pet
r
8 HORSES
You want to A Benefit for Three Gait Therapeutic Horsemanship Center Presented by Madison Area Recreational Equestrian Sister
OCTOBER 14-15, 2006 THE CLINIC
THE EVENING GALA
CLINICIAN: Debbie McDonald, Olympic Dressage Medalist.
Special Attractions:
COST OF THE RIDE: $500 for both days. COST TO AUDIT: $30 per day/ $50 for both. To Ride Or Audit Contact: Dena at: 608.877.9086 or email: dena@gaits.org
START SATURDAY 14 • 6pm
• Exciting Big-Ticket Raffle Item • High End Silent Auction • Vendor Booths COST: $50 per person For Tickets: Please go to: www.MoonDance2006.org
FOOD & WINE
* All preceeds from this specialweekend will go to benefit 3 Gaits Threrapeutic Horsemanship Center
Bristol Equestrian Estates, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
7039 Highway N • Sun Parairie, WI 53590 • 608.837.4869 12 Pet Pash
A
s you know, a horse isn’t just a horse, of course, but a new member of your family that needs as much care and attention as anyone else. And, whether your horse is for showing, sport riding, or recreation, the weight of the responsibility may seem daunting, but the challenge of tending to your horse is easily mastered. While some of us may be into simple trail riding, others take horseback riding seriously and become involved in a particular sport. English or Western, the equestrian sports are challenging, exciting and fun for participants and spectators. Horses, like other pets, are great companions. However, they do require a considerable commitment of time and money. Before buying a horse or pony, consider exactly what is drawing you to horses and ponies. Has your child been asking for a pony? Do you want to finally fulfill that childhood wish of your own and get yourself a horse? Maybe you’re looking for an investment, or perhaps you just like to ride. Whatever the reason you have for buying a horse, every prospective buyer must consider certain issues. One of the prime considerations in choosing a horse is cost, both the initial “start-up” costs and the monthly expenses associated with owning a horse. Besides buying the horse, you’ll need basic equipment, like brushes and a saddle. You should also know your options. Do you know where to buy a horse, and what to look for when choosing a horse, especially if you’ve never owned horses before? If you’re buying a horse for a child, consider the attributes and characteristics that make a horse appropriate for a child or beginner. Before moving forward with any course of action, make sure that you’re ready to own a horse. Horse ownership is a long-term commitment, financially and emotionally, and if you aren’t absolutely certain that you or your child are ready, look into options that provide regular access to a horse without the responsibility and expense of ownership.
Questions & Having answers to the following questions will help you when buying a horse: • How old is the horse? • What has he been used for? • Has he sustained any injuries? • If so, what was the location of the injury? How severe was the injury? Was it treated by a veterinarian? How was it treated? • Does the horse have any bad habits? Does it kick, crib (grab onto an object with his teeth and swallow air), or chew on things?
• Does it get along with animals? • What type of activities Arena work? Trail rides? • How recently were the remove the sharp points • Are his vaccinations an When are the next ones • Is the horse easy to loa electric clippers? • Is the horse registered