6 Tips For First-time Horse Owners

Posted on 28 April, 2022

Photo by Jonathan Nenemann from Pexels

Written by Xavier James

Horses are wonderful companions to own. But you need to put your full attention, care, love, and dedication into raising a healthy and well-trained horse.

As a first-time horse owner, things can be quite overwhelming for you when it comes to owning a horse. You have to take proper care of their food, grooming, safety, training, and health.

Well, don’t feel bad, as it takes time to be a confident equestrian. Before embarking on your journey as a beginner, follow these six amazing tips for first-time horse owners in the UK. Let’s dig it deeper.

1. Buy a Horse that Suits You the Best

The first and foremost thing that we suggest you as a fresher is never purchase a horse on a whim. Your attraction to a pretty pony is absolutely natural. But you shouldn’t let your emotions drive you to unbearable consequences.

But if you’re really into it, start right with an old and calm breed that is easy to handle. So, you both can go well along the way without giving tough times to each other.

2. Be Mindful of the Cost

We can’t deny horses' arresting beauty; however, keeping them in shape and maintaining their happiness can be a bit pricey. Before finalizing the deal, you can compute the expenses (including nutrition, farrier and veterinary visits, cleaning, and training equipment) to play on the safe side.

In this way, you will estimate the cost range better for yourself without disturbing your budget. Moreover, you can also ask your seller for a trial period to make a more practical decision. Such a kind of approach will be worth your money for sure.

3. Stick to Proper Horse Nutrition

Besides the cost, you must be conscious about what you’re feeding your horse. Allowing your horse to graze in a large pasture would be a great joy. However, you have to ensure that you provide enough water and necessary supplements to your horse.

A wrong diet can leave you with adverse effects. So, it’s good to visit your veterinarian for a detailed equine diet plan based on their age, size, and activity level.

4. Lookout for Safety Measures

Being a first-time horse owner, safety should be a priority whether it’s concerned for you or your horse. In the beginning, when you are unfamiliar with your horse, learning basic safety measures and behaviour changes can be fruitful. It includes approaching and communicating the equine’s body gestures accurately. Also, make sure your riding equipment is up-to-date; otherwise, you may end up with your horse freaking out.

Remember, it’s your first-ever ride, so you should prefer to buy a good quality saddle, helmet, bridle, and stirrups. If the saddle comforts your horse, it will also give you a comfortable ride. Thus, the more knowledgeable you are about the saddle fitting guide, the smoothers your riding will be.

5. Invest in Riding Lessons

If you have never done a horse ride before, investing in riding lessons is a way out. You can consult with a horse-savvy person to help you deal with the equine’s nature. Understanding your horse's body language and certain cues is imperative for building trust in your relationship.

Having an instructor is a plus to make you confident about buying the right breed, training techniques, and setting riding equipment correctly. Moreover, you can also learn to address the problems appropriately in the presence of a trained guide.

6. Commit to Quality Time

Spending quality time is the best thing to establish a healthy bond with your horse earlier. Groundwork activities, grooming (that includes cleaning and brushing), and riding can benefit your relationship in a positive manner.

Honestly speaking, horses are big on sensing your touch, mood, and personality. So, grooming your lovely equine yourself can give them an impression to trust you and feel secure around you as well.

Bottom line: Never Hesitate for Asking Help

Making mistakes is completely a normal thing that happens when you are just starting out. So, if you’re having trouble with your horse's nutrition, behaviour, and understanding the equine language, feel free to ask for professional help.

All-in-all owning your first horse is more or less an exciting event in your life. Set your expectations less and keep your spirit high at the onset of first-time horse ownership.

Tags:

Share this: