My Horses and Donkeys

[Chelly]

Couldn't resist another pic of Rosie, this is of my 3 year old making me terribly nervous by feeding Rosie TINY little pretzels...
The pic is a little dark, but it makes me smile everytime!

 

[mamaboyd]

We have 2 horses that we adopted from a rescue facility. One is a 24 yr old QH named Sanna who is still rideable( my daughter rides her), and the other is an almost 6 yr old TB named Hobbins, he is just a companion horse, but we love him, although on Mother's Day he kicked my daughter in the face by accident so she is a little scared of him:/. These are our first time owning horses and I couldn't have asked for better horses. I wish I had the money to run a rescue place, we've got the land, just not the funds.

Trish

 

[wendy]

Hi can anyone help, my husband and I want three horses. But we have been checking it out before we purchase. We are thinking maybe next year we will buy. But anyway still getting advice and checking websites etc. What kind of expenses does anyone here have with horses. I mean what would feed run, vet bills , anything else you can think of for three horses?
To those with donkeys, the family we bought our chickens from they have a donkey, lots of chickens, and two dogs. When we pulled into there drive the donkey made that eyore sound! So cute, I asked one of there son's about the donkey, he said oh that is my friend! To cute and adoreable! I wish I could have taped that kid saying that. I just had to share that, sorry!

 

[Judymae]

My horses don't seen anymore expensive than some of my dogs-but you never know what you may encounter. Some of our everday expenses for 2 horses are:
Feed: we use sweet feed and oats mixed together in the winter. The oats are $13 for a 50lb bad and the sweet feed is $7. I usually go through 2 bags of sweet feed and one of oats a week or week and a half.
Trimming hooves: We have to have our horses hooves trimmed every couple of months and it only costs $35-$50 depending on the growth and who we use.
Worming: We worm every 4-6 weeks in the warmer months and every 8 weeks the rest of the year. Its a cheaper only about $10 for both.
Hay: That's the killer. We had been in a drought for 2 years so there wasn't enough to go around. Our 4 acres didn't feed them long either. We were paying $35 a round bale but this past winter it went up to over $100! It should go down again because we have gotten so much rain now. Anyways you need about 1 round bale a month with our two horses and 1 donkey.
Vet care: Our vet will come out here for a modest fee of $35. So I ususally have him out once a year to do all vaccinations and check ups. It runs me between $200-$250. When our yearling turns 2 or so and needs to be cut (neutered) it will only be about $160 and will be done here at our house by the vet.
Don't forget the misc. stuff like grooming supplies, treats, blankets, saddle, and tack. You can look around and find cheaper saddles than the ones for over a grand. I'm thinking of purchasing one on ebay through the saddleonline store. Most of theirs come with saddle and all tack for under $200. These won't last as long because the tree (foundation) is fiber glass not wood. But that's okay for me.
We don't have a lot of cash to throw out for animals but I think what we spend on our horses is well worth the reward of love and entertainment that they give us back in return. Our mare is 3 and stunted. She was starved at her previous home. I'm glad to have her now and give her a good home. We are currently saving up to have her broke(made rideable). I can't wait!

Donkeys are fun! We love our Mr. Donkey. He protects our property and won't let a man near me. He will stand between me and my neighbors. If one steps to close to me he pees! I love it! We had him cut (neutered) at a young age so I know it's not a kinky thing it's a protective thing. Between him and the rottweiler I don't think anyone would come onto our property without my permission. The ones they need to watch for is the chihuahuas!
If you have anymore questions on horses or donkeys just email me. I'll tell you what I know. I've had it easy learning. My FIL used to raise horses and actually ran his own stables before his kids came around. He can answer any question I've had so far.

 

[wendy]

HI judymae,

Thank you so much! That was very helpful.
Everyone on this site has been really nice and helpful.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

Justducky, I wouldn't mind being friends with your son! lol He looks good on the back of that horse! Let's see...only three years difference in age... Haha!

Dogwoodvalley,

I looked at your pictures and absolutely loved them! Are you into professional photography? Absolutely georgious pictures! They inspired me to want to take pictures of my own!

 

[Chelly]

We are going to be looking for another horse to buy in a few months....

Once we're settled in Nebraska.

My little Rosie will need a friend, and my husband said he'd like to ride if we had a horse big enough! (he's 6"2")

So if anyone knows of a good beginner family friendly horse - let me know - we would prefer a mare, not dominant (as Rosie likes to be boss even though she's a small girl) A gaited horse would be a bonus, 15hh or bigger, easy keeper - 10 years or older with lots of miles of trail under saddle!