Horsey money saving hints? (merged)

Nicoll

lostinrates wrote: »

Just because the tack comes with him, don't assume it fits! There are very few horses wearing saddles that actually fit The saddle should also fit you and your OH: people forget if the saddle doesn't fit them the natural, sub conscious adaptations a body makes changes the way the weight is bourne by the saddle for the horse.

As long as the horse/you have the very basics you can buy things slowly over time, and Christmas is coming. We got by years ago with a lot less stuff than people have now.

I like to have two very light rugs, eg summer sheets,coolers, to go under winter rugs, so I can keep the inside of rugs clean t all times: summer sheets/collers/fleeces fit in washing machines.

I agree, when I first had my horse she had one cheap little quilt and then I bought blankets from the charity shops which she would wear underneath depending how cold it was, with a bed sheet under them so they didn't make her itchy...she survived fine even if she didn't look as posh as some other horses on yard. Same with outdoor rugs, for years she had one middleweight rug and I would put old stable rugs and blankets etc underneath with a surcingle to stop them falling off, then would just wash them in my washing machine when they were covered in mud!

Oh yeah, and I used to make her haynets myself from baling twine. And her some of stable rugs today have homesewn patches on them. All moneysaving!

lostinrates

Nicoll wrote: »

Oh yeah, and I used to make her haynets myself from baling twine. And her some of stable rugs today have homesewn patches on them. All moneysaving!

LOL, I don't even use haynets, mine eat of the floor: I hold it is a more natural eating potision. Mucky ones get a barrel to eat from. I sort of like the idea of haybars, but its money I don't have to spend so...

MDJO_2

This is a subject close to my heart at the moment as i am just in the processs of moving yards ... currently pay for DIY + haylage + bedding (mix of shavings and pellets) + hard feed = £112 per week for 2 horses. About to move to another yard which is £110 per week for one on full livery and the retired one on grass livery. The new yard is a little further away so will cost a fraction more in petrol, but overall very happy with the choice as the new yard is perfect for the horses and my needs.

Nicoll

MDJO wrote: »

a The new yard is a little further away so will cost a fraction more in petrol, but overall very happy with the choice as the new yard is perfect for the horses and my needs.

Knowing horses are happy and safe and the yard suits you and your horse has to be a main consideration. Our yard is about 7/8 miles away and is the only reason I have a car as everything else is in walking distance but it's such a nice yard and I don't have to worry if I have a problem as I know I'll get help and my horse will always get fed and watered no matter what.

Katie-Kat-Kins

Sadly the owner of the horse we were going to see has changed her mind about selling him, so we will have to wait a little longer for a horse of our own, but we are planning to keep looking.

In the meantime we'll haveto try and acquire some kit in advance.

GotToChange

Pretty much what the title says...

(I know what I think but daren't say more. Yet.)

Please give me your take on it (I hate to say it but I [hope I] can almost predict l-i-r's answer ).

To add; 13.2 tops not overweight, non-laminitic, non-threatening (i.e. biting) pony on poor (i.e. no nutrients) pasture at this time of year.

To also add - [STRIKE]the instrument of torture [/STRIKE]muzzle barely allows breathing (which as all horse-peeps know - and of course, so may others - is only through the nostrils) and builds up evaporation/condensation/sweat and is on him from 8:00 to 4:00.

I hope I'm not alone in my take on it.

:mad:

Spudette

I don't like them, I think that they are constricting and smothering for them. I understand the need for them on extremely vicious dogs but on ponies seems a little excessive. It is just a very controlling environment we are in.

This is only my opinion though and there maybe some real good reasons for this - I would be interested if you know what they are.

trudij

I think without having full knowledge of the situation, and without being able to see it, its impossible to have an opinion on the pony that you have mentioned.

Generally - it all depends on the reason for them being worn. Horse muzzles are completly different to dog ones - and you really cant compare them !!

lostinrates

GotToChange wrote: »

Pretty much what the title says...

(I know what I think but daren't say more. Yet.)

Please give me your take on it (I hate to say it but I [hope I] can almost predict l-i-r's answer ).

:mad:

too outspoken?:o

depends on individual circumstance, as most things.

Personally, in conditions where the pony's weight needs managing and a grazing muzzle fits AND is well tolerated, I see herd time as most important. If muzzle was the only way to provide interaction with other members of the herd and the fitting/tolerating conditions were met than I think it is the lesser evil over a life of being kept mainly in or mainly alone OR being aloud to gorge for short periods and left to starve for long ones. Trickle feeding, as well as herd time, is king for me.

Our pasture down here is still reasonably good ATM. I put hay out for the first time this week and they are picking at it, more novelty than need, because most of it is left.

I suppose the first question in a specific case,why is the muzzle is being used?



The best answer (IMO) depends on pony and the possibilties at the yard. Having two fatties and a bare earth paddock where hay/oat or barley straw/ other appropriate diet is a good option.

I'm with trudij really....its impossible to know from the information given what I think about a specific example.

Spudette

trudij wrote: »

I think without having full knowledge of the situation, and without being able to see it, its impossible to have an opinion on the pony that you have mentioned.

Generally - it all depends on the situation.

I totally agree, without knowing the ins and outs of the reasoning behind it, it is indeed hard to form a well rounded opinion. I don't agree with muzzles but I would really like to hear the other side to this too.

Very interesting stuff