will roaming dogs attack a horse the way they might a goat?

[picklespickles]

you gave a lot of good tips. thanks! not sure you read all the posts, but there were alot

. i specifically mentioned creating a savings for the horse. 1000-3000 is still well within the estimate i mentioned of 1500 to 5000.

thanks everyone for all the great info and concern.

 

[princessthelmared]

Quote:
Well said! Free is really never free. 28 is old and you'll be lucky to get 2 years out of it. There is always those unexpected expenses.

 

[Cara]

Look very carefully into the reasons why the horse is free. Elderly horses are extremely expensive to keep, and have usually outlived their 'usefulness', which is why the majority of horses do not die of old age. It is nearly impossible to give away an old horse, let alone sell one, as they are a financial liability. Be sure to think with your head rather than your heart, as there is no worse feeling than having an animal that you cannot afford to have treated when it becomes sick or injured., and the current owner may be less inclined to take a sick horse back. You would probably be better off in the long run buying a younger horse, particularly as the horse market is so poor at the moment, and with a horse that old I would be surprised if you would get much if any riding in return for your trouble.

 

[domromer]

Does it have to a horse? Ever thought about a Mule? I had mules for years when I was growing up. They took no s##t from man not beast. Great smooth ride. Generally healthier than horses. Great for trail riding. Very sure footed. When I was 10 I was off trail riding and a wild pack of dogs came after us. I tried to out run them for a little but the dogs were faster on the rough terrain. I let the mule have his way and he stomped the dogs badly. They never bothered us again.

 

[picklespickles]

i had actually thought about a mule. i have asked around but not found anything. i like your story. made me laugh out loud.

 

[bantymum]

Hey, thats a great idea, i would love a mule or a donkey.
Much more interesting and if they are tough and good eaters then problem solved. You probably wouldnt even need a bridle, perhaps you could find a really good natured one. Someone here must have a spare donkey lying around????

 

[picklespickles]

you wouldn't mine paying the postage for one from australia, would you?

 

[bantymum]

Oh yeah, right, ill have one there in the morning for you, what time would suit, after brekkie or before?
What colour? do you want purple with spots or pink with purple stripes?

 

[BarbK]

I pay a $100 dollars to my friend to board my horse. The money covers hay and some extra for her work when I am not there. I live about 15 min away so I am there almost every day.
I also buy 16% protien (per the vet) pellets at $11 a bag. (which should last me 1 1/2 months at 1 lb a day)
My farrier charges $30 for a trim
The vet I don't know what the farm call is. He answered my questions for free when he was out to see my friends horse.

I am not even thinking about saddles right now because she is only 18 months old. However I am looking at trainers and finding prices from $400-$800 a month.

I do have a warning be very carefull about what kind of fence you get. We have the coated wire with the ratchets to tighten it if it gets loose. 2 weeks ago my friends filly cut a large triangle out of her butt. Another person I know had her horse kick another horse through the fence at the ratchet and it caused a pretty gruesome injury. Her story is at this addy http://p218.ezboard.com/fgaitedhorsesensefrm2.showMessage?topicID=9818.topic
But warning the pixs are very graphic.

 

[picklespickles]

i'm thinking stripes. it would go well with the crack in my head.