What do i need to know when i get my first horse!?

Question

I need some one to tell my a few facts about horses as i am getting one very soon!! thankyou

Answer 1

You need to have all their Vet. records if possible. If they are around other horses, you need to make sure that they are all healthy. Ask questions about the mom and dad of the horse. What was their nature, how big and tall were they, how old are they or were they, etc. Ask if their is anything that the horse does not like. Such as other pets, certain riding gear, etc. You want to ask as many questions as you can and also spend some time w/ the horse before buying. I have an almost 2 year old and we got her in March of this year. We thought we had it under control; but man, we were not ready for that responsibility. I love her; but she can be very moody and has been really hard to break. I would not go for a very young horse unless you know a lot about them. Good luck!

Answer 2

Oh gosh, where do I begin? There is so much to learn. The most important thing is make sure that the horses stall is cleaned everyday and fresh bedding is added, the horse has feed in the a.m. with a flake of hay, feed in the p.m. with a flake of hay and water buckets are to be changed at both feeding times with fresh water. The horse needs pasture to graze on during the day and if no pasture is available then he/she will need extra hay.

Further, a horse can not be alone. This is very important. They need another herd animal with them, like another horse, a goat, a cow, a mule, or a donkey.

That is the hard core basics for a horse, but very important basics. You may contact me if you wish for more information.

Good Luck and Take Care

Answer 3

Get a trainer or a mentor to guide you through each step of horse ownership. There is SO much to learn, there's no way that we could possibly list everything. Do a lot of research about horses and their diseases and what can get them hurt. Subscribe to magazines like The Horse (very scientific, not so much about training) that are very informative. Spend this time now, before you get the horse, to figure out who you will use as your farrier and vet (and possibly a dentist if the horse is about 10 years old or older) and who you will buy your hay from. There is a lot to learn, some lessons being the kind that you can't really get until you get stuck in a minor bad situation (i.e. a horse that's out of control). Good luck!

Answer 4

I would start by making sure that you have access to someone nearby who can help you out with all the little things that will crop up when you do get your horse. You should make sure that you have all your horses' Vet records (shots, worming, teeth floating, etc.). You will need to have shots done once, sometimes twice per year, the farrier will have to trim/shoe your horse about every 6 weeks & you will have to worm your horse every 3 to 4 months. I would suggest that you go to a good feed/tack store and see if you can get any books on first time horse ownership, there are MANY good ones out there, that will give you tips and pointers on everything from interacting with your horse to grooming, saddling and riding your horse. Be careful, and have fun!

Answer 5

OMG! You are so lucky, first horses are always awesome! Here's what you can buy:
Medical:
-Vet rap
-Liniment
-Vetrolin
-Copertox
-Bute
-Poultice/Mud
-Dewormer
-Ex Stress

Grooming:
Grooming is an important part of you and your horses bonding experience. It is always fun to make your horse look gorgeous!
-Metal Curry Comb ($5)
-Rubber Curry Comb ($4-13)
-Hoof pick (w/brush on the end is nice!) ($2-4)
-Mane and Tail Brush ($5-10)
-Stiff/Hard Brush
-Dandy/Medium Brush
-Face/Soft Brush
-Sponge
-Sweat scraper
-Towel
-Bucket (for putting shampoo in)
-Shampoo
-Brush Box/Bag
-Hoof Oil

Tack:
As far as tack goes you will need a couple of different things depending on what style you will be riding. The basic tack would be:
-Saddle ($300-5000)
-Saddle Pad ($20-150)
-Bridle ($50-400)
-Galloping Boots ($50-150)
-Halter and lead rope (leather- $40-200; nylon- $15-30)
-Girth ($30-300)
-Stirrups and stirrup leathers ($75-200)
-Martingale/Breastplate ($30-250)
-Bit ($15-300)

Clothes for you:
-Spurs
-Crop
-Pants (called different things for each style)
-Boots
-Helmet
-Gloves
-Fun Tall socks
-Show Shirt
-Hairnet
-Show Jacket
-Chaps/Half Chaps
-Belt
-Stock pins

Stuff To Know:
Training:
When training a horse or pony whether they are young or old your main go is to get to the reward phase. You don't want to torture the horse so when he does something correctly reward him with the absence of punishment. If the horse if scared of something let them sniff it or hand walk them around it.

Emergencies:
When there is a horse emergency it is very important to stay calm.
-Getting Cast
When a horse gets cast you should take a COTTON lead rope and wrap it around the hind leg the farthest away from you. Pull the horse slowly towards you, stay out of the way! Keep the horse calm, walk him for 15 min. after he is uncast.
-Breathing/Allergies
If your horse is having difficulties breathing or having a severe allergic reaction, contact you vet immediately. Try to keep the horse cool.
-Colic
If a horse appears to be colicing you should walk him till he manures. Also contact your vet.
-Loose Horses
Horses often get loose so it is important to have a plan. When trying to catch the horse bring treats, a lead rope, and a halter. Try to get a lead rope around the horse’s neck and then put the halter on him. Cool the horse down and wrap his legs. You and your barn may want to set up a series of gates so if as horse gets loose he will stay on the property.

Before you buy:
Before you buy your horse make sure he passes his vet exam, and has a negative coggins. And make sure that you found the right horse for you!

The joys of having a horse:
Having a horse is wonderful, you will love it!

Answer 6

Get a horses for dummies book..or something like that. But make sure you get a vet check and all of the horses record. Are you keeping the horse at your house or are you boarding it? I would not suggest keeping at your house if you do not know anything about horses.

Answer 7

you need to be safe this is a 1000 to 1200 pound animal. if they get scared they run first and ask questions later. since you have not had a horse before it would be best to board it someplace were you can get help and training. don't make the mistake of letting the horse train you. lets say you touch his ears and he don't like it he pulls away and you just don't touch his ears any more this is not good.what should be done is a approach and retreat. start to run your hand up his neck toward his head slowly when he starts to pull away stop going up the neck and keep rubbing that spot until he is still then retreat down the neck. then go up the neck again a Little father and rub until he is calm keep doing this until you can get to the ear and rub it stick your finger in the ear and he just stands there. you wont be able to do this in one day it could take a month to get were you can stick your finger in his ear. the approach and retreat method works for any don't touch me there places he will have.
bottom line be safe. take riding lessons from trainer to learn safety before you buy your first.

Answer 8

Your hosre needs to be passported, you need vaccination history, health history IE: dental,worming programme,feeding rountine and food fed on,date last shod,any old injurys.. You also need a good knowledge to get the best out of your horse continue reading and doing research and lots of time and money.. you also need to know how well the horse travels what he's like to catch,how he behaves.. hope this helps

Answer 9

there is so much that you need to know! try looking at some websites and books. they will help you more than this

good luck, having a horse is so fun! hope you enjoy it!

Answer 10

NEGATIVE COGGINS!!!! very important to know before buying a horse