Unless you live out in the agricultural areas or own your very own ranch you’re going to need to put your horse up at an appropriate establishment not on your home premises. Since there are many horse lovers and pony owners living in most cities and towns, you may be able to find a horse boarding stable not far away from you. How much you pay for having your horse housed will depend upon the site of the stable and the amenities it offers.
The more economical stables would house your pony in a box or standard stall, with adjoining pasture for the horses to be turned out on. Usually, the pasture will be used by several horses, but it is possible you can pay for getting your pony a personal pasture. As the horse’s owner, its feed, water and exercise would be your responsibility, as would getting a groom to attend to it. You would also be answerable for all hospital treatment, including vaccinations. At establishments where you’ve got to prepare your own feed, you would possibly also have to pay extra for feed storage.
The more costly stables would probably have heated stalls and personal paddocks or maybe little pastures. They would take up the responsibilities of feeding and watering your pony, as well as exercising it. They might have the necessary staff including grooms, and have vets and farriers on retainer. A few of these deluxe enterprises can be phenomenally expensive, but do provide superior pony care for those owners who are not able to continually attend to their horses.
You might need to consider joint ownership of your horse if you’re on the road consistently, or if you’re only able to ride your horse infrequently for whatever reason. You can share the costs of stabling, feeding and caring for your horse with your joint owners. Such an arrangement will also work out to the advantage of your horse, since he would be getting more regular exercise and attention. In a similar fashion, if you’re able to ride only seasonally due to work or academic commitments, you can lease the horse to others in the periods you cannot get to him. This will enable you to keep him well exercised. The lease money you earn will also help with your stable expenses. Obviously, leasing does not necessarily imply transfer of ownership; it simply confers right to use until the lease runs out or is revoked.
If you are sufficiently fortunate to own at least an acre of land in a location suitable for housing your pony, you will be in a position to erect a barn or maybe a lean-to to shelter your pony. The structure should ideally provide safety from all elements, with box stalls, straight stalls and secured tack and feed rooms. It is essential that feed stock be kept out of the reach of horses, because overeating can bring about colic and colic can cause death.
The paddock or pasture should be fenced in securely, with fencing of posts and board or custom pony fencing. Do not use barbed wire, as it can cause cuts and wounds, which can on occasion be serious especially if the horse’s feet get snagged or trapped. All parts of the fence should be of strong material. Maintenance should be regular, and breaks especially in the fence should be attended to without any loss of time.
Horses are Heather Tomspassion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of articles with other horse lovers click here
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