by Al Badia
Buying a horse is a big decision, and it can be a long process. Here are some important things to consider before you bring your new friend home:
Board. You’ll need somewhere to keep your horse when you aren’t around, and the cost of boarding varies from facility to facility. Make sure the facility you choose has liability insurance, vet services on-site, and other services that can help keep your horse safe and healthy.
Lessons. If you’re new to riding or want to learn more about training horses, lessons are a great way to get started! Ask about the instructor’s background and experience with horses before committing.
Competitions. Competitions are great for building confidence in yourself as a rider, but they can also be very expensive! Make sure you know what you’re getting into before signing up for anything too far out of your comfort zone.
Farrier. A farrier trims and shoes horses’ hooves every six weeks or so (depending on what type of horseshoe they wear). They’re an important part of any horse owner’s life—they keep their feet healthy so they can run around safely!
Veterinarian. While regular visits to the veterinarian probably won’t break the bank, unexpected medical problems can cost thousands of dollars very quickly (and potentially cause even more expensive long-term issues). So it’s best not to skimp on this one!
Tack and equipment. When you’re buying tack or equipment for your horse (such as saddles), think about quality over
