Hi guys :)

[Mouthwash87]

I'm an intermediate rider mainly due to being out of the saddle for a while and this was due to work getting in the way and having a son but, now life is more steady!I've always remained a lover of horses and have started my son with lessons as well as myself too and he adores it soon he will be doing jumps like his mumma. I've been thinking since I was a teenager about owning my own horse and last year and this year too I have been seriously considering it. I picked the brains of horse and hound friends before and I will again if this is okay because enough advice is never enough.

I want to do part livery? How much money will I have to lay down for my horse a month roughly? Including livery. Also any other tips you would like to give me. What's the best breed for a first time horse owner? What are the best liveries in the Orpington area...I live in Farnborough. Thank you.

 

[Orca]

Hi. I pay £25 p/w for DIY. Several places near me do part DIY for £25 p/w and DIY for £20. I believe these prices are on the reasonable side though!

On top of my livery, I buy my own hay and bedding (prices vary up and down the country, so it would be best for you to investigate locally). The costs of bedding will also vary depending upon which type you opt for and how you intend to keep your horses bed (full daily muck out/ part deep litter/ full deep litter).

I also pay for insurance of around £25 per month.

Whether you keep barefoot or shod will have an impact on hoof care prices and if barefoot, whether you opt for a farrier or barefoot trimmer.

I don't feed hard feed at present, so can't offer a current guide for winter feeding and each horses needs will vary considerably.

Equine dentists and chiropractors also vary in price up and down the country so again, it's something worth investigating in your area.

Other ongoing or potential costs to consider - purchasing and maintaining an equine first aid kit, purchasing and maintaining a grooming kit, purchasing and maintaining tack (including any boots, wraps, etc) and rugs, purchasing and maintaining stable items and equipment, purchasing and maintaining personal safety equipment (but I would imagine you might already have these? Hats, body protectors, suitable riding boots and clothes), an emergency fund for any excess on your insurance in the event of a claim and urgent farrier/ trimmer visits or urgent transport if you don't have your own horse transport, etc.

So, all in all, quite a lot even at the most basic level!

There is really no best breed for a first time owner. Everything depends on your experience and the horses character, temperament, behaviour, etc. Even the calmest horse can have its foibles or moments and with any breed you need to be prepared to offer the maximum level of care (i.e. even a hardy 'good doer', who can live out 24/7 might need to come in and have that maximum level of care, so prepare for the worst but hope for the best!).

 

[Mouthwash87]

Thanks thats been of great help A really in depth run down of all the things I need to be aware of. I didn't want to do DIY - I'd rather do Part Livery as I am at work most days. I have seen part livery for 5 days and that would do me fine as would cover my working week and my free my weekend to come and be with my horse.

 

[mirabela123]

Thanks thats been of great help A really in depth run down of all the things I need to be aware of.

Good luck mouthwash

 

[Mouthwash87]

Thank you Mirabela123 - I'm nervous of the unknown and of the dodgy dealers but, positive for the future too I just need to take the right people along with me to do a viewing/meet!

 

[Orca]

Thanks thats been of great help A really in depth run down of all the things I need to be aware of. I didn't want to do DIY - I'd rather do Part Livery as I am at work most days. I have seen part livery for 5 days and that would do me fine as would cover my working week and my free my weekend to come and be with my horse.

You are very welcome! I've just made a return to horses too, so they are all things I've listed recently for myself ��. Best of luck.

 

[Mouthwash87]

Orca - Thank you for all the advice and help and if there is anything I have missed that I should know please tell me.

 

[Orca]

Orca - Thank you for all the advice and help and if there is anything I have missed that I should know please tell me.

Not that I can think of! Have you been responsible for a horse before? If not, I do have some further suggestions

 

[Mouthwash87]

I have never owned my own - only ever groomed and tacked/ridden a riding school horse.

 

[Orca]

Ok, you're off to a good start! Personally, I think it's a great idea to do a course or two in stable management before owning. That way, you will have an opportunity to learn the basics of horse care such as beds and bedding, forage and feeding, exercise requirements, equine first aid basics such as recognising lameness, poulticing, knowing how to spot the signs of laminitis and colic, how to manage them (and how to avoid them in the first place!), how to recognise and treat common ailments (mud fever, sweetitch, etc) and small wounds or when to call the vet. The various bandages and their uses, different rugs, pieces of tack and bits and their uses.

I grew up with horses, passed some basic stable management and equitation exams quite young and went on to work with horses. I'm not sure I'd feel ready to own one now if I didn't have a certain level of knowledge and experience under my belt (although quite rusty in my knowledge, so I still come on here to ask for help!). I'm not suggesting anything that extensive but there certainly seem to be some good, basic equine care courses available and if I were in your position, I'd definitely avail of one before taking the plunge

 

[Mouthwash87]

Oh Orca I will deffintley do some course in horse management for sure!


Thank you for all your help! Do you think with that knowledge in hand I should then be ready to own a horse?

 

[Mouthwash87]

Orca or anyone when would you say would be the best time to look for a horse? Would it be summer?