Horsekeeping in a Trying Economy

In these difficult economic times, it is tempting to cut corners in horsekeeping costs. One hundred twenty five dollar dental floats, $150 shoeings, $100 vaccinations sessions - they all add up. However, costs should not be cut when it bring risk to your horse’s health.

It is possible to save money without compromising the well-being of your horse. Many of these measures may help to improve his health, resulting in savings in the long run.

Vaccinate

Vaccinations prevent disease, and though it may seem spendy to administer routine inoculations, it is much cheaper than treating the resulting illness or the ultimate cost: your horse’s life. Cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have recently turned up in Texas and rabies is always a threat. Tetanus is a constant problem around the stable.

If you are comfortable doing so, save money by vaccinating the horse yourself. There will be some vaccines which you will need to obtain from your vet, like Rabies, but vaccines are a generally simple procedure that many horse owners are comfortable administering.

Depending on your horse’s hauling schedule, he may not require a full set of vaccinations. Horses which are heavily hauled will need a different series of vaccinations than ones stabled in a closed herd. Work with your vet on a sensible program to fit your herd. For further information, please see BVEH’s 2009 Winter Newsletter on general horse care.

Increase Forage

Feed as much forage as you can and cut back on the grain. Good quality hay and pasture is the healthiest and cheapest diet. Evaluate your horse and what his maintenance needs are. Assess his energy needs – does he really need 12 quarts of grain per day if he is ridden once a week? You may be able to decrease or eliminate grain altogether. Feed representatives or your vet will be able to assess nutritional needs and guide you towards a feed program to fit your budget.

Pasture 24/7

Not only will considerable amounts of money be saved on bedding, stall repairs and labor, it is healthier for a horse to be turned out constantly. The horse is able to breathe fresher air, which can in turn decrease Recurrent Airway Obstruction (heaves – see BVEH 2008 Summer Newsletter for further information). There is more room to move, which may help prevent legs from stocking up or any stiffness which may occur when the horse is stalled up. Just be sure there is access to some type of shelter (stall, lean to, etc…) for the horse to escape inclement weather, though you may find the horse is content to stand outside in it.

Water

Water is the cheapest and most important nutrient you can provide for your animals. In freezing temps, make sure there is still an accessible supply. Don’t assume your horse can keep a drinking hole open faster than a bucket, trough, or pond can freeze over. Consider a heating element if temperatures will be below freezing for long periods at a time. If you are concerned your horse may not consume enough when it is cold, try adding a tablespoon or two of salt to his grain ration to entice drinking.

Deworming

Deworming every eight weeks just to deworm can be a costly venture. Rather, have your vet perform a fecal egg count which will aid in targeting treatment for specific parasites. See BVEH 2009 Winter Newsletter for more information.

Tend to Minor Issues

Correct minor problems before they escalate into major ones. Teeth floating, proper shoeing and farrier work, colics and wound treatment can be handled in early stages before they turn into full blown problems. Haul your horse to the clinic to avoid a farm call charge.

Horses are expensive to purchase and upkeep. By evaluating your program as a whole, a budget can be created and implemented to keep expenditures at a minimum. There are certain areas where corners should not but cut, but by eliminating unnecessary expenses, horse owners will find there are plenty of ways to cut costs without compromising horse health.

If, after cutting back, you find you still cannot afford to keep your horse, consider the following options:

• Sell your horse
• Lease or loan it out
• Decrease the amount you show or haul
• Remove him from the trainer and consider pre-show-week tune-ups only
• Donate to a therapeutic riding program
• Donate to a university for riding, research, vet school

The latter may be an extremely heartbreaking decisions, but for very old, crippled, or chronically ill horses which may not be able to find another home, the best thing for the horse might be to say good bye. Pet cemeteries offer horse burial and marker placement, commemorating the horse’s life and the joy it brought to yours.