*HELP* How recession has affected equine healthcare - Presentation

H

Houdah

New User
Joined
7 March 2012
Messages
3
Visit site
Hi guys

I am doing a presentation on how the economic downturn has affected equine healthcare. I will be going into obvious areas such as abandonment, rise of fuel/rise of hay and the fact people may be less on top of essential things such as farrier/dentist/vaccinations etc but I was wondering if anyone has any other ideas I could research into. I will be looking for some interesting stories that will captivate even non horsey people such as anything related to racing horses/Olympic hopefuls etc.

I will then try and point out some more positive steps to take to avoid having to give up your horse or allow their general well being to decline through shares/loans etc.

Any ideas will be greatly appreciated!!
 
My first thought was that amongst my circle, people have not compromised on their horse's healthcare/welfare without considering other things they can give up themselves first. Personally, (although H is pretty cheap to run ;)) I have told OH that I can't afford any extras at the moment (he is quite within his rights to treat me, however!). H's insurance didn't go up much this year (strangely!) and I am able to contribute to my 'horse fund' monthly.
 
I have tried not to but where previously they were all insured for everything I now only have 1 covered for xc and hunting, just won't use the others for those activities. I'm more likely to try and treat borderline issues with over the counter stuff than call vet immediately as I would have before, except for old dear. I thought i'd managed not to compromise but thinking hard I can see that I do try to fix things myself more than incurring cost. Physio has gone from 3 monthly to 4 monthly too.
 
Gem continues to get what she needs at the time that she needs it, she'll get luxury and I'll live in a box before she suffers. I'll still continue to compete her, and plan on having lessons on learning to drive the lorry this year. I rarely go out (once since xmas, and even then, I spent only £5!), I get cheap trains home (and eventually getting home at one in the morning!) once a month and keep Gem on the cheap (we grow our own hay, get shavings cheap from a supplier, shoes only on fronts every 8wks) maintenence wise, but luxury wise, she has her two saddles, about 5 bridles, 3 boxes full of rugs, expensive supplements - you name it, chances are she'll have it! :D

I'm a student living wholly off savings and working my socks off through every holiday, but due to the nature of my degree, I am really not able to get a term time job without comprimising my uni work and opportunities to go home (3hrs away) over weekends, therefore choose to do FT holidays only (xmas, easter and summer). I sublet my flat to help with bills, live across the road from the uni and quick walk into town so no need to run a car. I've cut back with me more than I have Gem.
 
Houdah said:
Hi guys

I am doing a presentation on how the economic downturn has affected equine healthcare. I will be going into obvious areas such as abandonment, rise of fuel/rise of hay and the fact people may be less on top of essential things such as farrier/dentist/vaccinations etc but I was wondering if anyone has any other ideas I could research into. I will be looking for some interesting stories that will captivate even non horsey people such as anything related to racing horses/Olympic hopefuls etc.

I will then try and point out some more positive steps to take to avoid having to give up your horse or allow their general well being to decline through shares/loans etc.

Any ideas will be greatly appreciated!!
Click to expand...

I'm hoping that comment will be balanced by the fact that loaning/sharing can be hugely positive and result in a healthy, well looked after horse and a reduced financial burden for an owner in changed circumstances...
 
Hey thanks for your comments - yes I think the majority of people have tried to not let lack of expendable cash affect their horses healthcare and its more small things that people are compromising on and although it may not negatively impact the horse to any extreme it is still a change that wouldn't have occurred if we weren't in a recession.

I am also going to look at how people are perhaps busier than they were - working longer hours to afford their lifestyles etc and so private land may not be as well kept leading to damaged fencing/gates and more poisonous plants etc.

I think although my presentation will be about a minority of cases it will still highlight very real problems that are occurring and leading to many more cases of abandonment than 3 years ago.

And yes to LadyDragon thats what I meant Im going to end it on how you can help reduce the costs and time constraints without having to give up your horse by using shares or loans - both of which I have been involved with. And finally I am going to end it with a very positive story on how I rescued a horse left to starve and the absolute transformation that occurred over a year.
 
Houdah said:
And yes to LadyDragon thats what I meant Im going to end it on how you can help reduce the costs and time constraints without having to give up your horse by using shares or loans - both of which I have been involved with. And finally I am going to end it with a very positive story on how I rescued a horse left to starve and the absolute transformation that occurred over a year.
Click to expand...

Ah...my bad, and apologies... I took it that you were suggesting the decline could happen through loans/shares which unfortunately does happen - as we hear all to often...

But ime it's a fabulous option when it's a good loan/share... :)
 
Maybe you could also look down the route of the blame culture affecting the horse world. Insurance costing an arm and a leg causing riding schools to close, prices for lessons rise due to increased insurance premiums, therefore making it a more eliteist sport as those without the money to afford the extra costs will scrimp and save more.

I'm away at uni, and would LOVE to have someone ride my horse, however, I know she's unpredictable with others so it makes me very reluctant to let anyone else ride her without me present (and even then, it's rare).

The fact that now, selling horses will be even more difficult with a previous lameness behind them as if the vet is aware of the history, the horse is suitable for companion only. Blame culture rises again - protecting themselves incase the horse goes lame again.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top