A good friend of mine is pushing me to switch from dogs to horses because they're easier to take care of and live longer, among other reasons. She has prior experience owning horses and has offered to help me learn but more help is always preferable so figured I'd post up here to see if anyone would be interested in mentoring a potential new owner. Things to know before hand, what items/feed to look into getting, warning signs to look for, and anything else I don't even know to ask. Feel free to DM.
Looking to get a mini stallion
- Thread starter NickyNett
- Start date
I doubt that on the cost alone.
Bloit
Esteemed Citizen of ZV
Please don't just "get a horse" blindly.
Horses don't do well alone. It needs a buddy. They're quite fragile as far as intestinal problems go, so consistent and quality food is important. You need to be able to identify when a horse doesn't feel well, when they need to see the farrier, when they're cold or too hot...
Basically, get to know horses, before getting one.
Horses don't do well alone. It needs a buddy. They're quite fragile as far as intestinal problems go, so consistent and quality food is important. You need to be able to identify when a horse doesn't feel well, when they need to see the farrier, when they're cold or too hot...
Basically, get to know horses, before getting one.
D
Deleted member 283175
Guest
From a maintenance standpoint, horses are not an easy affair at all, even the mini ones. Don’t let their size fool you, they will still behave like, and require all of the extensive care that their large counterparts will require. Now, I am in no way trying to dissuade you from your endeavor, and if you are prepared for it, I truly wish you the best of luck. Just try to remember that they will require farrier work, expensive feed, a daily exercise regimen, outdoor housing, an area to graze in, etc etc.
You will want to have a fairly good sized amount of money saved up in case of any kind of unforeseen vet bills that may come down the road, god forbid. Vet bills for dogs can be a costly enough affair, but for horses, it can become astronomically high, so just be ready for that.
Also, one last thing, please bear in mind that horses are gregarious creatures, and will want some kind of company if they are to be left to their own devices for extended periods of time, so it is smart to think about having a companion creature or two to make sure they don’t lose their minds of boredom while you’re away. Most people think dogs are a good choice for this, but since horses are prey animals, and dogs are obviously not, another herbivore is the best choice here. Goats make excellent companions for horses, and are actually fairly easy to care for, especially compared to horses. I am speaking from experience, as I have kept horses as well as goats in past. Good luck in your endeavors!
Bloit
Esteemed Citizen of ZV
If you have the space and facilities to house one, yourself.
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Deleted member 283175
Guest
In my experience, including the capital required to own the property to care for and keep a horse, the expense of keeping a horse far outweighs that of keeping a dog. Far. Hell, even without including the cost of the land required, horses are essentially a bottomless well of cost. I’m not sure how these folks found autopilot keeping horses where they cost less than dogs to maintain. I question the level of care the horse is receiving, at that point.
I couldn't agree more. I have both dogs and horses and horses cost much much much more to keep if you want to take good care of them.
bumpkin
Tourist
You don't just ‘switch’ to horses. You are either a horse person, or you are not a horse person. I grew up with them. My sister has an affinity with them. I am not a horse person. You will know if you are. The same as if you know you are a dog, cat person etc. You should have a connection with any animal you take on.
yoyodude57
Tourist
I have >10 horses, and mine do well in terms of vet expenses; they have 24/7 turnout with sheds barring bad weather of course.
Research feed and regular care cycles such as farrier work, deworming, dental work. It all just costs money and time.
But if its something you really want, nothing can stop you, just go in knowing they are a lot of work if you want to have a horse that is pleasant to be around, and there will be days that you really dont want to get out of bed and clean boxes or feed grain but you have to.
They're amazing animals! Definitely don't be talked out of it, but just know what you're getting into because thats potentially 20+ years of commitment.
Research feed and regular care cycles such as farrier work, deworming, dental work. It all just costs money and time.
But if its something you really want, nothing can stop you, just go in knowing they are a lot of work if you want to have a horse that is pleasant to be around, and there will be days that you really dont want to get out of bed and clean boxes or feed grain but you have to.
They're amazing animals! Definitely don't be talked out of it, but just know what you're getting into because thats potentially 20+ years of commitment.
yoyodude57
Tourist
Yeah I would agree on the level of care point. What is being overlooked at that point would be my question. With enough land you can reduce hay costs if you have good grass and proper pasture rotation, but yeah sus.
Bloit
Esteemed Citizen of ZV
The only think I would say, is, if you have no experience with horses;
DO NOT BUY ONE
No amount of research can prepare you to actually own and take care of a horse.
Help out at some stables. Ride, take care, feed them, experience horses before buying one.
Horses are fucking fragile, yet don't want to show pain or discomfort. You need to learn to recognize their signals.
DO NOT BUY ONE
No amount of research can prepare you to actually own and take care of a horse.
Help out at some stables. Ride, take care, feed them, experience horses before buying one.
Horses are fucking fragile, yet don't want to show pain or discomfort. You need to learn to recognize their signals.
Leo Invictus Imp Aug
Tourist
Shetland Ponies could be a good start, unless they are too small for what you imagine! You basically need a big enough Paddock, because like any equine they need to be able to move alot. Shetland ponies are very friendly and relatively easy to maintain.
Bloit
Esteemed Citizen of ZV
Shetland ponies are also incredibly stubborn and will be unmanagable if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Leo Invictus Imp Aug
Tourist
Thats right, but I also think they are spirited enough to get horny quickly. You must know how to handle them.
Bloit
Esteemed Citizen of ZV
The shetty stallions I’ve known all required a mare to be present. And even then they’re a lot to handle, alone.
Heck, a kick to the head from any horse, even a tiny one, will do significant damage.
Leo Invictus Imp Aug
Tourist
Ok interesting I didnt know..
For a long time, I ve had the imagination of owning a small farm and for my Wife to get fucked by our ponies regurarly...
Do you know if the pony in the Horsecore videos is a big Shetty?
Bloit
Esteemed Citizen of ZV
I don’t know the videos you’re referring to, but I could probably identify the race.
I’ve seen people buy their first horse and completely fuck up taking care of them, too many times.
Leo Invictus Imp Aug
Tourist
They are hot videos (stallion on woman), you can find them here in the forum
Ok thats very sad....
KnottedUp99
Tourist
Having to both find and pay a large animal vet for care is also an expense.
Good luck!
Good luck!