolutely hated, left that job and found myself not quite knowing what to do next, but fighting to make ends meet… mostly so that I never have to say good by to one of the best things in my life, my horse…. Which I’m sure only other horse lovers will understand.

After spending a good 7 or so years in one place Rio has now been moved to 3 barns in a year and a half to find just the right fit for us. But, boy has he learned to be a horse that goes with the flow. All the moving around hasn’t seemed to bother him one bit. We’ve done beach rides, and trail rides, and even attended a big group trail ride with hundreds of other riders 2 years in a row now. He gives lessons to beginners! He’s no longer the green baby; he’s teaching other riders how fun it is to ride, and how much more fun it is to ride a flashy spotted Appaloosa with an attitude. We are jumping. He’s gone from looking at the jump with a “dear in the headlights” look to actually enjoying free jumping though it takes a bit of convincing to carry my heavy behind over a fence. Riding seems an ever constant work in progress, but he Rio now rides on the bit mostly off seat and leg, and we are working on lateral movements and lead changes.  We’ve made Friends with Crystal and Christian who are partially leasing Rio and helping me keep him in regular work.

Through all of this, I look back at where we came from and I feel very lucky to have him and incredibly amazed at how far we’ve come.

This post may be a little late (bad mom bad), but is no less heart felt. Happy Birthday to my spotted boy and thank you to all those who share in his life and make it possible for me to have him in mine!

And, I know I’ve said it before, but I promise there will be updates more frequently for the 3 people who read the blog!... maybe someday I’ll have time to write more and we’ll gain a following… until then , at least its good therapy for me!