Whether you are looking to own a horse for sport or pleasure, that bond you build with your equine partner is very special and rewarding. It’s only something a horse and fellow human can understand. But to get to that level of companionship takes time, with lots of love, care, and trust. You are responsible for caring for your horse for life by providing a healthy environment with food, water, grooming, exercise, medical needs, and shelter. Given the proper treatment, your horse can live for 35 years or more.
Prior purchasing one of our Horse Rescues, please consider the following:
Rescue Horses Require Lots of Love & Care
Your rescue horse will require continuous care to ensure it remains happy and healthy. Realize the costs of providing hoof care, teeth care, nutrition, vaccinations, deworming, and other needs prior to purchasing a horse.
Hoof Maintenance:
You’ll need to hire a farrier every 6-8 weeks to trim the hooves and maintain horseshoes.
Horse Nutrition:
Horses require plenty of hay or adequate pasture along with grains to meet their daily intake. The average 1000-pound horse will typically consume 15-20lbs of food per day. Due to their sensitivity and small stomachs, this should be available throughout the day for them to graze on rather than eating big meals.
Veterinary Care:
Just as you would your cat or dog, horses require annual vaccinations against tetanus, parasites, and other diseases. They will also need their teeth checked for proper health. Furthermore, medical emergencies such as colic could arise, requiring immediate veterinary attention. Regular and timely veterinary treatment for your horse is essential to its overall health.
Horse Shelter:
Although horses are often seen grazing pastures, your horse will need a shelter to help protect it from the elements. It can provide shelter in rain or snow, protection from the sun, and relief from insects. This shelter should be cleaned daily.
Exercising Requirements:
Many of our rescue horses are still rideable and can be exercised as you ride them. Others may need to remain pasture buddies due to age or health conditions. Regardless of the skill level, all horses should have a pasture or field to get supplemental exercise. This should be enclosed by a sturdy fence (not barbed wire) to keep your horse safe and secure.
It is important that you educate yourself when looking to become a horse owner. Unfortunately, many of our rescue horses lacked the adequate care in one or more areas above before coming into rescue. Our rescue horses deserve a chance at finding a forever home. If you are looking to adopt, be prepared to provide and care for them for many years to come. Adopting a horse rescue can be a truly rewarding experience.
