wildponyeventing.com

Okay, just so that we're all on the same page...horses are expensive, training horses is expensive, showing horses is really expensive, the economy is down and prices of everything is up. So how can we maintain our horses well without biting into our household budget and going broke? Some ideas:

1. Feed costs. I've got a barn of hardy mustangs that are easy keepers so our feed and hay bill is relatively low. If you are choosing a horse, find out what kind of keeper they are. Evaluate your current feed program for each horse. Are you feeding a balanced diet or are you over-supplementing and over feeding, or just spending money on the wrong feed and supplements? When you do buy feed, buy in bulk and buy local. If you don't need enough feed to buy in bulk, get some local horse owners together and place bulk orders. You can save at least 10% in feed costs by buying in bulk, and possibly more by streamlining you feed program. Buying locally helps to keep your neighbors employed.

2. Ride share. Fuel prices are prohibitive. All trailers should be full and fuel bills split shared. Pool your resources and haul less stuff. Here in the NW we also spend at least 2 nights at shows. Consider hotel room sharing or camp at the show with friends.

3. Basic Preventative Care. Get strict with your horse's preventative care. Warm up properly, cool down adequately. Balance turn out and barn time for health and sanity. Be safe and sensible when you ride. Use a reasonable training and conditioning plan tailored for your horse. Ride in safe footing and protect you horse with proper, well-cared for tack and equipment. Oh yeah, wear your helmet!

4. If you turn out in groups and your horses are shod, consider pulling hind shoes. This reduces injuries and if your horses does well cuts your farrier bill down. Separate aggressive horses that may hurt others.

5. Instead of expensive leg treatments, do utilize the magical, medicinal power of cold water and ice.

6. Instead of expensive hoof treatments, do you utilize the magical and medicinal power of regular foot picking/cleaning, basic, homemade iodine-based spray on the foot bottom to prevent thrush, hoof oil on the outer wall to condition but create an barrier to prevent too much moisture in the foot. This extra wet NW spring is wreaking havoc on many horse feet.

7. Instead of expensive equine hair care products, put in a few extra minutes with a curry, some time with a hot towel treatment and using a wisp or rub rag. It creates incredible shine, healthy skin and gives you a great workout.

8. Learn to do things yourself. Bandaging, braiding, clipping...if you are really stuck on something then trade services with a friend or barnmate.

9. Share care. If you can't be at the barn or attend to your horse everyday, team with a trusted person to share care of your horses to keep them clean, exercised and healthy.

10. Be prepared. If you don't have one already, assemble a good equine first aid kit. If unsure, discuss what you should have and how to use it with your vet, trainer or mentor. Having necessary items on hand saves money, reduces healing time and cuts down on vet bills. The initial expense of assembling a good kit can pay for itself the first time you use it (sometimes several times over!).