i am thinking of buying my grandaughter a horse wot do you think?

Answer 1

I think you should. It's the stuff little girls dream of and if she's responsible enough, it will be a great learning curve for her. You are a star Grandma! ;)

Answer 2

Horses require a lot of maintenance. How old is your granddaughter, first? How much experience does she have with them? Can she ride one properly? Where is it going to be boarded and who is going to to pay for all the food, bedding, vet bills, etc.? Then you have the other items needed, harness, reins, saddle, shoeing, etc. How do her parents feel about this, if you haven't yet, discuss this with them before anything else. They may feel she's not ready for such a large commitment. My 17 year old daughter wants a horse and I would love to have one too, but we don't have the room or finances to keep one. A friend told me she spends over $500 a month between everything and more when shots are due, this is just for one. She boards hers at home. Winter time she has to make sure the heating system is working in the barn and that the water isn't frozen. Her electric bill nearly doubles in the winter housing him. He eats a bale of hay a day plus grain. We only have a goat and a sheep and we spend $75-$100 a month for their upkeep in the winter.

Think this over very carefully before you go and spent your money for a horse.

Answer 3

If her family has land on which the horse can graze, and a barn/stall in which the horse can be cared for, and the finances with which to feed and care for the horse, and her parents think it's a good idea, and she wants a horse, then it's a great idea. Horses can be great friends to a child. They are very protective of their masters, and are extremely loyal to them. However, if all the above criteria are not met, then it would not be a good situation, unless you are willing to also give her/them $300/month or more for feeding, farriers, vets, and a place to keep the horse. Not to mention riding lessons. A horse is a great responsibility, and if all involved are not up to it, then the horse and your granddaughter would be better served by being left alone.

Answer 4

Depending upon the age... Would you buy your grandson a Motorcycle? IF the answer is no then treat the grand daughter with the same respect. A horse is a living entity that at any time can turn or do the unexpected. In either case they both can kill a person.

Just food for thought. Besides I assume they have land to keep it on as well? And can afford the vet care and food costs?

Answer 5

It depends on if he would no how to care for it; what they need; and if he could provide it for them. does he have a large backyard or a stable and lots of hay because they need to run around and you should also do research on what horses need to stay healthy and happy. Heat strokes can occur if temperatue is above 104 degrees. Pigeon Fever is a commonly diagnosed bacterial infection in horses caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. The disease is most commonly associated with large, deep abscesses in the pectoral region resulting in a pigeon-like appearance to the chest, however abscesses can occur anywhere on the body. Other clinical signs may include lameness, lethargy, fever and anorexia (off feed).

Answer 6

it might be an idea to send he on a horse owners course first to make Sure she knows what she is getting in too. I look after 5 horses for people that have not got time for them and 1 the lady brought and does not now how to look after its not like a riding school. 5 in mornings start so i can then get the kids to school and then back to the yard to ride or black smith it goes on for ever.

Answer 7

Don't know what your families financial situation is, but a horse is a big financial commitment. Hay, oats, ferrier service, innoculations, boarding, etc. Those are just the upkeep costs of having a horse. Add on the all the equipment for riding, saddle, bridle, girth. It's a big commitment.

Answer 8

Much to consider. How old is your granddaughter? Will she be able to feed it and care for it or will you do it all? Do you have pasture to keep it in? A back yard isn't enough. If you don't you'd have to rent pasture, give it grain everyday. Will you be able to afford a saddle, so she can ride it? Has she had experience around horses? If she rides the horse, it'll have to be shoed.

Answer 9

Very nice! But who is going to get up at 5 AM to feed the horse?

Answer 10

Wonderful idea, as long as ur grand child willing to take care of the horse, it's a lot of work and responsibilities, talk to parents first.

Answer 11

Make sure that you talk it over with her parents first. While you may have to pay for the horse initially, they will be the ones who have to pay for boarding, feed and other supplies. Also make sure that your grandchild is able to take the main role in caring for the horse.