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Are You Prepared To Own a Horse?

Many children dream of having their own horse to take care of and love. This hope often exists without ever having experienced the hard work and dedication that goes along with properly caring for a horse. Whether this desire comes from a romanticized life depicted on TV, or a newfound passion discovered while taking lessons or going on a trail ride, the thought of having your very own horse to enjoy whenever you wish can be quite tempting.

At Pink Flamingo Stables in Lake Worth, we understand what it’s like to connect with an animal and a certain way of life. Whether you have a child who is insistent on getting a horse, or you, yourself, have always wanted a horse of your own, it’s important to stop and think about what it really means to own a horse. It’s a great responsibility that will take a significant investment of your time and money.

In today’s blog, we want to discuss some of the things you’ll want to consider before making the decision to buy a horse. Keep reading, and if you’re looking for a place to go where you can take horseback riding lessons and become more familiar with the basics of caring for a horse, we encourage you to contact Pink Flamingo Stables in Lake Worth.

Housing

Unlike a dog or cat, you can’t let a horse roam around your house and you can’t just let him run free in the backyard (unless you have a large yard that is suitable for safely housing such an animal). Therefore, the first thing you’ll need to decide if you’re serious about getting a horse is where it will stay.

Horses require plenty of room to stretch their legs and get exercise. The ground should be clear of hazards such as potholes, tools, nails, or other things that could cause harm. Horses also need a place to go for shelter from the weather. A barn or stable that is kept clean and tidy is necessary for the health of the animal.

Because most people don’t have a lot of extra horse-friendly space or the time required to maintain it, they usually opt to have their horse kept at a stable. You can find stables where you’re responsible for maintenance and upkeep, but there are others — such as Pink Flamingo Stables in Lake Worth — that do all of the work for you. The type of stable you choose depends on your budget and how hands-on you want to be with caring for your horse.

Grooming

Another thing to consider before buying a horse is the amount of effort it will take with regard to grooming and the upkeep of equipment. For instance, horses need regular brushing. Ideally, it should be done every day, but at a minimum, it must be done before riding to make sure that grit beneath the saddle doesn’t cause saddle sores.

Horses also need to have their hooves cleaned and their bodies inspected for potential injuries that require attention. The equipment (or tack) needs to also be cleaned and maintained. Doing all of these things is necessary for the health and safety of your horse.

If you’re unfamiliar with the tasks involved in caring for and grooming a horse, you’ll want to know what you’re getting into before you decide to buy one. At our horse stables in Lake Worth, we provide horseback riding lessons to people of all ages and abilities so they can learn first-hand how to ride and take care of a horse.

Budget

Whether you’re an experienced rider who is already knowledgeable of how to care for a horse, or you’re just getting started and you can’t wait to learn everything there is to know, before you make the big decision to buy your own horse, it’s necessary to consider the financial implications. In other words, owning a horse is a significant financial investment. You’ll not only have to consider the cost to purchase the horse, but you’ll want to do your homework to determine how much it will cost for boarding, feeding, equipment, and medical costs such as necessary vaccinations. You may also want to consider setting aside some emergency funds to pay for medical bills if your horse gets sick or injured.

Are You Ready To Make the Commitment?

So far, we’ve only described a few of the things you’ll want to consider before buying a horse. To be fully prepared and ensure that you’re making the right decision, you’ll want to arm yourself with as much information as possible. Make sure you have the money, time, and dedication it takes to care for such an animal.

Remember, owning a horse is a big responsibility. It’s not just about enjoying the cool wind in your hair and riding carefree. It’s about cleaning out a stinky stall, spending extra time brushing and grooming your horse even when you don’t feel like it, and exercising your horse even on days when you’re tired or have other things to do. If you know what you’re getting into and despite all of that you still can’t wait to own your own horse, then you might just be one of the special few who were meant to make the commitment.

If you’re still unsure, or you’re early on in your quest to learn about horses or how to ride them, we encourage you to give Pink Flamingo Stables in Lake Worth a call. We offer Western and English horseback riding lessons to beginner and intermediate riders. Plus, we also offer trail riding lessons to people of all ages and skill levels. Call today to book a date. We look forward to hearing from you!