Hippotherapy

Horses??????

We are considering getting a horse next summer. But first my dad wants us to learn everything about them, and he wants us to take a six weeks spring riding lessons. How much do most places charge for lessons? I also need to know what kind of horses are good with children and teens. What are some of the supplies that are must haves? How many acres do you need for a horse? Is a horse hard to care for? Do you need to care for them everyday ( cleaning stalls, feeding, and watering )? Please help. Also if anyone knows a good horse website please let me know.

Public Comments

1. ok horses are very time consuming if you want to have a well behaved one. around here lessons cost about 20-30 per lesson. if you want a good horse fpr little kids i would get a pony. they need a big pen and brushes and feed and water buckets and hay and oats just to name a few things. you dont really need too many acres for them. we have 4 acres and my horse is happy. they are pretty hart to take care of. they need to be trained properlyand it is better to have a trainer do it and that can be very expensive.you need to clean there stalls out every day if not every other day. and you have to feed and water them at least 2 times a day every day. if you need any other info or help please email me.i know a lot about horses \ and will be able to help you. jgerken92@yahoo.com
2. Every horse riding place is differant and so the prices will vary. Make sure that the place that you find teaches about grooming, saddeling, and all of that and not just riding. There are some places that you go and just ride with out all the other stuff but since you are a potential horse owner you will need to have this knowledge. It is hard to generalize what breeds are good with horses and which breeds aren't due to the fact that in every breed there is the exception. But generally speaking with what I have encountered, appaloosa's, & quarter horses these are two of the generalized good horses for kids. Don't just go buy the first one that you find though and it doesn't have to be one of these two breeds. I have a thoroughbred who is fabulous with my kids...although thoroughbreds can tend to be a little hot blooded...get hyper. So it really just depends on the individual horse. When you find a horse take someone with you who knows horses and what to look for...I would even suggest getting a vet to look at the horse before you buy to check for any health problems or potential health problems. Make sure you watch the horse being worked with and then ask to ride the horse yourself. This will help tell alot. If an unexperienced rider gets on and the horse isn't acting right....don't get it! Go for a laid back easy going horse. You will need a halter, lead rope, brushes, saddle, saddle pad, bridle and bit. Generally it is said to have one acre per horse, that is not what always happens and what will happen is the grass will be eaten down quicker and you may need to feed out more often if the feed in the field is low. You will also need to get on a worming schedule with the horse. A wormer that works really well that we use is called Strongid C. It is in pellet form and comes in a green 5 gallon bucket with a white lid. This is really nice cause all you have to do is put it in a bucket with some grain and the horse eats it right up. No having to force wormer down their throat. The using instructions are on the side of the bucket. A horse does need cared for every day. Fed, watered, if in a stall may need to pick through the bedding on the ground. (bedding is usually a wood chip of some sort) Also they need to be excercised (especially if in a stall...best if kept in a field unless really bad weather) and played with. Are you looking for a horse website to find out more about horses or to look for buying one? All you need to do is google horses and you will have tons to choose from. If looking to buy there is a place...go to www.craigslist.com go to I believe it is the farm and garden section and there are horses there. You can look it up for horses that are in your area or close to you. Good luck and have fun!!!
3. jhg answers is pretty good but she forgot hoof care every 6 to 9 weeks ...shoes or trim depending on quality of horses feet..$50 to $100 dollars should be budgeted for this and an annual vet check with potential for having teeth floated ..horses teeth do not always wear evenly and their bite must be adjusted to allow them to chew properly...can cause health problems as well as training problems ...plus you should have a reserve fund for vet care . One never knows when they will get sick or injured..( annual vaccines are required too) one of my horses fell onto a fence posts last year...the bill to save her was $11,000....horses require a LOT of care. ..and there is a LOT to learn...but they are worth it!!! good luck it is a great hobby.....