What do you do to save pennies????

yes you can get 3rd through memberships fair enough.
however I prefer to have my own policy and I do think not having your animals insured is irresponsible. Thats my opinion and thats why i have mine insured.
 
I'm another one who doesn't insure, although I am a BHS gold member which takes care of 3rd party insurance.
I'm in my 40s, have had horses all my life & have never had a big vet bill, so I know I've been very lucky. It's a risk but for me it's a risk that has paid off.
I used to have a contingency fund just incase I had a big bill but my partner has lost his job which means there is now only £300 in it, as I've had to raid it.
As soon as he's working again I'll start saving.
My horses are always kept at grass livery, they are both shoeless & I don't buy expensive mixes, if a horse needs a bit of extra weight on it I use boiled barley & linseed - nice & cheap & it does the trick.
The area where I do spend money is decent turnout rugs & plenty of them; I've got 2 horses who are clipped in the winter, living outside full time, so I make sure they've kept nice & warm, with a few spares in case they both decide to destroy their rugs at the same time.
I like them to only have one rug on, to save time & I think it must be more comfortable so I have quite a collection in various weights but it's still cheaper than keeping them in.
 
Dogstar said:
I have 4 horses, so that would to cost me about £1600 a year in insurance anyway. I have had horses since I was 6 and am now 41 so that would have been a LOT of insurance money- all gone. The biggest vet bill I have ever had was £600 and that was not all at once. I would rather pay my vet instalments for an actual bill than an insurance company instalments just in case I had a bill!! Plus, by the time a horse is in its teens it may well have many exclusions, so you will have to pay for the treatment yourself anyway- if you put £50 or something in an account every month it's there if you need it. Obviously I am a BHS member for 3rd party liability, that is essential.
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Insurance is a lot like gambling though. You've been lucky. On the other hand, a person could have 4 horses and in the space of a year end up with bills for £2000 for lameness in one, £3000 for colic in another, £1000 for injury in another and then the 4th one could trash something and before you know it you're facing something like £8k in vets bills!!

And although many people will have some put aside as a buffer and be prepared to pay by instalments, it would be a horrible position to be in to have to make decisions about what standard of treatment to give your horse based on what you could afford.

I have 3 horses, I pay nearly £1000 a year in premiums and £500 excess but have a total pot of £10,500 (3,500 per horse) vet fees to call on from my insurance policies. To me, it's worth it (and I have had a claim).

My policy on my old pony meant I could try stem cell therapy when he trashed his SDFT. It didn't work (cells wouldn't grow) but at least I knew I could offer him the latest cutting edge treatments to give him the very best chance.
 
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Wormcounts, my horses have always been clear so far so works out cheaper than buying wormers every 3 months and also much healthier as not putting chemicals in them all the time.

Agree about only feeding horses what they need, see so many being fed far too much! I'm also a lover of straights though I avoid cereals as not very healthy. Feed mine of linseed meal (which is good for condition and lasts ages), unmollassed chaff for fibre. Have recently discovered highly concentrated pellet feeds like veteran vitality and power and performance which I have my two on, they last ages as you only have to feed a small amount at a time.
 
AshTay said:
Insurance is a lot like gambling though. You've been lucky. On the other hand, a person could have 4 horses and in the space of a year end up with bills for £2000 for lameness in one, £3000 for colic in another, £1000 for injury in another and then the 4th one could trash something and before you know it you're facing something like £8k in vets bills!!

And although many people will have some put aside as a buffer and be prepared to pay by instalments, it would be a horrible position to be in to have to make decisions about what standard of treatment to give your horse based on what you could afford.

I have 3 horses, I pay nearly £1000 a year in premiums and £500 excess but have a total pot of £10,500 (3,500 per horse) vet fees to call on from my insurance policies. To me, it's worth it (and I have had a claim).

My policy on my old pony meant I could try stem cell therapy when he trashed his SDFT. It didn't work (cells wouldn't grow) but at least I knew I could offer him the latest cutting edge treatments to give him the very best chance.
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Equally though, you've been unlucky. It is a lot like gambling. My old horse was insured, though I have since chosen not to insure subsequent horses and cancelled his insurance. In the 12 or so years I've owned him, we've never claimed for him, and now have paid out far more that he was covered for. I choose not to insure because I am in the fortunate position where I can make the decision to pursue veterinary treatment to the level to which they would be insured (and further, up to a point at which I deem it illogical or not in the best interests of the horse). If I wasn't in a position to provide funds for treatment when needed (up front, not by installments) I would reconsider taking out insurance to cover vet fees. Third party is, of course, essential by some means.

It's worth remembering that everyone's situations are different, especially the posters who state that not insuring a horse is irresponsible. It may be irresponsible in your situation, but not necessarily in mine or others posting here.
 
JFTD said:
Equally though, you've been unlucky. It is a lot like gambling. My old horse was insured, though I have since chosen not to insure subsequent horses and cancelled his insurance. In the 12 or so years I've owned him, we've never claimed for him, and now have paid out far more that he was covered for. I choose not to insure because I am in the fortunate position where I can make the decision to pursue veterinary treatment to the level to which they would be insured (and further, up to a point at which I deem it illogical or not in the best interests of the horse). If I wasn't in a position to provide funds for treatment when needed (up front, not by installments) I would reconsider taking out insurance to cover vet fees. Third party is, of course, essential by some means.

It's worth remembering that everyone's situations are different, especially the posters who state that not insuring a horse is irresponsible. It may be irresponsible in your situation, but not necessarily in mine or others posting here.
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I've not (yet) been that unlucky - that was a hypothetical situation. I think the posters who said it was irresponsible were talking about not having 3rd party insurance.

If I had £10,500 sat in the bank then I wouldn't insure either. In fact, I also try to keep a small pot of cash aside for vets fees which are not covered by insurance. But very few people who own horses are fortunate enough to be in that position and if someone is considering cancelling their insurance as a way to "save" pennies then this suggests that they DON'T have that much cash set aside.

I'm firmly on the fence about whether or not owners *should* have vet fees insurance but just wanted to point out that for every person who says "there's no point in insurance, my horse hasn't even seen the vet in x years" (and therefore instantly jinxing themselves....) there are probably an equal number who would be in financial dire straits if they hadn't had insurance to fall back on.

I also have two dogs who are also insured and in the two years we've had them their insurance has already proven to have been well worth it.
 
AshTay said:
I'm firmly on the fence about whether or not owners *should* have vet fees insurance but just wanted to point out that for every person who says "there's no point in insurance, my horse hasn't even seen the vet in x years" (and therefore instantly jinxing themselves....) there are probably an equal number who would be in financial dire straits if they hadn't had insurance to fall back on.
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Since you mention jinxing, I feel compelled to point out that one of my uninsured horses had a chip fracture earlier in the year, complete with all the vets fees to go with it, so the universe doesn't need to balance itself by giving me any more, thanks very much :D

Certainly "my horse hasn't seen the vet in "x" years" is no reason not to have insurance. It would be a good reason to go back in time and not take insurance out, but that is the nature of hindsight. Ultimately, it's a gamble - and you should only gamble what you can afford to lose, right?

(I'm talking money, not the horse :eek: insurance won't prevent the possibility of losing them, otherwise I would definitely have it :( )
 
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I think it's up to an individual whether they insure or not. Just because they don't, does not mean they are irrisponsable, they may have other means to cover vet fees etc. Plus, not everyone insures for vet bills anyway.

For saving pennies,
shop around for new kit- ie look online, in different stores etc
If you need rugs- get them in sales/bargin bins etc. It's amazing how much cheaper they are in 'last years colours'
for shampoo, fly spray etc, most stuff for humans is fine for horses- and cheaper!
Purchase more expensive but better quality items (especially leather), it will last longer
Look in the supermarket for flexible buckets, washing up bowls etc for feed and water buckets. Mine use a couple of empty treat buckets (the big green tubs).
Wash and reproof rugs yourself
Repair what you can- cheaper than buying new
Do you really need to feed what you do? Most horses get too much feed and supplements that they might not need.

Think thats all I can think of :)
 
Paint it Lucky said:
Wormcounts, my horses have always been clear so far so works out cheaper than buying wormers every 3 months and also much healthier as not putting chemicals in them all the time.
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I agree with the worm counts - I have got 4 yards together to count at the same time meaning costs are the lowest we can get... then just distribute the results out, saves money and the enviroment!

Make your own jumps from pallets, used paint and other used wood, still need to finish off 4 jump wings but they are looking good :)

Definately club together with a like minded person to save on fuel costs.

Scour charity shops for ski and walking clothing - great for the winter.

Buy in bulk where possible in the summer months before the demand (and prices) go up - we get in a year supply of bedding and my friend is about to buy a pallet of haylage.

Get some superglue in - great for tears in rugs using an offcut underneath and if you are 'experienced' enough it will also glue cuts together preventing an emergency call out, as long as your horse is vaccinated against tet (if unsure always call the vet out).

Double net to minimise waste if you feed from a net or place the hay into a large container to minimise mixing with the bedding - use a paddock pillow in the field if feeding hay to barefoot horses or invest in a hay hutch.

Rubber matting may be expensive to buy but pays for itself in 1-2 years :)

... will try and think of some more unusual ones later x
 
lilaclomax said:
Get some superglue in - great for tears in rugs using an offcut underneath and if you are 'experienced' enough it will also glue cuts together preventing an emergency call out, as long as your horse is vaccinated against tet (if unsure always call the vet out).
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Superglue a cut?? Ouch!!!!
 
foxy1 said:
Superglue a cut?? Ouch!!!!
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Ask your vet what they use :D

Superglue started being used in Vietnam during the war and was used for years by midwives to "suture" perineal tears after birth. If you want to get the real stuff then Dermabond or equivalent is the one to buy, otherwise your standard superglue from any shop works! People going trekking take 'human graded glue' with them too ;)

In fact I think most yards should have a first aid kit with some in for emergencies... here is to wishful thinking!
 
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Dancing Queen said:
yes you can get 3rd through memberships fair enough.
however I prefer to have my own policy and I do think not having your animals insured is irresponsible. Thats my opinion and thats why i have mine insured.
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The most important thing is to have insurance against the possible damage your horse can do to other people.

AS far as other insurance - in the 45 years I've had horses I've never insured any of them. I'd rather put money away each week into a savings account than to give it to a company to get the benifit of it.

To date I've only had one big bill for $700 about £350. To be honest if my horse broke a leg I'd put it down - not have it treated. I love my horses but I believe I am realistic about their future should things go wrong.
 
Bet it hurts like hell in a wound though?? Not doubting how effective it is, having superglued two fingers together as a child!
 
Ditto those who don't insure, I admit to being lucky in that in 35 years of owning horses I've paid less than £1000 in vet fees. In fact, last time I called the vet he arrived in a mood as he'd just handed his notice in because he was unhappy with the way the practice was run. He told me that when they arrive at a yard the vets should ask if the horse is insured, and automatically put £100 on the bill for something or other. He said "I can sell you the drug your horse needs for £45, or you can go to the chemist and buy it for £7/8ish".
BHS Gold for me all the way!
I bath my horses in (clothes) washing detergent, use "Soul Glow" for manes and tails (the Afro hair stuff), shop on ebay and in charity shops. I bought big cans of reproofer from Lidls for £1. Silicon paste to repair my boots.
When asked what feed I'd reccomend for weight gain I suggest an extra bale of hay!
 
PS thumbs up for super glue, they use it in surgery a lot. I carry a tube in my car because I have a loose tooth cap, and I glue it back in when it drops off as I can't afford the dentist!
 
I don't think there's any right or wrong answer to the insurance thing.

I had one horse who in three years has cost about £15,000 in insurance claims. :o The LOU pay out gives me a good sum towards buying another horse that I can ride, so that and her having the best vet treatment going makes the premiums I have paid well worth while.

However, my dear old girl who I said goodbye to yesterday I paid 14+ years worth of cover for, and never claimed a penny back! Nor will I now, on her death, as she passed due to illness, not injury and being a veteran her policy won't cover it :(

So, on the subject of saving pennies, anyone looking for some good quality second hand 6'9" rugs?! :o I am going to have a huge vet and cremation bill that won't be covered... :(
 
foxy1 said:
Bet it hurts like hell in a wound though?? Not doubting how effective it is, having superglued two fingers together as a child!
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My daughter split her lip up to her nose... superglue kept it together and she didn't need stitches because of the glue, the resulting scar is only noticable if you are looking for it :D
 
Wash your own rugs, use some human products such as baby wipes, i would definately insure, buy 2nd hand rugs, go to tack sales and pick up lots of bargains, buy your tubtrugs etc from places like asda - much cheaper. And the important stuff like tack and decent make rugs, buy the best quality you can and it should last. And try to mend things, and use them until you really do need to replace things.
 
Scour the likes of ebay and preloved/local tack shops 2nd hand stuff

Sell everything you are never likely to use again

Make do and mend

We have Countryside Alliance insurance which protects us if the horse damages anything whilst riding. Neither of the boys are insured but only because they are un-insurable :o

Keep tack in a warm environment, protects it so much better than if in a cold tack room

Don't spend £200 on something that will do EXACTLY the same thing as when you spend £20 on it just because it looks better
 
Poundshop is your friend!! I have bought stroage boxes, spray bottles (for my homemade fly spray) baby wipes (great for eyes and muzzles) baby oil (makes her very shiny)

Tescos own polish is great for mane and tails and much cheaper then buying mane and tail spray!

I have a water brush (meant for washing up) from Tescos. Scrubs her hooves up lovely and cheaper then going to the tack shop for one of there brushes.

Human shampoo.

Turn out as much as pos to save on Hay. I also deep litter my stable. I take the poo out every day and take a barrow of wet out every 2 weeks. It saves time too. I am still on the same bale I've had from start of May !!!

Look at your hard feed, does your Horse actually need it?

Look on Ebay for bargains, You don't have to get everything brand new!

Keep your eye out for Lidl and Aldi equine sales. very cheap stuff!
 
I think much of saving money is about preventative maintenance and preventative measures, so...

BHS Gold insurance covers me, my horses and anybody tending or riding my horses for third party liability claims.

Worm counts save money and ensure worming is working. Helps keep horse healthy.

Tetanus jabs for horse and rider.

Regular foot trim (and shoeing if shod). Keeps feet balanced which helps prevent injuries up the leg.

Condition leather tack weekly and/or once dried after every wet ride. Leather is 14pc water. Dry leather cracks and breaks. Keep it moist.

Keep feed regime simple.

Sugarbeet pulp, cheap and good forage.

Good quality hay or forage or grass.

Gather apples/crab apples from village green trees and hedgerows to supplement feed.

Buy sacks of carrots if they're available in your area. (We pay £2 for an orange-net of carrots, probably about 10kilo). If you live near a carrot sorter and are on a yard, buy them direct yourself as a trailer-load.

Ask for spoilt apples/carrots from your local greengrocer. If no local greengrocer, seek out the "value" ranges in supermarkets (eg Tesco are currently £1 for bag of value carrots).

For those who live out all year, roadplanings or other hardcore type materials in gateways/outside shelters in fields create nice areas of hardstanding that enable you to minimise or prevent mudfever, and have ability for horses to live out all year without trashing field as you can feed them hay in winter on the roadplanings area.

Collect rainwater off stable gutters for drinking and washing. Saves water bill. (Or for those of us without water supplies at our fields, saves on trips-with-car-and-containers-of-water).

Postcode or phone-number all your rugs, headcollars, lekkie fence posts, energisers, etc, to discourage theft. Permanent marker pens or paint.

Rubberised skips make excellent, longlasting feed bowls.

Length of baler twine on a hoofpick prevents it getting lost.

Old-fashioned saltlick blocks provide the same nutrient levels as modern hi-tech expensive ones.

Sudocrem for everything. Wounds, sunburn, flybites. it is antiseptic and also slight analgesic.

Avon SkinSoSoft and/or homemade fly repellant (buy citronella in chemists) for midgey areas.

If horse is midge-susceptible/sweet-itchy, a boett or fly rug and full face fly mask are well worth the expense for the savings in money on fly repellant and soothing creams, and for the ned's comfort.

Don't fullclip ned. Many people hardly ride in winter except at weekends so let him have a winter coat and just clip his neck/chest/bib, or a trace clip if doing very active stuff. Saves on rugs and feed as horse is warmer. Easy enough to sponge off sweaty bits after a ride.

Full mane and tail in summer for fly-swishing comfort. Trim tail shorter in winter to avoid mud dreadlocks.

Condition your leather riding boots too when you do your tack.

Stitch little holes before they become big holes on jacket pockets, rugs, bridles, etc.

Look for ebay bargains, eg 12' natural horsemanship ropes are £20 upwards from NH sites, but 12' cotton leadropes can be had for a fiver on ebay.

Look for the non-horse alternative in all things, eg agricultural footrot spray is around £5 for an aerosol can and works a treat on horse thrush.

If you have a trailer, keep tyres pumped to correct pressure and check with pressure gauge before each trip. Have trailer serviced once a year. Grease your tow vehicle's towball.
 
I do think one of the biggest wastes of money is bedding. When I see the price of shavings etc per bale I am very grateful all the horses I've had in recent years have preferred living out.
 
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