How to Keep A Horse On A Budget
Posted by Marc Marseille | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 06-03-2010
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Living through the credit crunch is never easy, but when you have horses and ponies which rely on you for nurishment, shelter and medicine, every little bit helps.
It’s a sad fact that many horses and ponies are given up every week, as owners struggle to cope with the current economic climate, as a result there are currently many horses for sale.
Sara Tuppen founder of the Horse Refuge in Wittersham Kent, knows all about looking after horses when money is scarce, and relies solely on donations to keep more than 40 rescued horses in good condition. She believes there are many ways which could help make owning a horse during a recession a little easier:
1. Many horses can live comfortably outside for the majority of the year, as long as there’s food, water and a place to shelter available. If this is a suitable option for your horse, it could reduce your stabling prices by a large amount.
2. Removing shoes can be an easy way to reduce outlay. If not ridden regularly, and not ridden on rough surfaces, many horses will not need shoes.
3. Sharing your horse is a fantastic way to severely reduce costs, and helps to provide a cheaper introduction to horse ownership for another person.
4. Quite often you can receive free stabling and perhaps even hay and bedding in return for helping out around the yard. Helping to muck out, grooming, maintenance etc. are all ways which could reduce your outlay for a little work!
5. Vets bills are an unknown factor but still have to be allowed for. If you’re budget is low, you may find a lot of Vets will allow you to pay in instalments.
6. Most of us can also make lifestyle changes! It’s not all about finding ways to keep your horse more cheaply, you can do it too!
7. If achievable, horse owners can often club together to buy feed and straw in bulk, reducing the entire cost and passing on savings to all.
8. Finally, you can look into placing your horse in a foster home, even as a companion.
If you’re fortunate enough to be in a position to share, or even purchase a horse or pony, there are still many horses for sale and ponies for sale available.
