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!
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