Fun Friday Topic: How much better does your horse live than you?
Nov 06 2009
I have to talk about this! My horse now has an appointment for a massage. Last week, he went to the chiropractor. This is to correct a stiff neck from getting cast in his stall. Now he has a sniffle, so he is being seen by the vet for that. All told we’re looking at about $400 in little extras this month.
When I sleep wrong on my neck, I have to chug Advil and keep on going. I had a cold last week – I just got some extra sleep and waited for it to be over. He had a dental in April, I haven’t seen the dentist since 2000.
I know I am not alone so let’s just have a bitchfest…tell me, how much better are your horses living than you are?
136 comments to “Fun Friday Topic: How much better does your horse live than you?”
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my dad buys my horse Star a big bag of apples just for her…we also raise carrots in our garden just for her to
How about this one Fugs?
http://www.rods.com/Silver-Double-Ear-Headstall,10522.html?sc=WGB&utm_source=Froogle&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Froogle09&ns_md=Feed&ns_sc=Froogle&ns_cn=Froogle09
For Christmas, I really want to buy the new draftie a stunningly gorgeous turnout blanket to complement his stunningly gorgeous self.
The draft-sized turnouts found so far are about the same as an annual horsie dental.
Choices, choices.
wenindoubt…I LOVE that one. I love the silver ears. Good catch, I’m bookmarking that – it might be the winner.
GREAT topic. I actually plan to take advantage of the nice weekend and all 5 of my horses will get trimmed, bathed, their feet done (I’m their farrier, aka manicurist), vaccinated and dewormed. They don’t all need everything, but I don’t know how many nice days are left and it will be good to get them all on the same schedule.
I’m sure they’ll be ticked about their day of health and beauty, but man, I’d love to have my hair done, manicure, pedicure, salt scrub and massage! I get into Great Clips to get my $20 haircut once every six months if I’m lucky!
I’ll drive 50 miles to find just the right quality of hay for them, but I’ll pick up a 99 cent cheeseburger for supper on the way home. And we wonder why people always refer to us as “horse-crazy!” LOL
Hahaha…ain’t this the truth. When my paso was still alive, he got a monthly full body massage, chiro visits whenever he needed them, expensive new shoes every six weeks, only the best quality feed and hay, and all the expensive, low carb treats he could eat. My colt thinks he has it rough….he doesn’t get the low carb treats any more because, well, he doesn’t need them. He has to live with carrots or apples or whatever else mom brings to the barn. And he doesn’t get a monthly massage. He does get chiropractic care when necessary. And of course, the best health care I can afford. *sigh*
If I ever add up what I spend on that horse, my husband might leave me.
On that note, I make carrot wreaths for the horses at the barn every year. They are fairly easy to make, and if you buy your carrots bulk, fairly inexpensive. I use butterscotches and cinnamin candies for decorations. They are always a hit….
Where to begin. This has been an expensive year vet wise. Besides the semi-monthly massages and chiropractor and dentist and vaccinations, she tried to poke her eye out earlier in the summer then a month later came down with PHF. The final vet partial payment check cleared a few days ago. Meanwhile, I drive a 12 y/o jalopy, wear 10 year old clothes to the office half the time, the other half I give up and wear my equally threadbare carhartts to work. God only knows what my long-suffering boss thinks.
For Christmas she’s getting her saddle restuffed to the tune of a couple hundred bucks.
OT but I need info: TWH people, can you look up ownership info for me in that registry? If you can, please email me at cathy@horsereunions.com.
HAHA sometimes I think about this too and say to my horse “you better know what all I do for you and your comfort!”. He is receiving full care board, which of course, I cant pay for, so I clean the owner’s couple pastures for them to help reduce some of he board cost. Im currently looking into getting my gelding seen by a saddle fitter – $75 just for the consultation! He gets higher quality food than I do, and gets breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the same time everday. To be honest, I barely get one meal a day! I just bought a new winter turnout for him, you can imagine what those run now for cost! And he gets a precise exercise schedule. It doesnt matter if its raining, dark, late and after work and Im tired, If he hasnt been turned out that day from him stall and run, hes getting out for a ride. I can go on, but you get the idea =]
ARROW:
I would love to hear how you make your carrot wreaths! DO SHARE!
I will also admit, my horses are better taken care of than I am! Their barn is always cleaner than the house. I dispise housework, but horsework, ANYTIME! I don’t know why, but mucking stalls and scrubbing water buckets is better than therapy for me. In fact, it is therapy!
Everytime I go to the feed store, or tack store, I have to snoop around and look for new special treats, or a fancy new halter, or whatever catches my eye.
I would probably fall over if I calculated how much I spent a year per horse. Do I regret it, of course not!!
I win the prize for best present … for Xmas, my horse is getting her own two-stall barn and 2 acres to play on in my new backyard.
Oh, and I meant to say that I do however see my dentist twice a year — Fugs, please make an appointment.
I currently don’t have a horse, but when I did it was definitely my horse got all of the income, and I survived on tea and soda crackers sometimes, lol! The worst year I ever had was something along these lines:
~Bought the horse – $500
~shipped from Wyoming to western Washington (plus coggins, multi-state health certificate, and brand inspection) – $1500
~Day after horse arrived, she choked on a blackberry bush at 7:00pm ~ $1000+ vet bill/emergency call (found out she needed LOTS of dental work at that point and time also)
~Dental work – $500
~I lived in an area that had notoriously high boarding fees – $400/m
~Corrective shoeing due to living on the range to grow up for two years – $150 every 6 weeks
~Paying for 60 days of training to get her started under saddle- $1200
~Buying her all new tack as my old stuff didn’t fit – $1300
~Found out she also needed chiropractic work – $75
~Rain blanket to fit her, plus the one to replace the original after she tore it to shreds – $150/each
~to say nothing of all the treats I bought her… and the panacur power pack she needed… and all of her shots… oh and I just HAD to have that fancy leather halter with the pretties on it…
UGH!
I was BROKE that year… and now I don’t want another horse until I win the lottery because I can’t afford to pay for all of the above again. So now I’m riding horses for people that DO have the money to pay for such things!
I have not purchased new work clothes in years. I have had 2 large Vet bills one after another in the tune of over 3,000 each. My husband commented how a co-worker was going on a diving trip to the Bahamas. I said we could go, (if we wanted) if we did not have the Vet bills. Any extra money I scour the cataloges to see what is new and what my horses can not live without. My new financial drain is a darling little baby miniature mule. What are pedicures? I’ve heard of them but………..
Gah. Horse-face gets pedicures, massages, chiropractor, regular vet and dental care, a nice clean stall in the main barn with the biggest attached run, hand-delivered food and water and treats, new blankets, treeless saddles ($$$) because she is a wide load, etc. Basically she gets whatever she wants, and everyone who walks through the barn tells her she is gorgeous. She looooooves the attention.
Me? I get none of these things. I do get an occasional bottle of beer. Oh, and a guy at the bar last week loudly telling his friends “she’s not THAT cute.” Referring to me, of course.
Visitors to Earth from another planet would assume that my horse is my ruler and I am her slave.
For Christmas she is getting a show bridle and a stocking with her name on it, stuffed full of apples, carrots, candy canes and soft peppermints and Mrs. Pasture’s Horse Cookies. And possibly a pink stall sign.
I want to start a 501(c)(3) for making rescuers look civilized. You know, funding so we could get our hair done, some clothes that did not come from the Goodwill or Wal-Mart, etc. Everybody I know in rescue, it’s like that grooming the pony cartoon from Thelwell…you start out with this hideous looking horse but you look cute and pretty soon all the horses look cute and you look hideous!
Let’s see:
Since rescue last year (paid $800 to get bill of sale)
Corrective shoeing $235 every 6 weeks
Two-cycle deworming to get rid of any parasite load – $160 (total for year)
Turnout blanket (bought in the middle of the cold snap, natch) $230
Stall fleece for cold nights inside $105
stall fees not including the extra feed $750/month
extra hay and nightly mashes $135/month
New saddle (of COURSE my saddle doesn’t fit) $950
New bridle (doesn’t it have to match the saddle?) $89
Shipping boots, buckets, grooming gear, treats, – ?? I’m afraid to add this up.
Vet bills for diagnosing and treating lameness $600
My husband calls my horse the boat – because he could have paid cash for one with everything I have spent so far! So of course, I am looking for another one, since my kids ride too, and one horse means I never get any saddle time anymore. Who needs to retire?
P.S. Fugly, wish SAFE would adopt to Alaska, I love, love, love the look of Cedar. She looks exactly like what I want, since I am a re-rider looking to get into lower level dressage.
Fugs, it might be a good idea to do a more serious post about the increasing costs of keeping horses. I am going to retire, I am 64 and can’t do all of the stuff I need to do, and can’t make enough money to be able to afford to pay someone to do it. I think a lot of people currently involved in horses will very reluctantly face the face that they’ve got to: 1] euth the retired old guy; 2] put off, if not forget forever, getting the nice young prospect; and 3] just keep on with the middle aged, middle quality fellow. Where I live $300 is consider ALL you should ask for stall board, and you’d better have some nice stuff to offer in terms of trails, rings, jumps, an arena, lights, round pen, etc. A lot of people – mostly women who are trying to support a couple of horses – who are boarding would actually make more per hour if they went to work at Wal-Mart part time, and boarded their horse and got to just ride and enjoy it.
On a lighter note, I shop for clothing at a second hand store, never get a mani or a pedi, don’t wear makeup, etc. Of course my horse has it better.
AMEN……..there is always something new to buy or something I think they need. ANd its so true mine get a “pedicure” alot more often then I do……..lol
I hate to say it, but I HAVE to keep my horses cheap… but our vacation every year is a weekend in Chicago at a convention, and going to Ikea…
I have 3.5 but 3 of them have their own run in shed, and 1 acre plus paddock/pasture. They are on round bales, but can have grain if needed. They see the farrier as need at 25 bucks each, that is 75 per visit. I pay around 75 per horse boarding, but I help out ALOT with feeding and farm work. They are only ridden during the late spring through mid fall, I hope to do some winter showing this year.
I finally got a 4×4 truck and a used trailer.
My chiropractor asked me why I keep up with horses…
I said and always say, “THey are cheaper than therapy!”.. they are my therapy.
I lucked out with my boarding situation. And I am called the queen of cheap.
I got my horse for 450, my husbands for 100, and my third and half one for free.
I paid 75 for my saddle.. I sat in on a saddle fitter seminar, and learned a cheap and easy way to help check a saddle fit. I paid 35 for my hubbies, and it fits like a glove for his horse. I go to tack swaps, auctions, and we have a university and a theraputic riding center nearby that do tack sales VERY cheap since its donated….
Well, just getting my Arabian gelding to arrive alive was expensive enough: one of my mare’s co-breeders refused for months to sign her papers over to me for a laundry list of reasons, none of which were valid until I finally sued him in what was basically a quiet title action for registration papers. Amazing how quickly he ponied up when I served him with very specific document and discovery requests that directly addressed every single reason he ever gave for not signing off. Next, we start the breeding process and have several difficulties getting her bred-uterine infection, popped eggs like popcorn, bad timing, etc. One afternoon we were scheduled breed lightning struck our property and caused a fire that burnt my feed/hay/tack building down to the ground, and all in it was lost. We bred her right next to the smoldering ruins! She took that time, then the vet discovered her estrogen level was too low so it’s 100 days of Regumate. All is well until month 10 when she colicked and required surgery. Spent a week in the hospital (suffered a very mild bout of laminitis recovering from the surgery) then came home with the warning the foal had a 50% chance of being born alive. He made it and is a wonderful, smart, fun, and handsome boy.
OFF topic…
BUT
Fugly begets Fugly…
http://madison.craigslist.org/grd/1454593498.html
Horses for Sale – $200
Horses for sale. Weanlings and up. Starting at $200.00 No papers, but out of a registered stallion. Come take a look and pick one out for your winter project.
Ran across this today in a book called Ecological Imperialism. Thought you’d all enjoy:
By the end of the seventeenth century, feral horses were pests in Virginia and Maryland. Runty stallions made so much trouble by impregnating valuable mares that statutes were passed requiring their penning or gelding. In Pennsylvania, anyone finding a stallion under thirteen hands running free had the legal right to geld him on the spot.
So many of the horses are getting massages and chiropractic. I have a twenty-something gelding in my barn that got cast a while back and seems like could use some of either. Any recommendations in western Oregon? I am at sunvalleysally at nycmail dot com.
Years ago before I state-hopped to and fro we had a horse massager by the name of Millie who used to be in Bend, Oregon – she was really terrific but deluged with Bend Big Barn Business and we lost contact with her. Anyone know of this lady?
Bought my own first in two years new pair of shoes (office – business casual, not Ariats darn it). Sigh. The four footed ones get them more than I do that’s for sure.
I’m making the horses “horse salad.” It’s a gooey mess with chopped apples, carrots, applesauce, molasses, and peppermints (my friend gives me a big tub of King Leo’s), and I mix about a cup of it into their grain, which I sometimes give them in the form of a warm mash.
I have to turn them out afterwards to burn off their sugar high, lol. Because they’ve gotten so fat, though, I’m going to use no-sugar applesauce (I might do homemade) and only a little molasses, and no peppermints.
So far in the past 2 months
Vet Bill for hematoma on cheast 150.00
Vet Bill for swollen fetlock 600.00
Appt./Blood test to check for EPM that caused her to step on herself and to rule out anything else 170.00
Number of coffee’s I needed after blood test and additional “spin” came back with a 95% chance of EPM-$50.00
Spinal Tap (started at 500-skipped it)
Treatment from Vet for EPM 1000.00 (skipped it, see below)
Online meds (including shipping) for EPM 750.00
Boots to protect her legs when she steps on herself-100.00
Board/Training for the 2 months 1600.00
Insurance 350.00
I know it comes to somewhere around 3700 for the two months. I WAS saving for a new saddle. Sigh.
http://www.wildponybeast.blogspot.com
This is sad- when you think nothing of spending $$$$ to replace all of your horse’s turnout sheets/blankets with Rambo or Rhino blankets, but you don’t want to spend the money to buy yourself a proper raincoat!!! Mind you, I would have no intention of rolling in the mud in it either….
My barn owner and I were just talking about this last night. I will not add up all my horse’s vet bills from the past year, because of the depression that I am sure will set in when I realize how much was spent to diagnose what was fixed with the $50 stifle blister. We laughed about how good we could be living if we didn’t have horses.
My horse eats more treats than me. And gets new shoes more often than me. And gets pedicures more often than me. I’m jealous. She gets more love too most of the time.
I’m getting my horse endurance tack (biothane type bridle/halter combo, saddle packs and a breast collar) provided I have the money for it all. That biothane stuff can be expensive.
My horse gets chiro, massage, dentals, $300 shoes, and a lot more “oooh pretty”s than I do!!!!!
sorry, yesterdays topic but I missed the chance to post, and think its worth posting today for beginner horse owner mistakes. A coworker has a shaggy little Morgan called Vince. She didn’t know much about fencing. Vince managed to get out- he got into all the bird feeders in the property and ate all the BIRDSEED. He then got into the garage and was eating his way through 50 pounds of DOGFOOD when they found him. Of course he foundered, but luckily they were able to save him. Needless to say, he’s secured by electric fencing now. But be sure to put the bird feeders and the dog food where your horse can’t get them if he does get out!
Wow – some folks are getting better deals than they realize on full board. Our stable is about $650 per horse for a stall, and about $700 for one with a walk-out attached. They all get turned out, the fencing is electric tape, there are 2 covered roundpens and 2 covered arenas, plus 2 jumping arenas. It borders a beautiful endless expanse of trails along a creek, too! Plus, it is owned by an old friend who had many horses for many years before she and her hubby decided to open this place.
The key is safety and security. I know my horses are being watched over by the guys who do all the daily hard work even if I can’t make it out. Its kept clean, fly control!, and they are happy.
Add the farrier, feed bill (special feed for insulin resistance and Cushings), fly spray, and vet bills, and I do feel stressed at times. My gelding is recovering from losing his entire hoof (in a cast) to severe abscessing and founder, and to ensure a clean and 24hr watch environment, he is living at the Equine Hospital about 20 minutes away. His right coffin bone sunk and was exposed at one point, but he used his left leg and hind legs to support. He never went down, kept a positive attitude to the point of challenging what most of the vets feared would surely not end well. Living with that kind of intensive care costs more per week than normal boarding per month, and I can’t even add up all the supplements I am using to help him. Key is – he is GOING to make it. I have a 14mth old niece who will learn to ride someday on him (walk only – and only under 50lbs), and he knows that he has a future “job.” Plus he kinda knows that losing him would shatter me. We’ve been together for over 18 yrs, and I owe him the world.
Love it! World is full of suckers, but as long as they are happy and keep bragging about it, all’s fine.
Keep spending, and better ask the experts – they tell you how to spend even more.
Horse psychologist, anyone?
Sevenoaksranch says:
November 6, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Well, just getting my Arabian gelding to arrive alive was expensive enough: one of my mare’s co-breeders refused for months to sign her papers over to me for a laundry list of reasons, none of which were valid until I finally sued him in what was basically a quiet title action for registration papers. Amazing how quickly he ponied up when I served him with very specific document and discovery requests that directly addressed every single reason he ever gave for not signing off. Next, we start the breeding process and have several difficulties getting her bred-uterine infection, popped eggs like popcorn, bad timing, etc. One afternoon we were scheduled breed lightning struck our property and caused a fire that burnt my feed/hay/tack building down to the ground, and all in it was lost. We bred her right next to the smoldering ruins! She took that time, then the vet discovered her estrogen level was too low so it’s 100 days of Regumate. All is well until month 10 when she colicked and required surgery. Spent a week in the hospital (suffered a very mild bout of laminitis recovering from the surgery) then came home with the warning the foal had a 50% chance of being born alive. He made it and is a wonderful, smart, fun, and handsome boy.
=======
And I thought I had a hard day at the office.
Have you applied for a government bail-out? Oh, wait, that’s only for the well-off elite.
Vaquera-I love my biothane tack. I can hose it down to clean it, it lasts forever, and I can get all the coolest colors!! My next set is going to be blaze orange for hunting season riding….
Carrot Wreaths..
A lot of carrots (I don’t know how many I use, it really depends on the wreath)
A really big darning needle
Wire (needs to fit in the hole of the darning needle-my needle is HUGE and I use a very heavy guage wire)
Candy to decorate
White Frosting
Put the skinny ends of the carrots towards the inside, and poke the needle and wire through the carrot. I do two strands, one towards the top of the carrot and one towards the bottom, just to keep it stable. Attach candies with a little bit of white frosting. If you really want to be cute, get the carrots with the tops still attached, makes for a really pretty wreath. Those are usually more expensive though. Don’t put them on stall doors though, they don’t live long that way.
$1300 for a headstall? *dies* I’m looking at pairs harness for my ponies for less than that! lol
My boys don’t know it yet but but before Christmas I’m planing for a hoof trim, dentist visit and vet to drug them (no way they are going to co-operate with the dentist otherwise *sigh*) and I’ll get them micro-chipped while the vet is out. Oh they will be so thrilled….
Looks like they will be getting travel boots etc. for Christmas as they are going on holidays with me to mow spare paddocks while I house sit in Jan. Should be interesting… they haven’t had boots on before… will give us something to practice before we go.
I need new glasses and am due to visit the dentist but the boys get priority.
I haven’t had my booster shots since 2001 and he gets them when ever they are needed depending on the shot. I haven’t had a mani/pedi EVER and he gets one every 6 to 8 weeks as needed. When I busted my toe I taped it to the one next to it and used a cane for a week, no doctor visit for me! When he looked a little gimpy the vet was out first thing in the morning.
And of course he is one of those “over priced cobs” so I spend way more time on HIS hair than on my own. He has so much more and it is so much prettier than mine,though. i think I am compensating for my genetic hair loss by having a hairy horse.
Oh, and his diet is carefully balanced and he gets what ever sups he needs… while i eat Ramen Noodles or Banquet Beef Pot Pies (on sale, 3 for a dollar!) and have a hard time justifying spending more than a few bucks to buy chewable vitamins for myself.
To be fair though, I’m just as bad about my hairless dog. He has more winter clothes than I do.
Well, let’s just say that we had the vet out Monday for my gelding’s swollen leg (muscle tear), then Thursday and Friday for my yearling’s run-in with a panel, to the tune of over $1000 in vet bills in November alone. Not to mention the supplies I have to buy for my filly, and board ($400 for the both of them), and the gas it’s going to take to go 25 miles round trip 7 days a week, sometimes twice a day. Both of them on stall rest for the next 4 months, at least. Woo hoo! The upside is, they both are current on Tetanus!
I think that between Thursday and today, I’ve eaten three meals, if you count a granola bar as a meal.
So, why don’t I have any $$ in savings again?
My husband is still upset, because when he met me I was doing pretty good financially, and didn’t have anything to spend money on except me. Therefore: expensive pilates packages, mani/pedis, great haircuts and dye jobs, and of course an outrageous shopping habit. Vacations once a month. Then horses came. I now have terrible toes, dye my hair from the box, get a hair cut 3x a year maybe, have bought almost no clothes since the horse. Oh, and am getting progressively flabbier from no pilates
But of course, I don’t think twice about buying the pretty new halter or saddle pad.
No idea what they’re getting for Christmas, but I’m very interested in those carrot wreaths!
omg look at this!!!!
http://newlondon.craigslist.org/grd/1444488172.html
HAHA- my horse is laughing all the way out to the pasture! Special saddle for his high withers. Monogrammed saddle pads (like he can spell his name?). About 100 bits until we found the right one. He gets a massage every three weeks, chiropractor comes the following day. He has no less than 12 blankets (he is a mud pig and I’m a ‘little’ OCD and hate dirty blankets!) He gets new shoes every 6 weeks (though, to be honest, so do I!) and gets the best food, supplements and treats. $525 per month for board. He’s spoiled rotten. And he deserves it. Did I mention he is no longer rideable?
I did lease a mare to jump around on a few years ago. I figured out that between board, shoes, clothes, supplements, massage, and vet bills- she was VERY accident prone- it cost me about $280 for every jump I actually jumped. I can’t say it was a priceless experience.
But they are worth every penny. You really can’t take it with you!
My boyfriend continues to wish he was a horse. My horse. Life should be so good for all of them,
MY horses, trims, or shoes, 30-90 every 7 -8 weeks.
Me -Boots $99 last 4 years
Horses Alfalfa 180/ton, startegy $14.50 bag, EQ SR $16,95 bag.
Me- 2 liter pepsi, $1 at walmart, and anyfood I find on sale,
Horses, Waterproof Turnout blankets $75 and up
Me- irregual jeans, $10, hoodie, clearance $5, other clothes good will
Heck yeah do ebay, it doesn’t matter if it’s real silver or not, if it’s shiny metal it’s shiny metal. I’ve found some craigslist gems that just needed cleaning to be a great show bridle again. What about your local consignment tack shop? I find great things there too. I will NEVER pay more than $60 for a bridle, and have never been unhappy with my tack.
Arrow: how exactly do you make those wreaths? That sounds like a great idea.
I very much agree that my SO and I do not live nearly as well as our 5 horses. The geriatric Belgian has his shoes custom hand made from rod-iron by our farrier, two of our mares wear shoes simply because they are princesses (OMG, I have to go barefoot?!?! DIES). Finally found a dressage saddle that fits ONLY the draftX mare, used for nearly $2k–nothing else fit. I definitely spend more on feed than groceries every week, and have to make my own beet pulp mix, the Belgian wont eat the stuff the barn soaks. My blunnies are falling apart(and we all know that takes eons) and I got SOPPING at the barn tonite.
Yep, they’re spoiled. Rotten.
Fugs, I like the headstall posted for the VLC. I think it would suit him really nicely–and I’m mostly a dressage girl.
Yep, my horse had a dental in May. I just saw the dentist yesterday for the first time since 2005. I also spend waaaaaay more on “clothes” for him than I do for myself. He finally grew into the next size blanket, so he is getting three new ones this year — and I don’t think I’ve bought jeans in two years!
It is absolutely crazy what I spend!!! Chiro, acupuncture, corrective shoeing, required supplements, top quality feed and hay, and the list goes on. I just got my hair cut for the first time in a year and just had a crown replaced that should have been done 5 years ago. I’m going to have to break down and get new glasses as I really do need to see!!! Goodwill and Salvation Army are my friends. Garage sales, too!. I do have a very nice, expensive saddle and pad; nothing but the best for my baby’s back!
In moments of frustration I often think “What am I doing???”
I don’t have a horse, but I work at a livery yard in the UK. They get massage pads and acupuncture, and heated blankets while I’m slipping about in the ice outside lugging full water buckets. I swear the main barn there is warmer than my house. And, if they get stiff, they get ridiculously expensive supplements. Obviously it’s good that the owners are willing to fork out the dosh to make them more comfortable, but since when did a small tin of powder that only lasts a week cost £50? I’m tempted to steal some and try it myself! If you were asked who are the stupid animals, you can’t really say it’s the horses!
My stallion gets laid more often than I do. At least he did until I got jealous and got him gelded…. LOL
I have been in switzerland for 3 years now. all 4 of my horses have seen a doctor more than i have , all have also had dental work , but not me. My horses have more friends , clubs and “school events” (trainer) then me too. Pearl gets a set of new show clothes this week imported from the US with her name on it. I dont. All my good brushes end up in the barn, and i use my husbands crudy old comb. My husband had to build a walk in closet for the horses coats, half are never even warn (mom saying , I bought that nice winter coat and you just wad it up and throw it in the bottom of your closet)….. They eat hot cereal with puffs of steam filled with apple flavors in the winter mornings to warm their tummys, while my hands stick to the frozen wheelberrow handles, and I get a handful of snow to keep me hydrated . I shovel sh**… they watch . I shovel snow out of their pasture…they watch, I even get on my hands and knees and show them how to look for grass under the snow…They get more rubs and kisses then I get. I wouldnt have it any other way.
I can’t believe no one mentioned that someone comes along and cleans my pony’s stall ever single day! When is the last time someone came along and cleaned your home?
If you have horses, you can’t help but spoil them! We sold our boarding facility 3 years ago, and moved to a property that wasn’t set up for horses. The first thing to be done, was fencing in an area for my boys, and having a shelter built. All the unpacking in the house waited until the fence was built…Then it was finding someone to build my “dream barn”. That was put up the first winter. My boys have 12×12 matted stalls, ceiling fans in their stalls, and dutch doors to the outside paddock. Next I fenced in a couple of small pastures for them. They get their pedicures, teeth done and anything else they need, before I even think about doing something for myself. Yes, their living space is always cleaner than mine. I just bought new halters and lead lines, so they will match their mid-weight and heavy-weight blankets, even though I seldom use halters…LOL Still trying to decide what Santa will bring them this year….
Our horses are so spoiled already, I will have to be creative with gifts! This will be our first Christmas with our horses and I am soooo excited! I would LOVE to see pics and have instructions on how to make the carrot wreath! We decided to forego Christmas to each other and adopt the mare in my gravitar pic, but you can guarantee the horses will be getting nice full stockings! We will probably fill their stockings with apples, carrots, bananas and a sweet treat or two. Not sure what Pennys’ big gift will be… but poor Jasper (TB), he can’t grow a winter coat to save his life, literally. He is getting a new winter turnout blanket. His hair coat is better than last year for sure, but not thick enough for our cold Alberta winters. He has a blanket now, but it is a bit too big as it was supposed to be Penny’s but she has already outgrown it before she even had a chance to wear it! It fit 4 months ago…honest!! I would like to come up with some unique treats forChristmas… have to put on my thinking cap!
As for care, I have never had a pedicure, the horses get on every 6-8 weeks. They get love, cuddles and affection daily, me on the other hand… They get their meals served warm, I am lucky if I don’t have to make the meal for us humans and serve it and clean up afterwards. Vet is coming out to float Jaspers teeth on the 20th, His teeth before mine.And I wouldn’t trade one second of it!!! Having no kids, our horses get all of our love and affection… and money. I saw a cuute bumper sticker a few days ago, it went something like this ” Good thing we don’t have kids, cause our horses ate their college fund!” I still giggle at how true that is for us! Fun topic!
completely off topic… but I would love to address “Forum Bullies”. I know we all must have posted on a forum , and then had the post get way out of hand by the end of the day. Or had a “stocker” on a forum, that LOVES to prove you wrong every time you reply to a post. How about the” know it all “that is never wrong, or the Forums that bash you for having an oppinion that goes against the grain. Fugly … I would love to read about other peoples expierences on other forums.
Everyone tells me how pampered my horses are. I’m picky about hay and will open bales before I buy a load. They get low starch grain pellets along with rice bran and their psyllium 7 days a month. The big vet bill is coming up with all their vaccinations, sheath cleaning, teeth checked, etc. Here is TN there are thin horses everywhere, folks just think the pasture is enough for them. I’m calling the animal control today on horses down the road that have no pasture, getting thinner every day and you see them eating leaves now. Makes me sick. Now for the funny Craigs list for the day: eggs for sail
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Date: 2009-11-06, 8:43PM EST
Reply to: sale-adeqw-1454932823@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
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Fresh farm eggs for sail, call 865 497 2037
•it’s NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
PostingID: 1454932823
Oh, and I forgot the question : how much better your horse’s life is than that of a starving child in Sudan?
My boy is getting a new Rambo sheet for Christmas, size 90. Yes, 90 – he’s an 18 hand draft cross. He doesn’t really *need* a new sheet, he’s already got two and he won’t be able to use it until Spring but — well, I won’t be caught again when it’s too warm for rugs, too cold to go naked, a filthy sheet and the other out being cleaned. My horse doesn’t have blankets, he has wardrobe.
Oh pleaseplease post the instructions for the carrot wreath, would love to crank out a few of those as gifts this year. Thanks in advance !
Off topic
This guy needs help quick if anyone is interested. VA/MD area
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/grd/1454539665.html
uniquehorsetrailers.blogspot.com
Fugs,
Check out anything Billy Royal. They run in the 200-400 range. There is a silver tube and ferrule double ear I desperately want to see on the Colonel Freckles/ Rugged Lark colt I bred.
http://www.carouselhorsetack.com/billy-royal-scottsdale-supreme-bridle.html
Personally I can’t even imagine spending THAT much for equipment. Definitely hit Ebay and create a saved search according to your parameters. There are definitely bargains to be had, just have to wait for them to show up.
Let’s see if I can add up last months bills…
I go to tack sales, auctions, ect. I refuse to pay full price for anything, going with used. I’m on the hunt now for a $20 sheet and I’ve found several. My first 4 saddles were under $100 (and were eventually sold for more than that). I picked up a Crosby saddle for $400, and my dressage saddle was like $400 off the regular price. I search through the $1 bins at consignment shops and sales to pick out the decent bridles and reins.
Board: $475
Wormer: $10
Supplements: $40
Chiro: $125
Dentist: $130
Farrier: $130-ish (usually $44 though)
Yeah, it was fun.
I’m the queen of cheap as well.
We have fun.
Some dressage horses cost tens of thousands of dollars — to start. Mine cost $1250 but I’ve spent tens of thousands over the past 11 years.
His last vet visit — floating, shots, worming and soundness exam — $306.
Acupuncture vet once a month — $100. Chinese herbs (Body Sore) — $90.
Chiropractor vet every two months — $75, not including the 115-mile round trip.
His trailer, new — $7200 in 2000.
The truck to haul his trailer — $24,000, used. Diesel, Ford F250, 4WD, Lariat package, crew cab, short bed.
Shoes every six to seven weeks — $110; resets $95.
Custom dressage saddle (that does not fit him OR me — avoid Saddlery Solutions) — $3600.
Assorted pads, bridles, bits, reins, blankets, sheets, goodies, treats, blah blah — $???
Bermuda hay a.m., 3-way “lunch,” and alfalfa p.m. — $40 or so a week.
Supplements — probably $40/mo.
The entire experience? PRICELESS!!
When I hurt, I do the Advil thing, too (LOVE Advil ;o). When I feel the need for “adjustment,” I roll around on a tennis ball. Seriously, what is wrong with THIS picture??
I’m having rotator cuff surgery November 12 on my right shoulder (tore it hitching up the trailer for a trip to the chiropractor that ended up being canceled. I hitched up before I called to confirm, silly me). There is a horse/people chiropractor who comes up here and adjusts people for $25, but I can’t get adjusted with this shoulder.
I took a survey recently from the American Horse Publications (www.tinyurl.com/y8f55rn). Several questions ask about the increases in pricing of “horse stuff.” Then, what you’ll do if prices do go up. The answer I chose? Spend less on my own stuff.
It’s very simple ;o) Shopping at Goodwill or “Sally’s Army” can produce some very chic looks, actually. I work part time and I wear t-shirts with sayings on them (when I don’t have to be seen in public ;o) So far no one says anything because I don’t wear blue jeans (the only “banned clothing item”).
I haven’t done any baking for the family this year (that might change as the holidays approach) but every Sunday, I bake a batch of these for the horse:
1 cup uncooked oatmeal
1 cup flour
1 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup raisins
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons corn oil
¼ cup water (one quarter cup)
¼ cup molasses (one quarter cup)
Mix ingredients in a bowl in the order listed. Make small balls and place on cookie sheet sprayed. Bake 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
My horses do not get Christmas presents, sorry to be a killjoy here, but they are animals ??
So, they get a dental check once a year, I do my own farriery and chiropractry, but, no, I don’t get a massage as it’s way too expensive!!
They often eat better than me, but that is as it should be, I have a choice, they do not, they rely on me for everything.
I reckon I get pretty good value out of the deal
Watching a foal born….priceless.
As they say.
My horse has a dentist and I don’t – my horse gets massages and pedi’s (ferrier) and I don’t. My horse gets adored by strangers over the fence daily and I don’t!
Ah, I try NOT to add it all together…
lol. Luckily, the one thing I DO have more of than my horse is shoes- he’s barefoot, gotta love the hardy ponies! Although he does get more doctor visits than me, still, not a ton, he’s a pretty easy keeper. His boarding barn costs almost as much as my house every month though! Then of course, counting pedicures, he beats me there, for sure! Making due with the same jacket as last year- but a new one for the pony, who destroyed his playing with his friends in the field and rolling through mud with it. However, when he does a lesson, (some of the kids looking for a more- how do I say this- interesting? ride, use him in lessons) he earns a heck of a lot more than me, considering mine cost money, and he earns it. Overall, from month to month, anywhere from $600- $700 a month, not including lessons, his or mine, depending on farrier, vet, ect.
kirri says:
November 7, 2009 at 9:19 am
“My horses do not get Christmas presents, sorry to be a killjoy here, but they are animals ??”
Presents for your pets are more about getting something for them that YOU want, lol. I have some I buy Christmas, Birthday or “Gotcha day” gifts for (Gotcha day is for animals from rescue with no known birthday, “It’s the anniversary of the day I got-cha.”)… It’s just a fun thing to do, they don’t care what day it is… the only reason Nigel (my dog) cares is because i usually get him something to chew on. lol.
Migel will be getting a huge beef bone that weighs as much as he does for christmas this year, and some new jammies (he is hairless) and Brego the hairy fiend will be getting a new saddle pad and a shorter girth for his saddle so he can wear it and look handsome.
Littlebigred: I’m going to try to make those horse cookies while I’m recuperating from surgery. I have a mixer that I can operate with one hand ;o)
Check out Schneider’s (sstack.com) for headstalls and show stuff. I especially like their blankets and turnouts. They carry a line called Big Fella that run from 84-94″ and are cut bigger for, well, for big fellas. They are also very reasonably priced and if something should “give way,” they are worth repairing.
My OTTB is deep in the chest and body and I buy him the Duro-Tech brand Euro cut, which has shoulder gussets and is cut deeper on the sides. He doesn’t need “Big Fella” because he’s only 16hh.
I like Schneider’s because they are nice people and their stuff is well made.
I dont think twice about spending $120 on a blanket but $10 for a new bra for myself. I never thought twice about spending the money on shoes for the horses and the winter shoes and pads are always a bit more but I wont spend over $20 on myself for sneakers. my horse can smell like a horse but when I go to the store and smell like a horse I get people whispering. I tell my other half when he is sick”Awww its just a cold suck it up” but when it comes to the horses I am on the phone with the vet freaking out if they have an eye that looks a little goopy. Ya I have paid $14 for a blae of hay but it was such nice hay (bales were 75 pounders) I tohught it was such nice hay. I bought it. i had people laugh at me but when they ran out from their barn guess who bought the $14 bales. they werent laughing at me no more. I will shovel a path for my wheelbarrow in the winter before I shovel a walking path for people. Thats a nessecity though. I will be out in the cold for hours taking care of the horses but when it comes to going out to get the mail forget it my son has two legs for that.
I don’t have my own horse to spoil.
That won’t stop me from getting the lesson ponies Christmas presents, though. We currently have four or five horses that use pony sized splint boots, and only 2 1/2 pairs in that size, so I’m probably going to go hunt for another pair. Two of the ponies just got here this summer, so they might need winter blankets. There’s also the obligatory carrots. I’m sure if I really thought about it, this list could go on for ever & ever & ever. 
During and after my divorce, when I was drastically underemployed, I always paid horse board and bought dog food before I bought my own groceries or paid my rent. I ate potato soup for a couple of years. I survived and I managed to keep my horses. I moved to an area that had cheaper rent for me lower cost options in horse boarding. Being underemployed I had time to make sure that they were well cared for at the lower cost barn. My horses never knew I was way below poverty. They just thought it was a vacation from showing. They still had the best of everything that could matter to a horse.
I do have a nutty but good horse friend, who already had an upper level dressage horse and a nice young one just starting, as well as decent trailer. Last year she spent $30,000 on a nice 4 year old WB stallion and another $20,000 on the extra tall, extra special trailer to haul him around in, but she has no heat or air conditioning in her home. (I don’t mean inadequate AC but, no AC. We live in Florida so the heat thing is only an issue for a few months but no A/C?? She loves her horse and if he needed AC you can bet he would have the very best. She hasn’t had AC or heat in at least 7 years.
Anybody have a picture of the carrot wreath? Did anyone post one and I missed it? I told the family I don’t really want to decorate for the holidays this year, but I might like to make a carrot wreath for the barn.
Well I’m glad to see I’m not alone! My horses get shoes…I don’t. My horses see the dentist….I don’t. My horses see the doctor more often then me. My horses want for nothing (excluding of course, free choice grain and alfalfa hay)…..I want for much
Don’t even get me started on what they get that my own KIDS don’t get… 
They DON’T get Christmas presents…I have to draw the line SOMEWHERE, but I don’t think they care or miss it.
Rusty Angle:
I’ll have you know I sponsor a child in Columbia through the united way. I make sure he always has money to see a dentist, I buy him livestock for food purposes regularly. Why is it such a bad thing that I take good care of my horses? Honestly, I’ve just started skipping over your posts. I’m all for presenting opposing sides of an issue in a mature manner, there’s a reason this website is free speech. But it seems like you just like playing “holier than thou”
I refuse to add up what my free horse cost me, because I am sure I would be horrified, and my husband would leave me! He is my first horse, so I had nothing! Vet (and his teeth apparently require a float every 9 months and the sheath is an every 4 month event), farrier (a trim is needed every 6 weeks and it has not slowed down even though it is colder), tack, grooming supplies, clippers, fly spray, cosequin, training, twice weekly riding lessons for me, etc. Luckily my board is dirt cheap!
What is especially painful is that my salary got whacked 15% shortly after I got him (I am one of furloughed CA state employees)!
I have not had my hair done since I got him (and the dark circle around the top of my otherwise blondish head is starting to look really bad) no new clothes unless I think I can wear them to both work and the barn and I can buy them at Target, no fun items for the house, etc. In addition, I have not weeded the front yard since I got him, and the house is a LOT less clean. I’m sure my husband did not anticipate this part when he agreed to the horse (although I would have gotten him anyways). I had these lovely huges planters full of perennials in our front yard, and I am now ready to tear them back out and just lay sod because I can’t be bothered.
I’m not sure what he is getting for Christmas. I have recently ordered him a cooler, his rain sheet just arrived, I am making improvements to his run-in shelter (bought a bunch of stall mats for it), and I just ordered some rhythm beads (mostly to help me hear the different beats, but if it helps him that will be a bonus!).
He certainly needs a Santa hat, and I am getting low on cookies again (try Nicker Bait, they rock, and the holiday products are listed now!), but I think his most recent purchases are going to have to qualify as his Christmas present. Last year, I convinced my family that it was stupid to exchange gift certificates, so we all pitched in and donated to TBFriends. We are doing the same again this year, except my mom has been saving for it, so I need to leave some money for that as well. And, I need presents for the BO, vet, farrier, riding instructor, etc.!
Our one-year anniversary is Jan 18, however, so I will definitely need to get him an anniversary present! Oh, and totally OT, but after 6 months of just walking (I have some fear issues), I finally went faster today (running walk) without freaking out!!!
Let’s just say that my husband recently asked me what I would like for Christmas. Of course, I happily reeled off a list of horse related “toys”.
When he asked if I wanted anything for myself “NOT the horse” I said well, ummmm, breeches?
It just goes without saying that my horses eat before I do and their needs are taken care of before my own. I just consider it all as my `therapy bill’. I’m over buying Christmas gifts for them that they don’t care about though. I just make them each an extra special warm mash and bring them lots of carrots and treats.
How much my horses live better than me ?
))
Well, a lot !
I`m wearing second-hand-clothes (mostly). The girls ? Horseware and Bucas, no less.
I`ve had my last massage….I don`t remember, but the young mare has had a meeting with the chiropractor just two weeks ago. (I was very tempted to schedule an appointment for the old mare as well, but luckily could resist.)
I cough – herbal tea has to be enough for me. The old mare coughes, just twice – VEEEEEEEEET !
And of course – the girls get their stalls cleaned everyday and….oh, just don`t look around in my appartement, will ya ? (You know you`re a horse lover, when you expect visitors and you clean the stable.)
OT: I’m hoping someone out there can help find info on two registered horses we saved from the auction this week. One is a 19 yo TWH gelding, Imp’s Mr. Isaac. The other is a 5 yo BS APHA gelding, Macho Kid’s Legacy. Also a 5 yo TB mare, but she’s not tattooed so I don’t think there’s any hope there. Reply here or on our forum: http://auctionhorses.proboards.com
Thanks!
I was at the local hardware/ feed store last summer when a customer holding a canister of fire ant killer (pellets) asked an employee if using the product in his pasture would harm his horses. The reply to his question was “That depends on how many times you want to kill your horses!” Succinct and to the point. I have to give the guy credit for at least asking, it could have been disasterous otherwise.
Which brings me to the topic of safe pest control, in, around your barn and on your horses. Flies, mosquitoes, gnats, etc.
For years I have used the Repel X concentrate that you mix with water (according to mfg directions on the label) to deter flies on my horses, spraying them down at turnout in the morning, and when bringing them in at night during bug season. It works to an acceptable degree. The point I am trying to make is DO NOT USE ANY TYPE OF BUG SPRAY, POISON, OR PEST CONTROL THAT IS NOT SAFE FOR HUMANS OR ANIMALS IN ANY AREA THEY HAVE ACCESS TO. If you are not sure, read the label!!! If it will make you sick, it will make your horses sick.
Years ago I worked for a company that produced a brand of mosquito spray for humans containing DEET and had several cases of it in my garage. I thought it might work well on my horses (lived in Fla.at the time) but I asked my Vet’s advice first. Lucky I did, as she told me DEET was toxic to horses.
Having said that, I have found that same the Repel X spray mix I use on my horses also works, safely I might add, to kill spiders, fire ants, and other bugs in the barn area, a few squirts does the trick. And it doesn’t harm my horses. You can never be too safe.
On another safety issue, loading amd unloading horses from a trailer should never be done on a paved or gravel surface, it is not safe footing. I will never forget watching some Asshats at an auction years ago trying to force a young horse into a trailer (it was obvious the horse had never seen a horse trailer before.) After using brute force to try to get the horse to load, his feet slipped on the paved surface, and his hind legs slid up under the back of the trailer, it was a horrific thing to see.
Some 20 yrs later, I still cringe every time I see what appear to be otherwise knowlegable, skilled horseman stopping on pavement and loading/unloading horses at shows, competitons, etc. It takes only moments to drive to a grassy area, or bare ground to do it the safe way, and you can always move your rig when your’e done.
As someone else already said in this blog, if it can possibly happen to a horse, chances are, it will. You have to be able to think ahead as to safety issues in any given situation, and work accordingly.
The few times over the years that I have been hurt working with my horses, or placed my horses in an unsafe situation are those times that I ignored the little voice im my head that said ” Danger!! Will Robinson!! Danger!!! (Ok, so that’s a dead giveaway that I’m over 50)
Good news is, you only make these mistakes once.
OOPPS!!! I somehow posted my last comments to the wrong blog, it was meant to go under yesterdays “Ways to get your horse killed’ My bad….sorry
kittkebigred- I make those for my horses all the time too (Slightly different in amount/proportions of ingredients, but same ingredients/method) and my poines LOVE them! Every single horse in the barn adores these, and some of them are picky with their treats! These horse cookies are the only treats that ALL of my horses eat (otherwise I have to remember who likes peppermints, who like apples, etc)
zelika says: November 7, 2009 at 2:23 amMy stallion gets laid more often than I do. At least he did until I got jealous and got him gelded…. LOL
Ok that is hilarious! I laughed so hard I got a weird look from my SO! Good for you! Payback is a bitch eh?
Kathy-our buddy Jason Meduna is selling 3 strikes
http://nebraska.hometownlocator.com/land/land-details,inv_id,528540.cfm
I am unsure what exactly is going on here, does anyone know anything about this Kristina Kremer who was “walking across america for horses? Apparently, this rescue group Lifesavers Paid her $2000.00 to rescue a percheron team and a few other horses from sugar creek auction and she never received the horses… they “disappeared” and so did her money. You can read more at this link http://www.wildhorserescue.org/perchteam.htm . Can anyone get more facts?? I would like to find out what is going onand I’m sure many of you would like to know also.
I saw someone’s post above about the Billy Royal silver headstalls . . . Those are BEAUTIFUL! And actually fairly reasonable for that type of item. Just wanted to pass an FYI along to all (I’m a thrift store gal myself and always looking for ways to save a buck) . . . that site http://www.carouselhorsetack.com actually has an email list that sends out a 15% off coupon – its good on a lot of items on the site and they also send out other coupons and specials as well. Its my new favorite place to shop- prices are pretty reasonable on grooming / supplements too and they have free shipping. They have a lot of the same items as Schneiders (blankets, tack, halters), but Schneiders shipping costs are higher.
I think you ladies need to get more realistic:
1. It’s not a pedicure, it is necessary hoof care.
2. Most horses with a normal bite do not need the vet to power float their teeth under sedation. For mainenance floats, find a dental practitioner who uses commonsense, kindness, a mouth gag, and manual tools. He can do an excellent job IF HE TAKES HIS TIME and you are just doing maintenance. It is way cheaper and safer and just as effective. Older horses and/or horses with oral pathology may need a vet and drug-assisted power tools.
3. Most supplements are probably unnecessary if you are feeding quality forage and feed. The supplements companies are experts at marketing; most of their vitamins, etc. are merely excreted in the horses’ urine.
4. Equine chiropractic is 90% hocus pocus/marketing/pseudoscience, just like human chiropractic. Don’t be suckers.
5. Equine massage is 100% hocus pocus/marketing/pseudoscience/playing on our emotions. Sure it feels good to the horse, just like it feels good when we get a good rub down, but it is neither therapeutic or necessary. Don’t be suckers.
6. You do not need a vet to administer expensive wormers. I hope to god no one is still “tube worming”–the vets used to call that a “wallet transfer” back in the days when they were pushing it as superior to oral pastes wormers. Learn about the various deworming schedules (rotation is the best but there is “fast” and “slow” rotation), buy a year’s supply of dewormers from the cheapest mail order horse supply you can find (the one I use charges $24.00 for its annual program of 3 diffrent drugs given every 8 weeks, per horse). Get a fecal test for parasite eggs once a year to test the effectiveness of your program and, if the program isn’t working, discuss the issue with your vet.
7. You do not need a vet to administer most vaccinations. Find out what vaccinations are recommended for your area, buy them at Tractor Supply or any of the horsie suppliers, and learn to give them yourself. Be smart and save your money. In most states you only need a vet to adminster rabies and of course you need a vet to pull blood fo that pesky Coggins. Get everyone in the barn together one day in Spring, have each horse haltered and tied and ready for the vet so when s/he arrives s/he can pull blood/give shots/do paperwork/collect payments in an assembly line fashion. S/he will appreciate it and you all save a bundle by sharing the one barn call fee. If anyone doesn’t know how to give shots correctly, now’s a good time to learn those techniques under the vet’s supervision.
8. While the vet is there, learn how to auscultate your horse’s belly. (Auscultate is the fancy medical term for listening, with a stethoscope, to the sounds a living body makes). You can buy a good quality/nurse quality stethoscope for around $7.00 at any of the uniform shops where nurses buy their uniforms. Smart owners know the normal noises their horse’s lungs and belly make. The gut is especially important to know because colic is such a potentially serious problem for a horse. If you don’t know what is normal for your horse, you will never appreciate what is abnormal, and it helps to be able to recognise what is abnormal for your horse if you have to call the vet. It is easy to learn what are the normal bowel sounds a horse’s gut makes (they are very similar to your own bowel sounds, so you can always listen to yourelf and learn what variations are within the norm), then if you listen to your horse’s belly and hear little or nothing, that is crucial information to tell the vet. Similarly, if the horse’s gut is making more noises than usual, that is also vital information.
9. While you are learning about your horse’s gut noises, learn how to evaluate capillary refill time and take his temperature too. Get a horse thermometer (cheap) and learn how to use it. Take your horse’s temp. a few times during different seasons, at rest and after work, so you know what his “normal” is. Same goes for cap. refill. If your horse ever colics, you can save his life by being able to supply your vet with reliable information on his vital signs and bowel sounds. Vets are busy, but if they hear you say your horse normally has 5-6 sounds per minute and now you only hear one faint tinkle every 90 seconds, plus his capillary refill time is 5 seconds, your vet will know this is an emergency. But if you waffle on about how Trigger doesn’t look good but that’s all you can say, your vet might just suggest walking the horse and calling him back in 12 hours if Trigger is no better. By then ol’ Trig will be dead. So learn these simple techniques. Not only will you save money, the life you save might be your horse’s.
10. With all the money you have saved using these commonsense suggestions, fix the fences, improve the drainage and pasture around your place, nd make sure his stall is safe and clean.
Put the rest in a college fund, pay off your mortgage, or spend it on a horse clinic or the like.
LOL love this topic and am glad to see I’m not the only one living on cheap food and 2nd hand clothing
My kid asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I told her to by me a ton of hay lol…by the way that’s the same thing I got last year for Christmas by request also!!
I put off a much-needed root canal, limiting my diet to painfully gumming oatmeal and applesauce for 2 years, due to saving up for the non-insurance-covered expense. My horse, of course, has never missed a dental.
We just bought a new home (yay!) and my SO is all hyped about his new shop and “man cave”–I’m hyped that I get to park my trailer at home and save the $30/month it was costing me to park it at my horse’s boarding barn.
For Christmas, my horse is getting a chiropractic evaluation and possibly some adjustments and massage (as well as the usual carrots I grow in my garden for him.) I, on the other hand, have never gotten a massage, seen a chiropractor, or had a pedicure or manicure. I’m committed to the “Fred Meyer brand All-Day-Relief” route for myself. I get my hair done once a year (unlike my horse whose mane and tail get regular attention) and definitely have the “salt-and-pepper-crown around the blonde ring” that another amusing poster described. So, it would only be fair if my horse would do a decent dye-job on MY hair for Christmas, right? I’m gonna buy a home-dye kit, and start in some serious training–by Christmas, in exchange for unlimited carrots, my horse is gonna give me rock-star hair!
ZELIKA,
I agree with what you posted. Americans are extream consumers, hoarders, and for the most part self centered. I am guilty of all those characteristics. It was a learned behavior for me , my mother is 10 times worse, and my grandmother , and my sister. We buy because we can, and it makes us feel good, we choose to burry our heads in the sand about poverty, so we dont have to do anything to stop it. I am generalizing the whole American population here . Living in Switzerland where money CANT buy you everything, has opened my eyes about consumerism,I can, and do live happily on 1/2 the things I had before , so can my horses. I am slipping back into my old habbits of buying crap I dont need though, its like an addiction. I think we buy to fill our own personal voids.I sponsored my silly horse club, when there is a child that could live on the same money for at least 2 years. Want to give me that address for helping the children that dont have food, or clothing? You gave me something to think about today. kristentorkington03@yahoo.com
Called animal control, same thing, we will get there when we can. I told them the pasture is dirt and they are going downhill fast. uggggh!
Beautiful morning, going out to clean my horses house, nice clean shavings and pick poo for my garden. Their house is cleaner then mine!
Craigs list ad of the day:
WANT A GRATE HORSE – $1500 (FRIENDSVILLE)
——————————————————————————–
Date: 2009-11-08, 7:08AM EST
Reply to: sale-v3jqs-1456455280@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
——————————————————————————–
JASPER IS A 6 YR OLD GUILDING BROKE BROKE FOR ANYONE TO RIDE ,HES BEEN ON MY FARM ALL HIS LIFE I DELIVERED AND RAISED HIM MYSELF. HE S A REAL NICE HORSE NO BAD HABITS NEVER BEEN MISTREATED HES GOT IT ALL.I ALSO HAVE A VEDIO.HES BEEN MOUNTAIN RIDDEN,PARADES ,SHOWN IN HORSE SHOES.COME RIDE HIM HE WILL SELL HIMSELF 865-363-8085 THANKS
Everybody’s entitled to their opinion, now I’ll share mine.
1. Rampant consumerism creates jobs. We need jobs. The last thing anybody needs to do in this economy is stop spending money if they do have the money. It’s one thing to live on a shoestring when you’re broke, but if you’re not, please spend money!
2. If equine chiropractic is crap, it has surely fixed a lot of sore backs that traditional vet care didn’t do squat for. I pay attention to results. I do agree there are some quacks out there and you have to be careful but that is true for everything INCLUDING traditional vet.
I do agree with many other suggestions. Sometimes it doesn’t even occur to me that people don’t know how to listen for gut noises. Really, you do not even need a stethoscope. My ear to their side has always proved sufficient. Try it – you”ll hear the little gurgles and noises if your horse is healthy.
There is this little known thing called a Sustainable economy. It’s worth the education. You can’t maintain explosive growth in world of finite resources. No economist will tell you that. They refer to a sustainable economy as Stagnant. It has that negative ring to it.
We are so condition to buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have, it’s almost impossible to think any other way. Very few people (in America) live that don’t use/abuse credit. It’s become a way of life. All things being equal, the system will eventually level itself. It may not be pretty.
Rides for Pleasure… I will agree. Learn to do these things yourself. You can take personal pride in knowing you have accomplished much and saved a bundle.
I do fear for the future. If we get back to doing business as usual, as corporations would like, the next go around won’t be pretty. Corporations exist for one thing (profit). Credit exists to to feed them.
My horses want for nothing. They are not rescues, but they were all “upgrades”. Because of this, three of the four are on strict 6 week trimming schedules (#4 is a weanling so his feet never had the chance to get out of control). Everyone gets all the hay and pasture they want. They have a roof over their head, fresh water, and access to a minimum of 15 acres at all times. They are now up to date on worming and vaccinations. Only one of them gets supplements and that is the old lady. She came here with knee problems and we aim to make her as comfortable as she can be. I do not buy christmas or birthday presents for the animals, but that is because I don’t celebrate the obligatory holidays. I buy gifts all year round, as the want or need strikes. I love new halters and shiny bridles, but I try to be realistic about wants and needs. I am, however, going to buy a very bright and shiny new bridle for my husband (and his horse) as a winter solstice gift.
I have been in the position before where I made the choice between eating and keeping my horse. I was in the middle of a divorce and making just above minimum wage. After paying rent and board and my car payment, there was little left over. I bought enough groceries to make sure my son ate three good meals a day. I encouraged my parents to visit, because they would take us out to dinner and if I ordered well, there would be leftovers. I often ate only lunch as that was all I could afford. Even through all of that, my son, my dog and my horse, never wanted for anything.
Admittedly, I do not neglect myself anymore in order to take care of my horses. I get regular pedicures. I go to the dentist twice a year. If I miss a meal it is because I am busy and just forgot. I do believe that spending money makes the world go round, I am just more selective about what I spend my money on.
Normally, I am happy to say our craigslist doesn’t have many throw away horses/bad ads on it. This week, can’t say that:
“This is one nice horse she is about 3 years old handles like a 15 year old horse.Ride her bare back with a blanket or a saddle shoot / hunt on her back stand on her back she is bomb proof, last year she rode about 1900 people most were kids she loves other animals cows, chickens, dogs she was vet checked in May,( have the vet papers) We dont have alot of time for her which is not fair for her so we are hoping someone who has the time will pick her up. The price is 600.00 or trade.”
She has been ridden by 1900 people?! As a three year old? I doubt the vet did some xrays, which would probably show some serious joint issues. And she loves chickens … sure. Of course they stood on her back. It’s the redneck dujour proof of temperament, apparently. What is with people and “we don’t have time for her.” Apparently 1900 people had time to ride (ruin) this horse as a three year old (except “about three” is rather suspicious, right there). My question is, does she drink beer in the woods?
This one bugged me too:
“Beautiful white Paso Fino Mare. Vet checked in foal … She has been my favorite pleasure horse, but I am offering her primarily as a brood mare because she is 19 years old and I believe she may be getting a little arthritic.”
This mare isn’t cheap (well, $2K isn’t that expensive, either), but still, did you have to breed her at age 19 because she was too arthritic to ride? I would be seriously concerned about foaling complications, especially if this is her first foal. I know mares can have foals this late, but still! Seems rather unfair to breed and sell an arthritic horse. The “favorite pleasure horse” apparently doesn’t deserve a nice retirement on this guy’s farm.
Re: Kristina Kramer:
She’s all over ABR — she denies she did anything wrong, other people don’t believe her, Alex Brown doesn’t remember banning her from the boards but she is now unbanned … so make up your own minds about this “walk” and whether or not she stole donated money. Whatever happened, the Percheron team in question did die and were not rescued.
Just another soap opera in the rescue business.
Cathy,
Great post because it’s just so darn true! But I will admit to getting accupuncture myself as I’m pretty broke up which is why I like to give it to my horses.
Terri
No, my horses don’t live better than I do. If the day comes that I am so short on cash that I can’t go to the dentist, get my hair cut, buy proper groceries for myself and my family…then that is the day I need to downsize the horses or get out of it. I think when someone is cutting it that slim financially while keep luxury animals, i.e. horses, they are just a short step away from financial disaster. I love my 8 horses, my 3 dogs, and my cats but the humans come first.
As for Christmas shopping for horses, I pretty much think that it’s Christmas shopping for ourselves. The horses could care less.
“This is one nice horse she is about 3 years old handles like a 15 year old horse.Ride her bare back with a blanket or a saddle shoot / hunt on her back stand on her back she is bomb proof, last year she rode about 1900 people most were kids she loves other animals cows, chickens, dogs she was vet checked in May,( have the vet papers) We dont have alot of time for her which is not fair for her so we are hoping someone who has the time will pick her up. The price is 600.00 or trade.”
She has been ridden by 1900 people?! As a three year old? I doubt the vet did some xrays, which would probably show some serious joint issues. And she loves chickens … sure. Of course they stood on her back. It’s the redneck dujour proof of temperament, apparently. What is with people and “we don’t have time for her.” Apparently 1900 people had time to ride (ruin) this horse as a three year old (except “about three” is rather suspicious, right there). My question is, does she drink beer in the woods?
If she was ridden by 1900 people LAST year… she would have been 2… not 3 as she is advertised as a 3yr old now. Poor baby!!
Drsgjunky – Agree with you 100%. I just went to a conference yesterday with the keynote speaker was this lady Judy Wicks who founded BALLE – Business Alliance for Local Living Economies.
http://www.livingeconomies.org/
Basically, talking about taking back our “local” economies. Very inspiring! She also talked about how the idea of “continuous growth,” a concept which mean American’s seem to have been raised on as the holy grail of our economy, is not sustainable (nor is it fun or rewarding for those people doing it!).
And Fugs – last time I checked, rampant consumerism mostly means jobs going overseas (with 3 world economies exploited), and money lining the pockets of the credit companies. (And I spent 10 years working in the whole gift industry, if there is another industry more dependent on rampant, needless consumerism I don’t know – oh yea, the equine business!).
Good to see there are so many “spoiled” horses out there! The only thing that really bothers me about the whole thing is there is such a extreme between the over-the-top spoiled horses and the starving to death for lack of an occasional flake of hay horses! It would be nice to find a balance, for the horses sake!
And ridesforpleasure – great suggestions! Although I have found chiropractic services to be amazingly helpful for my own specific physical issues over the years (as well as acupuncture!). I’ve never used them on my horses, but I probably wouldn’t hestitate to try it just based on my own personal experiences.
Rides for Pleasure,
Good points there! I do my own worming, but I am guilty of purchasing it in the tack store every two months as needed (same with the fly spray, ridiculous, I know) I am on a rotation, Ivermectin every other month, with Equimax and Panacur in rotation on the other months. I actually need to ask my vet about this, because the last Panacur was a PowerPak, and is coming up next in the rotation, and I’m not sure that’s appropriate this time around.
I am not comfortable giving my own shots. I was giving Acetyl-D Glucosamine, but I really did not like giving the shots. My vet will have to continue the vaccinations! After taking him off the IM glucosamine, I switched to Cosequin Equine. I can REALLY tell the difference after recently finishing up the loading dose. The loading period is pricey, but once I get down to the maintenance dosage it should be quite reasonable. The only other supplement he gets is flax, with nothing added, for his dandruff.
I wish a trim was not needed every 6 weeks, but the ground is soft where he is boarded, and where I ride. Honestly, he could probably use a trim every 4 weeks.
I would like to learn to clean his sheath myself, as I am paying the vet for this right now. I will also ask my vet if she does hand floating. I don’t know if my gelding would tolerate it though without sedation. I had his teeth done when I got him 10 months ago, and last month the same two teeth (molars way in the back) that were sharp when I got him, were pretty sharp again.
I don’t think I would let a chiropractor touch him, because I would not let one touch me (I went with a friend once and was horrified!), but I have seen some photos of horses getting massages and they look pretty damn happy!