are at a facility that best suits your care and budget needs. Farrier- You will need to consult with a farrier for your horses’ shoeing needs. Horses usually get their feet done every 6 to 8 weeks and the cost can range from $40-$250+, depending on if your horse is barefoot and requires a “trim”, or if he wears shoes. This can fluctuate based on your area and different needs of your horse. Vet Care- Regular veterinary visits are a necessity for every horse. You should have your vet set up both a vaccination and deworming program for your horse. Vaccinations are usually given twice a year (spring and fall), and deworming may vary - depending on the results of a fecal exam by your vet to identify the type of worm(s) present, if any. Your vet will also advise you as to the type of wormer to use and
when to worm. Additionally, most horses require an annual oral exam and possible teeth “floating” (removal of sharp points). Some horses may
require semi-annual dental exams if they have pre-existing conditions that require monitoring. The cost for all of the above-mentioned routine care can run between $400 - $500 annually. However, this does not include any “unexpected” veterinary expenses that may occur. Having a little “extra” set aside for the unknown is never a bad idea! Extras- Remember, you will also need riding gear for yourself, like a helmet and riding boots. You may also want to invest in some breeches or riding clothes dedicated to the barn. If you are planning on continuing to grow in your riding, it is best to stay in a weekly lesson program. If you’re looking to horse show and travel, you need to account for any training and traveling expenses. Also, keep into consideration any supplements or extra feed that your horse may need. 5. Horse Shopping Preferably with the help of a trainer, start your shopping! Once your criteria is set (age, breed, height, etc.), put some feelers out and don’t be afraid to try out a lot of horses. Keep searching for what you want, but at the same time, be open
to trying different types of horses to help you find your perfect match. Remember that having a new partner includes a lot of growing and learning curves, so don’t hesitate to invest in your training and “getting-to-know-you” time. 6. Making the Decision When you have narrowed down your options to your top choice, it is highly recommended that you invest in a Pre-Purchase Exam as part of the initial cost of your horse. Having a second opinion from a trainer can also help you determine whether or not the horse is going to be the perfect fit for you. What is a PPE and why should I do one? A PPE is otherwise known as a “Pre-Purchase Exam”. A PPE will allow your vet to completely analyze the horse by doing flexion tests, x-rays (if needed), skin and eye exams, as well as examining the overall health and conformation of the horse to help you be sure that the horse is physically suited for what you would like to do. PPE’s are always recommended. Buying your first horse can be a big investment and you want to make sure you
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2020 OHIO EQUESTRIAN DIRECTORY 55