Since the days of the horseless carriage, a horse is little more than a
big dog who eats a lot.
On Tue, 22 Feb 2011 22:41:06 -0500
"Laura A. Roberts" <laura0554@hughes.net> wrote:
> Horses can be one big money pit...a deep dark hole. BUT,
> they can be a joy to have, also. The price of the horse is nothing
> compared to the medical care it may incur. To give you an idea, my
> daughter's pony colicked in November. One vet visit...the night
> before Thanksgivng....$478. They eat 1-2% of their body weight in
> hay, so count how much hay costs in your area and not the cheaper
> cattle hay. They don't have to have grain, but most feed it in the
> winter. Worming every three months if not on a daily wormer. I
> wish I had and uncle who was a farrier to do our horses feet. That is
> another $50-60 every 6 weeks or so for TRIMS ONLY. Shoes run about
> $100. Also, if you have an emergency, you will need a horse trailer
> or have someone lined up that can haul your horse for you. Tack
> varies in price dramatically and used tack can be a good compromise.
>
>
>
> We have a manure vacuum to clean the pastures with and it
> isn't just for looks. The more manure on the ground, the more
> parasites spread. Keeping water available for horses in the winter
> can be tricky, but FL should be ok.
>
>
>
> I am not trying to discourage or encourage, just pointing
> out expenses that can pile up despite the horse being free. We have
> found there is no such thing as a free horse.
>
> Laura
>
>
>
> Laura Roberts
>
> R Half Pint Farm
>
> Spotsylvania, VA
>
>
>
CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com
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