Unsolicited Advice

New horse owner shares tips!

I am a new horse owner. It finally happened!

I got a gelding…DING. He’s a dark color…DING.  He’s young, loves kids and can show…DING, DING, DING!!!

But if all is so grand, why did you see me staring into the void in the grain room? And why did my work hours suddenly increase? I can explain. Welcome to the land of “Where did my money go?” First off, I’d like to state that horses are wonderful animals to have. Are you looking into buying one? I have a tip for you! If you can take a lighter to a one hundred dollar bill without blinking an eye, this is the sport for you!

Here are some examples:

• Shoeing: Yes, horses need shoes. But if you thought his feet were going to be straightforward, you’re dead wrong. “You need to buy special pads for the two front feet on this horse!” — Extra fee $$

• Feed: He just eats hay, right? No! He’s thin beyond compare, you need to fatten him up even though the fat falls right off his body at the slightest change. — Extra fee $$

• Tack: Don’t forget your horse needs an entire wardrobe. And this is not a one size fits all Barbie. You have to pay just to check and see if the clothes fit! — Extra fee $$$$

• Vaccinations: Horses can get sick! Can you believe that?! — Extra fee $$

• Dental: Yes, you read it right. First question was…exactly where are wild horses getting their teeth floated? 🤔 — Extra fee $$$

• Board: Want a paddock? — Extra fee $$

• Vet: Did you know horses could get ulcers? — Extra fee $$$

• Trailering — Extra fee $$$

• More Tack: Did you know there are three million different types of bits?! Well, it’s true! And they all do different things…(and your fellow equestrians will have strong opinions on which one to choose.) — Sounds like an “extra fee” to me! $$

Well , those are just some tips that may help sway your mind into realizing that maybe you should just settle for a Ferrari…no extra fees, of course. 

 - Tayler DeMuynck