$5000 to spend on your animals?

Question

My husband tells me that buying masses of lottery tickets does not constitute sound retirement planning. However in the land of dreams, if you were given $5000 with a stipulation that you had to spend it on your animals, how would you spend it? I would spend half of it on stem cell therapy for my horse's front bow and suspensories, the rest I'm sure I'd squander - what about you?

neoskya
There are 4 clinics in this area that do stem cell therapy and injecting tendons is about $2500. All they do is take a fat sample, remove the stem cells in the lab which are then re-injected back into the damaged area.

Answer 1

If I had $5000 that I had to spend on my animals, I would remodel the corn crib we use for a barn and make it more of a horse-friendly place. Also I would tear out our patched-up ramshackle fencing and put in some safer and prettier fencing. If there was money left over, I would spend it on feed and save the rest for vet bills or things that come up unexpectedly. And I would have a very hard time keeping myself from buying another horse with the money instead!

Fun question, Lisa! My husband and I have an imaginary list of things we would do if we won the lottery. We both work mundane jobs and don't spend as much time with the horses as we would like, so our wildest dreams include buying a ranch, having some cattle to train our horses on, and moving somewhere far out....maybe Wyoming or Idaho or something. I grew up on a cattle ranch, and miss it a lot.

Answer 2

I would turn my horse's paddock into totally wood fencing instead of the part wood/part wire fencing that it now has. That would cost me over half the money, I'm sure, if not all of it.
If I still had a fair amount to spend I'd buy a proper run-in shed. My horses like being out in the open, but on days when we get alot of rain (especially freezing rain or wet slushy snow) they need to keep dry. For now I use their rain blankets and windbreaks, but that's all they have.
If I still had a few hundred bucks left I'd buy a really nice, expensive show halter for my mare. It would probably cost $400 so I couldn't buy it without some extra cash!
I don't know how anyone can afford horses! I'm thankful that my parents started me off in the sport when I was a child. Thanks to them I can afford to ride. I still use the same English boots, English saddle, bridle, show belt, etc that I wore when I was in my teens. (And I'm now in my 40's!) My kids grew up riding in my youth Western saddle and using some of my old blankets. I don't think I could have done it without some help.
Which proves that one should take good care of their equipement because it can last a long time. My Stubben saddle was used when I bought it as a 16 year old (We could afford it because it has a small nick at the top) and is still in top notch condition! And my English boots are at least 25 years old and shiny and very useable!
P.S. I want to know how Mike ahead of me can afford to put in new stalls and a new barn for $5000! Teach me so I can do it, too!!!! To heck with a run-in shelter!

Answer 3

I'd put the money into my barn. I'm already building a tack/feed room in it myself, which would turn out better with a professional, I think. Then, the wiring needs to be done. I've got electricity to the barn and only one outlet so far. I'd buy stall mats for the 4 stalls, and have the center aisle paved with rubber paver bricks. I also need a run in shed and a some fencing to divide the pasture for rotating. There's plenty more, but I'm way past my $5000 limit by now...

Answer 4

I would, personally, buy a snake rack for 20 snakes, with all it's accessories, like heat, shavings or newspaper, a hide, and water bowl. So now, you're left with about $3500. I'd get 3 or 4 normals, 2 albinos, a pastel, a pinstripe, 2 ghost, 2 mojave, cinnamon, piebald, 2 lesser platinum, 2 chocolate, and 2 desert ghosts. And there you are.

Answer 5

Since both my dog and horse have everything they need, and I make enough to provide them with proper care including vet care, I'd place the money in a mutual fund or something similar so that it's earning interest but is readily available for any emergency that may come up especially because my mare is 22 years old and has arthritic hocks and even though my Chi is 4 years old and quite healthy, emergencies can and do happen.

Answer 6

Hmmm $5000??

I'd buy a new saddle- mine doesn't fit my child at all and he really deserves a new one. (possibly 2. lol)

After that, I'd get his sarcoid removed. (been saving for that for years.)

A new bridle, too, would be nice.

Other than that, he doesn't really "need" anything other than more time from me. Which $$ can't buy.

So I'd use the remaining money to pay bills so I wouldn't have to work so much -- therefore giving me more time with him! (does that count? lol)

Answer 7

I would get a new saddle, but other than that I wouldn't have much to spend on horses 'cause I don't actually own one I just ride. I would probably spend alot on getting my mom's dog's dental work done so she didn't have to pay for it. I would then get myself something for cat allergies, because that's techinically spending it on keeping the animal because without something I'm going to stop paying attention to him. If there was any left I would save the rest for emergencies, because that's always a good idea.

Answer 8

I would spend half wisely, like to pay for a year of boarding or rescue and rehab a needy horse. The rest I would probably blow on stupid stuff like horse treats, a new glitter saddle pad, a rhinestone headstall and some of that twinkle toes paint on hoof glitter. I've always liked all the glittery stuff, just never had a reason or the extra money to splurge on it.

Answer 9

Tell your hubby that buying masses of lottery tickets is to retirement planning. It is called a Redneck 401K. What would I do with the money? Buy a truckload (or two) of hay and grain. Or maybe one truckload and spend the rest on a good trainer for my two year old. Or maybe buy one of those fancy show shirts I have always wanted. Or a new silver halter. Or something with a lot of bling. I am sure i would be sensible with a least half and totally poop off the rest. That is what makes life fun.

Answer 10

I would buy a truckload of hay. That should last a while with two horses. Well, then I would have to build a hay barn. hahaha I would take my barrel horse to the best leg vet around and get his stifle fixed. I would send my filly to a working cow horse trainer and then take myself as I am dieing to learn this sport. I would get that new saddle I have been wanting. Dang, I think I need more then 5 grand! LOL