Equestrian advice

[IANative]

When I was a child, my dad had friends who owned horses, and I rode as often as I was allowed. I wasn't big/old enough- nor did I spend enough time around them- to learn about their care and upkeep. It was all about the fun back then. As I look ahead to retirement at The Farm, one of the things I've been considering is owning a horse or two. Strictly for enjoyment- surveying my small 60-acre spread from the back of my own horse has a certain appeal. As does the daily structure and dedication required to caring for the animals in your care.

One thing I've heard my entire life is that horses are prone to a myriad of health issues, and thus very expensive to keep. I've also heard and read that good riding mules are generally healthier and tougher than horses, and have a more comfortable riding gait. But other than those high-level concepts, I have absolutely no idea what I'd be getting into, in terms of cost, effort, time, etc.

What advice would you give someone thinking of becoming a horse/mule owner at the age of 55, in the state/climate of Iowa?

[barnetmill]

Talk to people nearby that have horses for one. At this point I would not worry too much about what breed of horse or if you want a mule. First work out the logistics and cost of what you want to do. They do require a lot of care, especially if you have to board them somewhere because your place is not sufficient for them. If you live on a farm or on acreage keeping a horse is a lot of easier.

[cco45acp]

I’m on a small acreage in the Midwest and have a mare. We got her when our daughter wanted a horse when she was a teenager. My daughter left and became a wife and mom. Horse stayed. I like the horse but don’t ride her that much due to my schedule. I agree the routine of care is a good structure. Averaged out she probably costs us about $1500 a year. We have a barn and pasture. We are pretty indifferent on vet stuff as she is pretty healthy; when we took her to the vet last year it was about $300 mostly for tooth work. Biggest recurring expense is the farrier, about $50 every six weeks for hoof trimming.

It is just a sample of one but I haven’t seen the health problem stuff. I am not a horse person; those that are may do more vet wise and spend more. The biggest downside other than the time for daily feeding, watering, cleaning the stall and walking her to the pasture is finding someone to do all that when we travel.

You probably know this but since this is a shooting related forum, figure I’d mention it. Horses have to be specially trained to let you shoot from their back ala the Duke. If I tried that with mine, I’d be on my back on the ground and she would be in the next county.

[IANative]

You probably know this but since this is a shooting related forum, figure I’d mention it. Horses have to be specially trained to let you shoot from their back ala the Duke. If I tried that with mine, I’d be on my back on the ground and she would be in the next county.

Yes, I understand. I've raised and trained gun dogs for the better part of 25 years, and understand what it takes to introduce a dog to gunfire and make him/her "bomb-proof." I would expect conditioning a horse to gunfire would be at least as complex, and likely more so. Thanks for the input.

[barnetmill]

If we are talking fireams, many horses are shot by lowlifes. Happens usually when the owner pastures them a distance from home and if the pasture and horse are readily visible from the road. I know there was a case last yr or so because the local neighbor webpage called neighborhood digest had discussion of it.

[steve_k]

A small 4 stroke dirt bike or quad could be good for property surveying. Comes with a warranty of bought new, can take care of most maintenance if you are mechanically inclined, could probably hook up heated riding gear for cold weather riding, and can sell for parts when it dies. Depending on maintenance needs of your property, you could add a small trailer to haul chainsaw, shoveles, rakes, lumber, firewood, and various other tools.

I’m only on 1.2 acres and have found the my small riding mower with trailer helps me get a lot more done in a shorter amount of time so I can go enjoy other things.

[Monte]

I'll echo cco45acp with additional info. Having livestock in quantity reduces the unit cost somewhat. Herd was up to 25 now down to 9 and shrinking as we age out of ability to care for them. (What do you do with a large carcass? A backhoe helps, a lot.) I give shots and do most normal care and the vet visits once a year or so. A lot of medical supply needs can be met at the county co-op. Find a farrier and set up a schedule, have him or her teach you how to do it. Fencing will be an ongoing chore. 60 acres will give you several pastures if you cross fence it, and it's a good idea. You don't want them on the shooting range when in use but you do want them to keep the hay down otherwise. Don't forget you have to shovel the barn. Got a garden yet?

Your herd will grow if your like we were. We'll just get 1 or 2. (Yea, that worked out well.)

Unless you want to be anchored to the place you'll need reliable people to cover when your gone, exchanging with a neighbor can fill this need. My neighbour's stallions have come down the road to visit on a semi regular bases. (Remember those fences?)

Add a few cows to the mix and you can benefit in meat and at tax time. It's more work too.

The real joy is when the grand kids come around.

[IANative]

...many horses are shot by lowlifes. Happens usually when the owner pastures them a distance from home and if the pasture and horse are readily visible from the road.

The stable and pasture area I have in mind would not be visible from the road or any neighboring property. But another question would be how much pasture ground do I need for two horses or mules?


A small 4 stroke dirt bike or quad could be good for property surveying... you could add a small trailer to haul chainsaw, shoveles, rakes, lumber, firewood, and various other tools.

I have two riding mowers, plus a 29 HP Mahindra tractor w/ front scoop, brush hog and tiller. Several trailers. And a 6-passenger Polaris. I won't be relying on the horse/mule to work the property. As I mentioned, this is purely an enjoyment undertaking I'm considering.


I'll echo cco45acp with additional info. Having livestock in quantity reduces the unit cost somewhat. Herd was up to 25 now down to 9 and shrinking as we age out of ability to care for them. (What do you do with a large carcass? A backhoe helps, a lot.) I give shots and do most normal care and the vet visits once a year or so. A lot of medical supply needs can be met at the county co-op. Find a farrier and set up a schedule, have him or her teach you how to do it. Fencing will be an ongoing chore. 60 acres will give you several pastures if you cross fence it, and it's a good idea. You don't want them on the shooting range when in use but you do want them to keep the hay down otherwise. Don't forget you have to shovel the barn. Got a garden yet?

Your herd will grow if your like we were. We'll just get 1 or 2. (Yea, that worked out well.)

Unless you want to be anchored to the place you'll need reliable people to cover when your gone, exchanging with a neighbor can fill this need. My neighbour's stallions have come down the road to visit on a semi regular bases. (Remember those fences?)

Add a few cows to the mix and you can benefit in meat and at tax time. It's more work too.

The real joy is when the grand kids come around.

Most of my tillable ground (~30 acres) is in CRP, so fence-able pasture ground will be limited. Yes, I have a garden. The tractor and scoop and selective grave location will hopefully address carcass disposal. Most of my neighbors at The Farm are Amish folk, with whom I have a very good rapport, so hopefully that will address the "care when we're away" concerns. Haven't thought about any cows, as I usually buy a 1/2 grass-fed beef per year, but I know we'll have some laying hens, and perhaps some goats.

And, yes, the possibility of grandchildren would be the icing on the cake.

[Ryan Taylor]

As far as maintenace is concerned, you have a couple of things:

Feed. You have a pasture? Ok that might help you out, but you WILL need to use better de-wormers and more often. Once every six weeks or so is good. If you will provide the majority of their calories through feed, dont be a cheap ass; buy alfalfa. Average horse SHOULD eat about a bale a week, given the bale is over a 100#. Feed prices fluctuate yearly, but you can buy up to a squeeze (80bales) or more at a time. Alfalfa runs about 10 bucks where Im at. You can buy those timothy mixes, but your horse will get the 'skinny-fat' look, and will be lower energy. I have bought over 50 horses from when I was a teen till I joined the military, and alfalfa is easily the best investment once you have them. Will turn a so-so lookin horse into a handsome, muscular animal. If you have lots of pasture for the 'ruffage' yiu can feed them alfalfa pellets. Easier to store, priced about the same but the quality is more consistent. It even has nutrient labels.

Ferrier. Horse shoeing. I used to charge $55 dollars to trim, and $75 dollars to shoe. Ten years ago in az, as a teen. I remember that would change based on the price of shoes. Shoes not necessary for pleasure riding in nice areas, but you need to clean out their feet a few times a week, preferably once a day. Takes about a minute.

Have their teeth floated, if they are not already done. Equine dental care; their teeth continue to grow like beavers, but as thry grind, they begine to get sharp edges and grow unevenly. This can cause difficulty eating, but especially cause pain when you have a bit in their mouth. Done maybe once a year, but the younger the horse the less necessary this is.

Most hralth issues with most horses are when thr dumb asses hurt themselves. 95% of my vet issues, have been because the dumbass ran through or into the fence, got in a fight with another horse, stepped in a gopher hole, ect. I had one horse pop its hip out of joint from standing up. I saw it happen. She literally stood up, heard 'pop' and then it would happen frequently after ward. Hard another who was a dick run me off on a fuckin tree then proceed to trip over a ditch and tweak his neck.

Only had two thay were an actual health problem, both involving hoof problems, one was a deformity that developed as she aged.

[Ryan Taylor]

Most of the horse with genetic health problems are inbred retards. Bred for performance, the 'Im my own grandpa' type stock. These are to be avoided, they are usually weird mentally, and if their for sale, they have issues. Buy a paperless animal, unknown lineage. These will have good genetic diversity.

Good feed and tskong care of their feet are your top two issues. Make sure the water is clean, and you likely will never have an issue unless the idiot runs into a tree at night.

[IANative]

Most health issues with most horses are when the dumb asses hurt themselves.


Most of the horse with genetic health problems are inbred retards. ... you likely will never have an issue unless the idiot runs into a tree at night.

LOL, Ryan, sounds as if you don't give them much credit in the brains department?

[Ryan Taylor]

Well, generally speaking, non registered horses are pretty normal. They all have individual personalities, but are usually very physically and mentally sound. Aka NORMAL.

Then you get the kings ranch types, or the Leo, or whatever blood line bred for racing typically.

Fucking brainless and/or psycho's. Health issues ranging from bone development problems, infertility, mental instability, ect...

But they're fast. Im talking papered and registered horses where the selling point is such and such blood line. Avoid those if you want a pleasure animal.

Quarter horses are the most vanilla flavored breed in terms of genetic stock development (or lack thereof) good temperment, intelligence, and asthetics. Plus, theyre cheap. And good. Like a black labrador. Or a glock.

If you are interested in covering ground at a comfortable gaite, any of the gaited breeds would work. Rocky mountain prancers, tenessee walkers, morgans. All have good temperments. They are not as muscular or attractive as quarter horses (imo), and cost usually alot more due to supply. You will notice they are smaller. Like comparing bruce lee to brock lesner.

But, if you want to move as far as possible in one day/afternoon, theyre your ticket. They have a weird way of 'jogging' that is effecient and fast that other breeds dont for some reason.

[IANative]

I'm really just thinking of pleasurable riding. My 60 acres of mixed timber and rolling prairie, plus there are several horse trails in the area. Nothing requiring speed or endurance, as much as sure-footedness, calmness and comfortable gait. Which is part of the reason I'm thinking of saddle-broke mules.

[Ryan Taylor]

Last time I rode a muke was for a hunt off horse back. Douche kicked me in the shin, thought I broke it for a few hours.

Their benefit is surefootedness in crappier areas.

[barnetmill]

Last time I rode a muke was for a hunt off horse back. Douche kicked me in the shin, thought I broke it for a few hours.

Their benefit is surefootedness in crappier areas.
Quail hunting with Mules



https://www.huntsouthwind.com/images/2016GalPics/SWP-Mule-Wagon-Hunt/Marty_Kelley_2011.jpg

Relax and enjoy a day filled with horseback riding through longleaf pine and wiregrass acreage as hunters did over a century ago. During your mule-drawn wagon ride, sit back and prepare to be taken back in time as driver, Clarence, shares personal stories about what life was like living in the South.
This is part of what makes SouthWind's wagon hunt so special and has guests continuing to request this unique experience. The thrill of preparing for a covey rise, along with the ability to witness champion bird dogs work in their element is sure to make for a day of memories that will last a lifetime.

[Greg Nichols]

I prefer Arabs, they are small and quick with very smooth canter and run like they're on rails. Maintenance is not really that pricey, oats, hay, and sweet feed in the winter and if it's never been shod you don't need to do anything but trim a couple times a year. I actually prefer not to shoe horses and think it's better for them. De-wormer in the summer, clean their feet, brush them down and that's pretty much it.

[Ryan Taylor]

Ive always thought arabs were very attractive horses. Idk, they are like an exotic looking throughbred. Like a sexy brazilian girl, just something about em, lol. Me being the rodeo boy that I was though, back in the day, would have been laughed out of town if I showed up with an arabian under a western saddle.

Its good to to sjip a shoeing every so often, as thr nsil holes start to loosen up and they will throw a shoe under normal conditions. Builds tougher hooves, too.

[Redbug]

I think mules are more adaptable and very practical as far comparing the two. They are good protectors, as well. With that in mind...



57032

[Greg Nichols]

Ive always thought arabs were very attractive horses. Idk, they are like an exotic looking throughbred. Like a sexy brazilian girl, just something about em, lol. Me being the rodeo boy that I was though, back in the day, would have been laughed out of town if I showed up with an arabian under a western saddle.

Its good to to sjip a shoeing every so often, as thr nsil holes start to loosen up and they will throw a shoe under normal conditions. Builds tougher hooves, too.

Ya I took a few hits for it but still prefer them to quarter horses.

[reforger2002]

I was fortunate enough to have them growing up but these days horses are in general a hole in the barn you throw money into.

Since horses can't be slaughtered they can be damn near impossible to get rid of. Most sale barns won't let a horse on their property as there was a trend for the owner to just leave the beast there and drive home when it didn't sell.

Check craigslist in your area and see how much quarter horses are going for in your area or call a large animal vet in your area they will likely know someone looking to get rid of a horse

[DogDoc]

My kids used to ask me for a horse. I’d tell them we could get a horse as soon as they ate up the nice cow I got them and made some room in the freezer. :0)

[Ryan Taylor]

I was fortunate enough to have them growing up but these days horses are in general a hole in the barn you throw money into.

Since horses can't be slaughtered they can be damn near impossible to get rid of. Most sale barns won't let a horse on their property as there was a trend for the owner to just leave the beast there and drive home when it didn't sell.

Check craigslist in your area and see how much quarter horses are going for in your area or call a large animal vet in your area they will likely know someone looking to get rid of a horse

Thats interesting. I know cheap horses usually sold at the auction I would go to in az; the indians would buy them and set them loose on their lands. Thats where most of the wild horses in az are from.

[uglydog03]

Never trust anything with an elliptical pupil . They are good for leather and meat . I've been bitten , kicked , stepped on , squashed , thrown , and knocked down by them . Buy a 4 wheeler .

[reforger2002]

Thats interesting. I know cheap horses usually sold at the auction I would go to in az; the indians would buy them and set them loose on their lands. Thats where most of the wild horses in az are from.

why would they do that? seems like a real waste of money esp for geldings

[Greg Nichols]

why would they do that? seems like a real waste of money esp for geldings

I'm sure that the larger the wild herds the more .Gov money they get to manage them.

[reforger2002]

I'm sure that the larger the wild herds the more .Gov money they get to manage them.

Good point ... what a way to run a railroad

[Redbug]

Never trust anything with an elliptical pupil . They are good for leather and meat . I've been bitten , kicked , stepped on , squashed , thrown , and knocked down by them . Buy a 4 wheeler .

Ha! That one got my goat! I think there is a lot of truth to that.