Thinking about getting horses, need advice?

[HomesteaderWife]

Laminitis is another health issue to consider and understand as well

 

[Folly's place]

Minis have their owns set of issues...
Mary

 

[thinkyesi]

I'll have to look up more about that, it's good to know about all the different things to look for in horses when sick

 

[thinkyesi]

How so?

Ive heard people say jokes about how they over eat and something about insulin resistance.

 

[Folly's place]

Don't worry about it all now! There are many issues, and we can't discuss them all here. Do some reading, look for stables, visit them, and start somewhere.
Mary

 

[thinkyesi]

Will do! Thanks for all the info! I'll keep researching more.

 

[R2elk]

The price you pay to acquire a horse is going to be the cheapest thing about having a horse.

 

[twendt]

I've owned 2 horses on different times of my life. 1st was an Arabian/percheron gelding, then I had some money and the market fell, so I bought a Halter Champion Appaloosa, she was the best horse I ever had, I had a second child so I had to sell her, I regret it to this day....

 

[Folly's place]

So true, and true for any animal you ever get. It's the down payment!!!
Mary

 

[Durelle]

Do you think a mini would be a good start up into horse ownership? Since they are not as big and "dangerous" (which I know every animal can be dangerous in their own way)

I have a miniature Welsh pony. The first year I had him, the vet was out here for bladder balls. It is similar to kidney stones. They are common in goats and I guess occasionally ponies. I had to hold him while the vet dug the balls out of his urethra. We then had to take him in for an ultra sound to make sure they got them all. The second year we had him , he foundered on pasture grass. Now every spring we have to dry lot him all summer. My vet told me ponies are more prone to colic so I give him metamucil and count his poop piles daily. You will also need to scoop poop regularly. I love the heck out of him but according to my vet ...ponies are higher maintenance than regular horses. It's not as stressful with him because he is smaller. My neighbor had 2 miniature ponies but I convinced him to sell them. I was over at his place 3 times in a month due to colic. He paid more in vet bills than he did for the ponies. Ponies should not have alot of protein or high sugar. Unfortunately, we have Bermuda grass so we have to feed him prairie hay. Also, if you buy a gelding you need to clean their sheaths periodically. They get dirt and gunk in there called beans and it will block their urethra. It's not an easy job. It takes 2 of us to do it. You will need to find a farrier to trim their hooves at least every 6 to 8 weeks. Also, worm horses every 6 months. Fly spray is a necessity in the summer as is swat for their ears. West Nile inoculation is also a good idea. If they are around other horses you will need to vaccinate them for the flu. We also provide stalls for them to protect them in bad weather. I am not trying to be debbie downer. I love my pony and would not part with him. Just want you to be informed.