Talking About Horses: Horse Ownership Options

Continuing the conversation about owning a horse....
Talking about owning a horse when you really can't afford it.....

So you want to own a horse but you aren’t sure you have the time or money that may be required? Perhaps your dream has been discouraged "Because we just can't afford it!" There are other possibilities out there for you to take a look at.

The good news is there are some options for you that will help bridge the gap between being someone who just rents a horse by the hour or lesson and someone who has the full-time responsibilities of horse ownership.

First, if you are in doubt at all…then definitely do not buy your own horse - yet! I know that can be tough—especially if you have already fallen in love with a particular horse. In the long run, waiting may be in the best interests of both you and the animal.

Maybe its time for some additional research. I've learned that those things that appear as "road blocks" always can be viewed from another perspective - that old "make lemonade out of lemons" adage holds a lot of truth. I encourage you to look for the hidden gift within and think "What if?" Consider -

Leasing
A friend used to lease a horse every year during school breaks. She knew she didn’t have the time or money to own a horse—as much as she wanted to—and this gave her the opportunity to ride the same horse every day, so it felt like it was “her” horse…and it was, to the extent that no one else could ride him during the lease period.

Generally with leasing, the stable provides tack and services, like feeding, grooming, mucking out stalls, and turn out…you basically are getting a break on the hourly rate for buying “in bulk” and you get to have the fun of riding without the responsibilities.

But if you really want to see if you can handle owning a horse then you want to take on as many of the care duties as possible. Talk it over with the stable and see if you can take on some of these responsibilities. They may allow you to help or take some on with supervision.

Part-Board
Part-board is another option if you can’t afford a horse. You pay part-board and have riding privileges in exchange. This may be arranged through a stable or with a private owner. Terms and arrangements vary widely, so you definitely want a contract so you know your rights and responsibilities.

Part-board differs from leasing in that you are sharing time with a horse between 2 or more riders. You will generally have riding privileges at specific times and days or a set number of hours per week.

Other points to consider with part-board: you may or may not be able to use the owner’s tack, you may also be responsible for a portion of farrier and vet fees. These are all details that have to worked out in your contract.

You can also buy a horse and offer your horse for part-board. Your boarding fees should be less with this arrangement, but remember you are letting someone else ride and handle your horse, and you are giving up some of your potential riding time.

Reduced board
Board is one of the largest expenses of horse ownership, so if you can get reduced board maybe you will be able to have a horse…look into ways to reduce that cost.

Talk to the stable and see what they would be willing to reduce board to in exchange for:
• Mucking out stalls
• Making your horse available for lessons or rides
• Feeding, watering, turn out of other horses

If you have specialized skills due to your education, job or background, you might offer them in exchange for reduced board also. Think beyond stable hand skills—are you a whiz at advertising, computer programming…are you mechanical, can you repair things? Any of these skills, and lots of others, may be something the stable could use. You never know until you ask!

Please share your story of how you may have come to decide to buy a horse.

Terry
Himalayan Horse Salt

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