Buckle Up
Becoming a horse owner is one of the most rewarding and irritating things I have ever done. The learning curve and lack of family inheritance of this lifestyle put me behind the eight ball.
Jumping into horse ownership with no prior experience is not the safest path. My goal is to be bridge the gap that beginners cross in their steps towards joining the equine industry.
First Step: Buy Horse Knowledge
Through the years, I have realized that knowing is half the battle. Find someone that is already in the business, who is willing to guide you in the right direction. There is a large learning gap that involves learning basic care, vocabulary for everything (tack, diseases, parts of the body, supplements, nutrition, vet care, etc.), and general “common sense”.
To get in contact with me, click here and we can discuss your goals of horse ownership. There are millions of avenues to take with the horse industry. It is not all competition and nose to grindstone. So many others love to watch their pasture pets grazing in the field. Others enjoy relaxing trail rides through the woods. If you have goals of competing, like I do, then go for it. But everyone starts at the bottom. Everyone has to cross the bridge of knowing what it takes for our equine athletes to feel their best.
Second Step: Buy Lessons
If you are wanting to ride, this is a crucial step in your journey. I would strongly suggest taking lessons from multiple people over the course of several months. This will help build your knowledge, but also create connections within the industry. When taking lessons from several people, you can try different disciplines, sports, and training methods. Then you will be able to funnel into the one that sparks your interest.
There are hundreds of styles and sports out there. Find what you like and never be afraid to try something new. I started riding western in the beginning and never dreamed I would try vaulting or ride english. This step and the first step can intertwine with each other for as long as needed until you are ready to purchase one for your own.
This also allows you to see the costs of upkeep. There are so many factors that many don’t think about. Some financial factors are hay costs, vet bills, and farrier bills. Calculating these are very difficult at times, and this is skimming the surface when it comes to costs of owning a horse.Third Step: Buy Your Time
Third Step: Buy Yourself Some Time
After months, or even years, of learning how to care for a horse properly and taking lessons, you now have a much better understanding of what it takes to own one. You are now ready to search for the one to bring home. Buy yourself some time with picking the right one to suit your current needs.
Keep your connections in the loop. Your trainer and planned vet are the people that need to know what you’re looking at. This will sometimes break your heart when they strongly advise against the gorgeous blue roan filly with papers, but the truth is the older the better for the first time horse owner.
Having the dead broke horse is better than the fancy broke horse. If you do not know the difference in those two sayings, click here. A good mine and calm demeanor are the most valuable assets when buying your first horse.
Having someone tag along with you to check out a horse and see if its what the seller says it is can keep you safe later down the road.
Fourth Step: Ride Off Into the Sunset (Supervised)
Once you find the right match and bring it home, keep taking lessons with your trainer to create a better relationship with your new equine partner.
Entering into the equine world is an emotional roller coaster sometimes, but it is an amazing lifestyle that brings out the best in us.