Full loaning first horse

[misswinter]

I apologise if this is in the wrong place

I'm looking to getting my first horse in the next few weeks/months and just after some advice cost wise.

Due to my job as a nurse I do days and nights and sometimes have to stay later in work therefor I decided it was best to keep a horse on full livery so there is a adquate routine re: feeding etc but intent on being down the yard most days or evenings.

The yard I'm looking at is 340 a month full livery so including bedding and feeds/ ad lib hay.

I have estimated around 60 for shoes plus 30 for call out a month
Around 10 a month for worming. 30 a month for insurance, and around Around 60 a year each for dentist and injections.

Plus obviously save up extra for rainy day and tack etc. Do these figures sound about right? Will be full loaning a horse first to ensure this is the correct thing I want to do just want to get a more accurate budget each month and any other tips you could give a first time owner

I have previously worked in a stables when younger so am confident in handling all different sizes and personalities of horses and ponies and can do all the day to day care quite happily.

 

[ihatework]

That budget doesn't sound too unrealistic, but deffo keep a bit saved aside for the unexpected (of which there are bound to be!)
Your livery of £340 a month is on the cheap side, but if you are happy with the service provision then great.

The only thing you haven't factored in is lesson costs - being a new owner then you are likely to be needing a fair bit of ongoing training (especially if you are expecting someone to loan you a horse) - so in your shoes I'd be budgetting aprox £100 pcm for lessons.

 

[AmieeT]

Good luck! Well done for thinking ahead so well.

You might want to contact the vets you register with, mine do 'zone days' where there's no call out fee as the vet is in the area- you just get given a time that the vet will be there. Takes mine's vaccs from £75 down to £30!

I think by saving the monthly money for shoes/wormer you'll eventually work up a nice net of savings- I worm 4/5x per year, and shoe every 8 weeks- if you were similar then you'd definitely have some left over

Don't forget a horsey first aid kit (and human if there isn't one on the yard!) It can cut vet fees down having your own supplies for them to use in an emergency- digital thermometer, gamgee, vet wrap, bandages, scissors, hibiscrub, purlle spray etc

Good luck!! Have you a horse in mind or still in early stages of planning??

Ax

 

[misswinter]

Hi thanks everyone for your advice very helpful have decided to firstly have a part loan for a few months to test with the view of a full loan after and have lined up a few potential horses to go and see.

I'm finding it tricky as to what kind of horse to aim for as unsure what to class myself.I had ridden for about 8 years then went to uni only having a few hacks a year on friends horses. Prior to this was able to w/t/c and enjoyed jumping as high as the horse was able also school and hack confidently. Never really had to deal with any major bucks/bolts but am aware of how best to handle such as one rein halts. Have had a few unplanned dismounts as used to trial new ponies and horses when working at the riding school to see if they were suitable. Yet surprisingly still maybe rather stupidly have my not really caring if I fall off a horse as I feel it is a good learning curve at times depending on the reason? Obviously I do not want to get hurt and would not put myself in a reckless situation but I wouldn't say I'm nervous.

Again never really experienced severe napping but I would feel confident in how best to approach it as I'm patient and willing to work to ensure the horse doesn't continue with bad behaviour.

Currently can w/t/c confidently. I feel a Bit bumpy in sitting trot but seems to depend on the horse. I still would feel 100% happy to jump as I feel it would come back just haven't done it yet in my private lessons.

I've been mainly looking at "novice rides" do you think this would be suitable for me or would I need even more of a beginner.

Thank you for all your help!