Fulfilling a Fantasy: What You Need to Know as a Prospective Horse Owner

Besides being a princess, owning a horse is every little girl’s fantasy. Many of us, however, fail to see this as a credible option and as a result, our dreams remain unfulfilled.

Speaking from personal experience, I can confirm that I fall into this trap, and dashed my daughter’s dreams of owning a horse. However, having gazed longingly into her ‘puppy dog’ eyes for a number of weeks, I realised that some of the limitations weren’t as restrictive as I had first imagined.

Here are the key areas to consider when deciding whether or not you can afford your dream horse.

Cost of care:

Keeping and caring for a horse undoubtedly comes at a huge financial cost and it would be unwise of me to misinform you of the true cost of owning your dream horse.

Quality of care is a huge factor in deciding whether you should own a horse or not. If you cannot provide care then you should never consider horse ownership. If, however, you have time to provide your horse with love, care and affection then you’d be an ideal horse owner.

However, love is simply not enough for horses and they do require significant financial investment. Luckily, this guide produced by the British Horse Society makes a list of costs and fees so you can plan your budget and see whether it’s affordable.

Space:

There are various rules and regulations about horse ownership but very few of these are surprising in any capacity; for the most part, they are pretty straightforward. The Code of Practice for the Welfare of Horses, Ponies, Donkeys and their Hybrids sets out all of the guidelines for horse owners and provides a really handy guide to ownership. The focus of the document is mainly on care and space provision. This is the worry of most prospective horse owners and it is one that is highly understandable.

As well as a grazing area, you should put great consideration into your horse’s shelter. The size, scale and quality of these vary hugely, so try checking out somewhere like Vale Stables to see the range of horse shelters on offer.

Time:

Taking care of a horse is a time consuming but ultimately rewarding job. It does take a great deal of time to look after your horse but the results are heart-warming. Looking after a horse is similar to looking after a child; it may be time consuming and tiring but the rewards are great!

Owning a horse really is a dream that can become a reality. We all face restrictions in our lives, and it may be the case that after reading this you still feel that owning a horse is not right for you. It is still ok to think that though, and your time may come in the future.

However, hopefully after reading this guide you’ve realised that owning a horse is an opportunity and a delight rather than a burdensome chore. So, examine the option carefully and see if you can make your dream a reality.

Ellie is a freelance journalist who writes in a number of areas. Currently, she is writing on the behalf of Broadfield Stables and enjoys writing about equine matters and follows showjumping events.

Guest Post; Electrical Fencing For Horses

Gone are the days when it was believed that electric fencing was painful, unsafe, expensive, unreliable and difficult to maintain. In fact, the opposite is true. Subsequently the benefits are unrivalled compared to other fencing solutions when it comes to looking after horses.

Electrical fences provide an effective psychological and physical barrier. As a large and strong animal, securely containing a horse can be a challenge. However as they are domesticable, they’re not likely to leave familiar surroundings if they’re properly cared for. This is what makes electrical fencing so effective; the current running through them is not enough to hurt but instead gives a small shock which is simply enough to teach them to avoid the fence in future. If they are properly looked after then they will have no reason to go near the fencing at all.

The electrical fencing works by putting a high voltage, low current pulse, approximately once per second, through a conductive fence line via an energiser. The fence line must be totally insulated from the ground so that when the horse touches the ‘live’ fence line, the horse completes the circuit, causing it to feel a shock as the current flows through its body, into the ground and back to the energiser via the earth stake.

Fences can be powered either by the mains or by a battery. In either case, however, an energiser is needed to convert the power so that it will energise the fence. The type of energiser will depend on the source of the power as well as the length of the fence.

Although believed to be more expensive due to power use, overall electrical fencing is more cost effective than other fencing options such as wood, rail, stock wire or barbed wire. As many horses rub against wooden fence posts, they can easily become breached or sag and frequently need repairs that are costly in both time and money. Wires which are barbed are also easily damaged and pose a large risk to the horses - they can easily hurt themselves and become tangled.

Electric wiring can be used to replace other fencing or can be used in conjunction with wooden and other traditional fencing materials in order to protect horses and the fence from damage. A single electrical wire or tape, held by insulators, running along the top of a wooden fence or a standalone permanent or semi-permanent fence in place of other fencing materials should be sufficient.

For standalone fencing, plastic posts are used, usually with electrical tape. Horse’s vision is not as good as our own, and therefore they are not usually able to pick out a thin electrical wire. If the first thing they know about encountering the wire is the shock, this may cause them to panic and push through the line - causing more damage to themselves and the fencing. Tape, which is thicker than wire, in a contrasting colour to the environment, is usually best as it makes the wire as visible as possible.

Installing an electrical fence is also much easier than traditional fencing. It can be done by one person, with minimal tools, saving on time and labour.

As well as keeping the horses securely contained, the electrical fencing is effective at keeping other animals out of grazing and paddock areas. Animals such as foxes could spook the horses or contaminate the area, causing illness.

There are several different types of electrical fencing: permanent; semi-permanent and temporary, and different components and ways to construct a fence. Permanent solutions will typically last for several decades, and as the name suggests, are fixed into position. High Tensile electric fence systems are very strong and can be used with very large horses. Semi-permanent electrical fences are more flexible and can be moved so that the fencing can be altered as animal control needs change over the years. Temporary fencing is the most flexible solution and can be changed to meet your needs as and when required. It can also be added to permanent electric fencing, for example, to create paddock areas which are only needed for a short time, such as isolation areas in case of illness or aggression, or for strip grazing.

Strip grazing - sectioning off a small area of the paddock so that the horses only have access to a limited amount of grass - is used to restrict the amount of food that horses have access to. This is effective for weight control, as many horses dislike being muzzled, and is also used to prevent laminitis; it is thought that too much rich grass in the diet - grass containing a high level of sugars - can contribute to the condition. Strip grazing can be used for pasture control to avoid this, by moving horses to a new strip in the evening when the sugars are at their lowest, and also altering the strips to avoid prolonged grazing on the rich grass roots. Within a permanent paddock temporary electric fencing is perfect for this.

An effective way to strip graze and ensure that horses get enough exercise is to make a track around a paddock - when the water is kept at one end then the horses will be encouraged to move around all day. The temporary electric fencing can then be moved depending on weather and grass growth.

Temporary electric fencing is also highly effective for segregating horses should one become ill, therefore preventing the spread of illness. It can also be used when breeding to contain the stallion, particularly when mares are present. The current for this purpose may need to be higher than usual in order to act as sufficient deterrent., so it is important to make sure you have properly researched what is best for your individual situation.

There are also certain types of temporary fences which are portable so that if you take a horse out riding or attend a show you can allow them to rest and graze securely by erecting the temporary fence to create a small area for them. These fences are usually light and easily packed into a rucksack.

Overall electric fencing can be a valuable asset in securing horses safely and cost-effectively. There is a solution for almost any requirement; if you are unsure of what you might need there are useful online tools which can help you define your electric fence needs and get the best for you and your horses.

Author Bio:

Olivia Henderson is the content specialist for Fi-Shock - a world leaders in electric fence systems. Fi-Shock HYPERLINK "http://www.electricfencingcentral.co.uk/"electric fencing systems provide safe, superior quality energisers, accessories, conductors (tape wire and rope), insulators, and electric fence components. Electric fences are an economical alternative to conventional or barbed wire fences.

Guest Post; From Tricycle to Stirrups: When is the Right Age to Start Horse Riding

Before you even come close to riding a horse you must think about the essential skills you will need to take care of a horse, to go out riding on your own and to fully develop your child into an experienced, safe rider.

What comes first

 Learning to tie, groom and lead a horse needs to be top priority when first learning how to ride. However, these can be learnt much earlier than actually physically riding a horse. Grooming a horse will not only build up your confidence around horses, but it will create a bond between you and the horse. This trust is important in a relationship of this kind.

A stable beginning

 Starting to do barn chores can be a great stepping stone when you begin to ride a horse. You will also gain more experience around the stables as well as becoming more comfortable around the creatures. Many stables will be happy to have a volunteer to help muck in. In return they might even let you ride their horses eventually.

As you probably already know, horse riding is not one of those things that you can just get up one day and master. It takes time. It takes patience. But it also takes effort and control. You will have to do a lot of work before you are ready to start ride a horse.

Which is the right horse for you?

 When starting out riding a horse you should start on an older horse. One that’s over 7 years old is recommended as they are more dependable, consistent and calmer through experience.

There are many different factors you should take into account when choosing a riding school to make sure you get a quality experience. Things to consider include:

●      Surveying a wide selection of horses and ponies to find the right fit

●      Choosing the right equipment. The wrong tools will only lead to a bad experience

●      Choose established, reliable instructors. Those with a lot of knowledge built over years of being around horses is highly recommended.

Like learning anything new, you should try and watch at least one lesson first to get a feel of what it will be like when you go for your lessons.

Remember...

 It is always good to start learning anything at a young age because it becomes almost second nature.

If your child expresses an interest in learning then there is no harm in making the introductions at an early age. This feeds their enthusiasm and ability to make decisions on what they like or dislike.

Ideally the perfect age would be anywhere from 7 upwards. However, it does depend a lot on the child's personality.

Location, Location, Location

 Along with the child's personality it also depends on the size of the branch and whether they have the appropriate equipment, horses and staff. "I would be very surprised to find any riding school teaching below the age of five or six," says Julian Marczak, chairman of the Association of British Riding Schools.

"Children don’t have the coordination before that, but, of course, you can put them on a horse or pony from a very early age so that they get the feeling for it. In my opinion, it doesn’t matter how early you sit on a pony as long as you’ve got a hat on and have good supervision."

We've told you our opinion, now you tell us yours! What do you think is the perfect age to start horse riding?

Author bio: This blog was written by Adam Stevens on behalf of  primaanimalhealth.co.uk. He loves writing about a range of different topics and hopes this blog proves useful when teaching children how to ride.

Trooper Update!

Here are some photos I took of Trooper last weekend while I was back at home! He is looking great at the moment, especially now he has his summer coat. He is a nice weight at the moment as well. I took him for a ride and he was lovely, much more springy than he has been and he isn't bothered by the leg which he injured his tendon on at all now.

Look how lovely he looks! Not bad for a 24 year old!

I haven't had the time to post as much as a used to as I am working full time. I will still be writing posts from time to time but just not very often. I have been posting a lot of guest posts as I think this is great way to get some interesting things on my blog while I am busy!

I will also write a bit more about my job at some point as I am working as an advisor for a horse worming company that writes worming programmes and carries out faecal egg counts so some of you might be interested in that!

Love Laura
xxxx

Guest Post; Things To Consider Before Purchasing A Horsebox

If you’re relatively new to horse ownership, the thought of travelling with your prized mare or stallion can seem like an intimidating prospect. Whether you’re planning to attend your first event or simply fancy riding somewhere new, the logistics of moving your horse around the country aren’t always easy.

Yet while taking the plunge and buying a horsebox of your own involves a lot of consideration, with the right guidance, very rarely is it a purchase that comes with any danger. Thousands of owners take to the roads to transport their horse each day and although it’s an experience that takes getting used to, it won’t be long before taking your horse on the road becomes second nature.

For prospective horsebox owners, you’ll likely have an abundance of questions you’ll need answering. Below, we’ve attempted to answer some of your most pressing queries and help guide you through the horsebox purchasing minefield.

Do I really need one?

Purchasing a horse box can help save you a lot of money in the long run, but it’s important to consider how often you’ll realistically be using it. The comfort of transporting your horse within your own vehicle or trailer is something that appeals to all horse owners. Buying one just for the sake of it however, could potentially cost you a lot of unnecessary money.

If you’re only attending a couple of events a year or the odd annual foray across the country with your horse, paying a professional company to do it on your behalf could be a better option. The cost of acquiring and maintaining a horsebox against the cost of a hiring someone to do so, can be easily offset over a handful of journeys each year. Anything less than that however and it might not be worth your time.

Horse trailer or all-in-one – what’s right for me?

If you’ve decided that investing in a horse box is right for you, then deciding exactly what one to purchase can feel like a hazardous task.

All-in-one horseboxes remain the most attractive option to many horse owners. Vast, spacious and with plenty of room for both you and your horse, many horseboxes include a small living quarters for you to bed down in for those long weekends away.

Horse trailers are a more modest option for horse owners, but far from simply being a cheaper option, they’re also an extremely versatile one. With many horse owners already owning vehicles capable of towing trailers, you can transport your horse from the comfort of your own 4x4. It’s also worth remembering that leaving a trailer in the yard when you’re not using it costs a lot less than a 7.5 tonne commercial vehicle.

Are there any legal obligations for horse box owners?

While obtaining a horsebox is simple enough, there are a number of small guidelines that owners must comply with in order to stay on the right side of the law.

The most prominent guideline that horsebox owners need to look out for is in regards to possessing a category C entitlement on their driving license.

Drivers who passed their test before January 1^st 1997 are entitled to drive a vehicle up to 7.5 tonnes and a combined vehicle and trailer with a weight up to 8.25 tonnes. Drivers who passed their test after this date will have to take additional tests to acquire the appropriate entitlements.

Where should I purchase one from?

Given the hefty financial burden that already comes with the upkeep of your horse, buying a brand new horse box will seem like a step too far for many owners. Yet sourcing one second hand can seem like an equally uncertain prospect.

Although while you’re unlikely to find much in the way of a warranty second hand, if you remain proactive during the course of the sale, very rarely is it a purchase that comes with any safety concerns.

Always seek an engineer’s report to ensure your horsebox won’t be beset by any potentially dangerous mechanical or electrical issues and always request a test drive as standard. When checking the interior of your horsebox, be particularly vigilant when checking the flooring and partitions. Your horse is going to be putting them under a lot of force, so don’t be afraid of stamping around to check its stability.

A horsebox is likely to be one of the most important purchases you make during your time as a horse owner, so make sure you give the buying process the time and care it deserves. But by following the right guidelines and remaining thorough throughout all aspects of your horsebox search, there’s no reason why you can’t be safely travelling the roads with your horse hassle-free.

This article was written by Adrian Flux, one of the UK’s leading specialist insurance firms. With over 35 years experience, Adrian Flux offer a comprehensive range of insurance policies of all varieties, including expert horsebox insurance cover.