THERES NO SUCH THING AS A FREE HORSE In this economy more and more horse owners are being forced to give away even well trained horses. For the first time horse owner, getting one for free can indeed be a tempting proposition, but before you talk yourself into anything, take a step back to look at what is real, and what is just a good bit of wishful thinking. Forget trying to justify taking advantage of such an offer for any reason other than an emotional one because, while it can appear to be a winning situation, there’s one rule you cannot avoid and that is: it costs just as much to keep a free/cheap horse as it does an expensive one! Although what you pay to care for a horse can vary, depending on the horse’s needs such as his size, metabolism, breed and training, it has very little to do with how much he initially cost. To be honest often a free/cheap horse will be more expensive because they seldom come without “special” needs. The list is endless, from age related conditions like arthritis to foot issues requiring special (expensive) shoes to food issues, (some horses only do well on costly, hard to come by hays and supplements), to horses crippled from their years of service. Of course there’s the usual… the horse needs training. Stop to think how expensive that is, not to mention the risk factors involved with an ill trained or green horse. Many horses are free simply because people can’t ride them. This can be due to a list of reasons from the physical to emotional. Be sure to do all that you can to find out everything about that horse. Don’t be so quick to accept the usual reason for his availability such as, him simply no longer fitting their needs or that he’s healthy, in spite of his age, etc. I’m not saying to not adopt a horse that is in need of a home. Sometimes we know deep down inside we were meant to have that horse in our life. I can tell you countless examples of free horses that not only came with challenges but with enormous blessings to the owner that far outweighed the expense but believe me when I tell you they can cost a bundle to rehabilitate. What I do want to say to you is to be cautious and know this “free” horse may cost you far more overall in training, vetting and all manner of care. I’ll admit the benefits can be greater than the cost, but don’t justify your decision by saying it was free. Simply admit to yourself this is a risk, but one you feel compelled to take on, and give yourself a little credit for providing a home for a dear animal that needs you. A few things to keep in mind when you decide to go this “free” route is to try to be realistic in your expectations. Take into account your horse’s limitations, which are possibly why he is free. Are these things you can live with? If he needs training will he physically be able to hold up to it and can you financially hold up as well? Are you prepared to perhaps change your goals to accommodate his needs and can you always come from a place of love, giving him the time and patience he may require? There are no guarantees, not even with an expensive horse, but what I want you as the reader to understand is that the “free” horse may be the more expensive of the two choices in the long run and for the sake of the horse keep his well being in mind when listing your objectives for ownership. I could share with you some of the most precious stories of those whom fate had put into their lives a horse that had been abandoned or given up. These are remarkable stories that can move a reader to tears and there are many factors involved but one common denominator to them all is that of LOVE. Its power is what determines whether this will be a good experience for the owner and certainly for the horse. It is almost as if we are destined to be with the horses we have, kind of like the concept of soul mates, but you want to go into it fully aware of what it will take to make this into the kind of story you’d want to look back upon and feel a warm sense of joy and satisfaction instead of regret and resentment. Look closely at what it will all cost with your eyes wide open. Plan ahead because horses are both a high maintenance and a long term pet. The costs are high for keeping such a pet but the benefits are huge. Choose wisely but know you cannot save them all. Do the best you can, but be responsible not just to your horse but to yourself. You will not be doing the right thing if you allow your good intentions to put you in a far worse place financially or physically. If something happens to you because of your irresponsibility who will then care for your horse? When considering the adventure of taking on a free horse, lead from your heart but think with your brain. I know it’s tempting, but try to be realistic at least for the sake of the horse even if it means he goes to someone else. Do what you can but if you can’t do enough, trust the Universe to allow someone into his life that can. Who knows, perhaps there’s someone out there that really needs his influence? Copyright © 2011 Millie Chalk Backyardhorseman. All rights reserved
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 18:14:03 +0000
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