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HORSES: Think before getting one

| October 16, 2013 9:00 PM

Horses are such admired, elegant, beloved animals that many people would like to “own” one but don’t have a clue of the expense, commitment, time and energy having a horse involves, or how owning one can impact and change their lifestyle, wallet and daily routine.

Having owned two horses for 14 years now and personally hauling them down from Alaska, I can tell you that one needs to look at it in the same light as a marriage or having children. When horses get older and/or begin to have health problems, the worst thing is to “give it away” or sell for whatever you can personally profit from; the right response is to take care of that animal and provide for its increased needs and well-being.

Yes, some are very expensive to provide for! Yes, sometimes their needs will take priority over your own! Yes, they take your time, your money and your commitment. Please do the right thing if you can’t commit to providing for your horse’s needs over their lifetime; don’t get them in the first place. Admire them from a distance, go to a neighbor’s and help care for their horses, volunteer to help at local stables; if you have a child who must have one, lease one, but don’t “own” unless you can properly care for it and that includes much more than basic forage and supplements. There are vet bills, farrier costs (feet) and finding tack that fits your horse (your butt is secondary — you must put your horse’s back first), emergency veterinary costs, equine dentistry costs, and extra alternative costs such as chiropractic and massage.

If you’re a committed horse owner, you get the horse what it needs. What happens if your horse has issues and can no longer be ridden? What to do then? I implore you: If you can’t commit for life, don’t do it! If you can’t afford it, don’t go there; it’s that simple. Think, people, before you acquire one of God’s most beautiful but fragile creatures.

ROBIN NEAR

Coeur d’Alene