Does anyone know of horse rescues around Michigan?
I just found out that I can get a horse, and would prefer a Tennesee Walker or Quarter horse. I can't find anything suitible for my lifestyle. I need a nice family horse that I can ride, and one that is very affordible.
Thanks
A horse is like a child...there is no such thing as an affordable one...you will need to factor in the annual vet visits ( Coggins tests are required by law ) vaccinations, you will need to have it shod every 30-40 days ( it can and will lead to lameness if you don't ), a suitable shelter and feed will be neccessary, you will have to make arrangements for feeding at least twice a day...horses are gregarious animals..they like to be together...but they will establish a pecking order right away..could lead to injury if you do not know the disposition of the animals you are housing together...there are unexpected visits to the vet..or having the vet come to you...which they usually charge more to do..also you must worm your horse every 60 days....your horse will need proper exercise...you can't just leave them in a stall and get them out when you choose...you have to clean the stall at least once a day...I HIGHLY reccomend you speak to someone well versed iin the horse business...if you don't grow your own hay..you'll have to have it delivered or haul it yourself...you need to transport it...or make arrangements to have it hauled....if not already broken to ride..you'll need to hire a professional to do that also...they are NOT like dogs...they can pretty much not be 100% predictable around children and other animals...remember their instinct is flight then fight....they require a lot of maintance....you'll also need to be well versed in the signs of colic..this can kill a horse very easily and fast..it can be caused by stress..eating different foods..(i.e changing the % of protein in the diet in anythng less than a month..it has to be a gradual change ) horses eat a lot...foods can be pricey....this does not even begin to cover your supplies to groom, ride, or properly provide training in whatever dicipline you decide to ride in ( i.e. western pleasure, speed events such as barrel racing...trail riding...english, dressage...etc..) be preparred to spend at the bare minimum $5,000-8000 per year....it is very expensive to maintain a horse properly....no matter the breed..I don't mean to sound preachy here, but I would hate for your excitement to overshadow the facts of caring for a horse..is there a local place that you could spend time around different breeds, diciplines of horses??? somewhere that would be willing to let you see and practice the day to day care of a horse?? I would HIGHLY reccomend this..I have seen to many heartbroken people over the years ..would hate to see this happen to you...they do not come ready to ride..you really need to research the horse's history..( for example..we had a horse that was in a barn fire when it was merely a colt...it would freak out "spook" whenever it smelled smoke ..it did this for the rest of his life...he was fine in any othe situation....you reallly need to consider this before adopting a rescue...I do applaud your efforts to help a rescued horse and you may already know all of these facts..I hope you will take this into consideration...God Bless you!
Buckskin Quarterhorse 2 Year Old Gelding by RSVP Required
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A brief study of the pari-mutuel quarter horse and mixed breed racing industries in Michigan and selected states ... |
