Anyone out there own a horse???

bouncydog1

Hello everyone

Just picked up on this thread and wanted to add my two pennies worth! My DD (14) has ridden every week since tiny and wanted her own horse. We always resisted until we took one on loan 2 years ago. Difficult times to start with but we persevered and after 9 months he went back to his owner on her return from Uni. This gave us a good handle on costs and work involved. We kept him at livery yard, but did DIY. Good solution as experienced people on hand to help with any queries etc but we knew that if we couldn't put in the time and afford the expense we would be able to give him back at the end of the loan. Would definately not recommend anyone keeping a horse elsewhere unless they were very experienced and knew what to look out for.

DD now has her own 15.2 TB x ID mare - 7 years old. Kept at livery yard on DIY basis costs inc lessons c £125 per week - includes grass, feed, bedding, box, use of all facilities (which are excellent). Addtl costs:- worming £9.50 x 4, farrier every 5 weeks £60, back man every 3 - 6 mos £45, dentist £60 every six mos plus sedation £30, insurance £55 per month, vaccinations c£60 p.a. tack costs - saddle for dressage and saddle for jumping, plus bridle, rugs, boots, buckets, etc. (not good MS, but daren't add up (c £3,000):eek:

Best decision we ever made! Better for keeping fit than the gym - plenty of fresh air for DD, DH and self - I go with DD every morning at 6.00 a.m. to put little darling out and make her bed and DH goes with DD after school to put little darling to bed!!

The bond between DD and LD has just grown and grown - results at shows are a result of DD's hard work on schooling etc. and we encourage her to be very proud of this. DD has really matured and its mainly down to taking responsibility for LD. (DD was also a little overweight a couple of years ago - now fine due to all the exercise - eats fantastically so one less teen hang up to worry about)!!

So sorry to witter on but if you can afford the committment both timewise and financially before taking on the responsibility of your own horse, then go for it!

Good luck!!

BD

sophiesmum_2

Just a little update from original post.:D

Horses now play a big part in our family. Our 4 year old welsh section d gelding has now been joined by a 9 year old arab welsh cross mare, so we are now a two horse family:eek: :eek: OH still not quite sure how that happened:rotfl: :rotfl:
DD is in her element riding at every available opportunity, getting lots of exercise and fresh air. I have taken up riding at age 40:eek: and am loving every minute. I would recommend it for a joint hobby for mums and daughters. I now have a much better relationship with my daughter, we have lots to talk about and although we spend around 30 hours a week on our hobby together we rarely fall out.Plus i know where she is and what she is up to;)
We have both horses on part livery but do the mucking out, bringing in from fields, and evening feeds etc ourselves. All in all i reckon over the year it will add to £5 - £6,000 for everything for the two horses. Not a cheap hobby but we don't drink, smoke or go out so i feel it is money well spent. I love going up to the stables after a hard day at work, by the time we get home usually around 8pm the stresses of the day have gone completely.
OH was feeling deserted so now comes with us a lot and makes himself useful around the yard. He is much in demand by lots of ladies to put up rug racks,shelves etc:rotfl: You never know a third horse may be on the cards yet!!!!!!!:eek:
sophiesmum

vics_1982

Wow, SM

You have gotto grips with it all realy quick. I know what youmean about being closer to you DD, my mother and I are exactly the same.

How are you finding your lessons? Is it all coming back?
I to love going down the yard before and after work, now the lighter mornings are here iride in the morning before work as i find it sets me up for the day and outs me in a good mood. then if its been a tough day i can go chill, groom, ride whatever after work.
Your OH is good coming up there with you, that is very rare, mine only comes every so often and that is always after i have winged at him that her never sees my boy.

Congrats and well done.
I hope you carry on enjoying it especially with the lovely weather.

Vics
xx