It used to be that only the wealthy could own a racehorse, but that’s no surprise when you consider the enormous costs involved in training, feeding and keeping a horse. That was all in the past. Today, the formation of syndicates to own and raise horses has made that assumption totally false. You too can now be a part-owner of a racehorse, enabling you to join in on the excitement and fun of being a member of the horse-racing world and share in the possible winnings with a very affordable investment.
The first step in the UK for joining a syndicate for horse ownership is to get in touch with the British Horseracing Board (BHB) at 0171 3960011. The BHB provides you with advice on the process and can give you lists of ownership syndicates who are accepting members. You can select a club from these lists or you can decide to join the other two hundred members of the club at Royal Ascot, such membership giving you grandstand and clubroom access. No matter which you join, you will have to register with the Jockey Club. It is also possible that friends can come together and form their own syndicate to own a racehorse, but there are still horse ownership regulations to follow.
One criteria you should follow in selecting a syndicate to join is the mutual feeling amongst the members about working together on their investment and your own feeling on how well you fit in. The more members there are in a syndicate, of course, the lower the cost per member — however, that also means lower amounts of any shared prize money for everyone.
The great hope is that the horse owned by the syndicate will win and return enough cash to pay its own keep. Though there may not much cash beyond that break-even point, there is still the pride racehorse owners feel when seeing their magnificent animal in action on the track.
Horses are the epitome of a finely tuned athlete and upkeep costs reflect that fact. Costs of equipment and supplies, vet bills, feed bills, training fees and stabling fees all mount up. Racehorses require a high level of maintenance if they’re meant to be a viable competitor in the racing world. Becoming a part of an ownership syndicate does mean that the financial burden is shared — find out what your share will be before you sign up.
A share in a syndicate of horse ownership can vary from hundreds to thousands and, ranked as an investment, the ownership of a racehorse is considered very risky. Because of the financial amounts, a discussion with your accountant may be in order to see if you should structure your entry into a racehorse ownership syndicate as a business investment for which it may be possible to claim related expenses or losses as tax deductions.
One decision to be made early on is whether to invest in a jumper or a racer. A jumper may be somewhat cheaper than a racer. Whichever type your syndicate chooses, find out as much as you can, including getting advice from the horse’s trainer and medical reports from a vet. You’ll want the answer to questions about injuries, race record, age and cost of upkeep.
The one thing to remember is that you get no guarantee that you’ll be buying a winner, but research is an excellent way to start. With good fortune, you’ll soon be sitting in your private owner’s box watching your horse race to victory. The proud feeling you’ll get from that moment will more than outweigh any financial worries you may have had along the way.
Filed under: Horse Care
Taking care of any animal requires a serious personal commitment that requires you to spend your extra time caring for the animal to ensure a high quality of life. Horses also require basic care in order to live happy and healthy lives. Whether your horse is a miniature horse or a large draft horse, the basic care requirements are the same. Here is a list of basic care requirements that will get you on the right track in proper equine husbandry.
Housing
Whether you rent space for your horse or own a barn, you will need to follow some basic rules of thumb for your horse’s stall. The size of the stall will depend on what kind of horse you have. Miniature horses will need a stall that measures 6ft x 8ft with at least a 7 foot ceiling. Ponies and riding horses up to 1100 pounds will need a stall that measures 12ft x 12ft with at least a 12 foot high ceiling. If you happen to own a very large horse, such as a draft horse, you will need a stall that is at least 16ft x 16ft with a 12 foot or higher ceiling.
Just remember that your horse should be spending most of it’s time outside with other horses, so the stall is mainly a quiet place to sleep. This means, the stall will need to be big enough for your horse to stand up, turn around, lay down flat, and get up comfortably. As far as the ceiling is concerned, it needs to be high enough to avoid injury from rearing and so your horse cannot reach it to chew.
Feeding
A very simple diet of quality grass and hay is all that most horses need. Be sure the hay is clean and free from dust and mold. Most grains are not necessary because they are simply extra calories. However, always check with your veterinarian for feeding requirements for your particular horse.
Aside from quality hay and grass, a constant supply of fresh, clean, and unfrozen water should always be available. The water buckets should be large enough to fit his muzzle into comfortably. Be sure to consult your veterinarian in regards to supplements, grains, and other dietary needs or changes.
Grooming
Part of taking good care of your equine friend is grooming. Grooming is a great bonding experience for you both as well as a great opportunity to check him over for injuries or irritations.
Basic grooming should be a part of your daily horse care routine. The main things you will want to focus on each day are coat, hair, hooves, and those bright shiny eyes. The tools you need will depend on the environment you live in as well as the type of horse you are grooming. If you are unfamiliar with grooming or using the tools, consult an experienced horse owner or trainer who can show you the ropes.
Exercise
Horses need both physical and mental exercise each day. For the most part, your horse will need to be turned out during the day with other horses. This interaction will help them stay socialized and will also help prevent behavioral problems. Regardless of whether your horse is turned out each day or spends most of his time in a stall, you will need to exercise him daily for 30 minutes to an hour.
Exercises can include, lunging, riding, or simply running up and down hills. If you are unable to exercise your horse daily, it is recommended that you hire an exerciser to do it for you. In addition to exercising your equine friend, you will want to be sure he gets a good warm up and stretch beforehand.
Make sure you take your horse to a veterinarian on a regular basis for other basic care including worming, vaccinations, and dental care. Owning and caring for a horse is a huge responsibility, not to be taken lightly. But with a little effort and commitment on your part, you can be a wonderful pony parent.
Filed under: Horseback Riding
Riding a horse is a lot like driving a car. You need to know how to accelerate, decelerate, turn and stop. However, a car won’t buck, kick, chomp or lay down when you’re driving it. A horse might, which makes learning how to ride one very important.
Here are 7 steps to riding a horse.
1) Choose the right horse.
Never try to ride a horse that is untamed or easily irritated. The horse needs to be trained and broken. Also, make sure it is size-appropriate. A grown man should not ride a pony or miniature horse. The animal can be injured and the rider can fall off.
The right horse should always be a little taller than the rider.
2) Pay attention when you’re around the horse.
Don’t walk directly behind the horse or underneath it. If it gets agitated, it could kick or step on you. Horses have great size and mediocre vision, which can easily lead to a rider getting unintentionally hurt.
3) Attach the saddle properly.
Putting the saddle on right is very important. A loose saddle is like a loose seat in a car – if there are any jolts, bumps or sudden stops, the rider is going to be in trouble.
First put on the back pad, which goes directly under the saddle. This protects the horse’s hide from the pressure and friction that comes with saddle wearing. Next, attach the saddle. Make sure it is aligned properly and fastened tightly.
4) Mount the horse safely.
Most horses are mounted from the left side. This is a centuries-old tradition that has carried over to today’s trained animals. If a rider tries to mount a horse from the right side, the horse may try to kick or run away.
Always hold the reins as you mount. If the animal decides to take off, the reins will help you control it. It also helps to grab a large handful of the horse’s mane. This gives you direct pressure to the horse in case you lose your balance.
Place your inside foot into the stirrup. As you bring yourself up and over, swing your outside leg around so that you are straddling the animal.
5) Start slowly.
You need to sit in the saddle with a strong, upright position, keeping your core firm. Hold the reins tight. Gently kick your heels against the horse’s body; this makes the animal move.
Start slowly and progress gradually.
6) Understand the reins.
The reins attach to the horse’s head and are held in the rider’s hands. They are strong, usually made out of durable leather. The reins act as controls, directing the horse’s head, which in turn directs its body.
If the reins are pulled to the right, the horse will turn to the right, and if they are pulled to the left, the horse will turn to the left. If you pull the reins back, the horse will stop. If you continue to pull the reins, the horse will begin to back up.
7) Get to know the horse.
It’s important that you get to know the horse. Like people, horses have personalities, attitudes and preferences. Pay close attention to the things the horse likes and dislikes. Monitor its habits.
And always remember that the rider is in charge of the horse, not the other way around.
Horse riding is a fun, relaxing way to get in touch with nature and your animal. There are plenty of stores about romantic Italy honeymoons that include horseback riding through the vineyards or on the beaches. If you are safe and use common sense, you will find yourself having a good ol’ time.
Filed under: Purchasing A Horse
A horse is a powerful, living, breathing creature, not a motorcycle or four-wheeler. Therefore, if you are in love with the idea of having your own horse, it is important you start at the beginning to avoid potential harm to yourself and the horse. The beginning is not in the saddle, but rather learning horsemanship first, before setting out for a ride.
Before even considering taking on the responsibility of caring for a horse, you have to know how a horse thinks, acts and responds. You have to know how to become a herd leader. Too many first-time horse owners underestimate the responsibility the rider has in the relationship with the horse. The horse is not going to do it all.
The first step in understanding how to buy a horse is not how to ride it, but to learn what a horse is.
Before making a purchase, there is a lot for a first time horse owner to consider. Horses require a lot of time and money. Be sure you understand the level of commitment required to maintain a healthy horse.
With that said, there are many horses for sale and there are a lot of scams and lemons to avoid.
So, how do you go about finding that perfect horse? Here are a few tips on how to buy a horse without ending up with a lot of regrets.
Understand the Cost
Be very clear that committing to the ownership of a horse means a sizeable monthly expense. It could cost as much as $500 each month for basic food, board, vet and farrier bills.
Get Educated
If this is your first horse, be prepared by taking riding lessons and helping out around a stable. This will provide the experience necessary to understand the various aspects of horse care. Talk to a vet and get sound advice on boarding, feed and exercise.
Be Prepared
Realize that owning a horse also means owning the necessary tack, riding clothes, grooming and cleaning supplies. If the horse is kept at the home, they will need the proper shelter, room to run and feed. Any grazing area should be checked for toxic plants. If you don’t know how or don’t have the time to care for a horse, look for a boarding facility that can give the horse the proper care and allow you to learn horsemanship basics.
Find an Expert
Having the experience of a professional, a horse trainer or breeder, can help with the search and final decision. Frequently a fee is involved, so make sure they are trustworthy by asking for referrals. If a professional is not available, ask a horse friend or lesson instructor to help you find a good horse to purchase. Frequently, they are familiar with reputable horse breeders in the area. Always remember that humility is an important aspect of the process of getting advice from those more experienced. There is always something more to learn.
Define the Relationship
Why do you want to own a horse? What kind of relationship do you envision? Is your horse primarily going to be your companion or is riding your main interest? There are organizations all over the country who rescue horses. If you primarily want a companion, a rescue horse would welcome a loving home.
If you are mainly interested in riding, take lessons in English or Western to determine which style fits your interests.
The First Visit
Before visiting, ask your “expert” to make out a list of questions to ask the owner about bad habits, bucking, rearing, kicking, training, etc.
Once you have located a horse you are interested in, schedule plenty of time with the owner and your “expert” so you can evaluate the horse’s abilities. Ask the owner to bridle the horse, saddle him, and put him through all the paces. Then your “expert” should have a ride followed by yourself.
If you decide you have found the perfect horse, schedule a pre-purchase exam for the horse. Inform the vet what you plan to do with the horse so they can do the right examination. If for some reason the owner does not want the exam done, start looking elsewhere.
Legal Stuff
If everything checks out with the vet exam, you will need to provide the owner with a bill of sale to sign. If it is a registered horse, the seller should provide registration papers at the same time the bill of sale is signed. Once signed, a Transfer of Registration form from the seller is necessary so the ownership can be changed into your name.
Homeward Bound
Once you have your horse moved to its new home, take time to help it become familiar with the new surroundings. Keep it in a secure pen or stall for a few days to get used to any other horses and the area. If in a pasture, introduce her to other horses with a fence between them before putting them in together. Lead them around the perimeter of the fenced area so they become familiar with the location of the fencing to avoid running into it if they get spooked.
Do not expect the process of learning how to buy a horse to be easy. It could take as long as a year to find just the perfect fit. In reality, no horse is perfect, just like no human is perfect. There will be problems even if you follow advice from the best authorities. However, you can expect to have a fulfilling and enjoyable life with your new friend, as long as you have done your “homework” and are committed to this amazing creature.
Winter is an excellent time to go horseback riding. Nothing compares to a long, leisurely trail ride in cool temperatures when your horse is fresh. Winter is the perfect time to relax and let up on serious training. Winter riding is healthy for both horse and rider.
The best riding conditions in winter is a light covering of snow, so long as there is no ice beneath it. Snow, even deep snow, provides an excellent cardiovascular and leg work out for your horse. It is not necessary for your horse to gallop in order to accomplish a good work out. Instead, the task of pulling his hooves from the snow provides the horse with an adequate work out at merely a trot. A leisurely walk over long reins might be adequate to provide a refreshing scenery change and renewed out look on daily work for you and your steed.
While riding in winter, be certain of what is beneath the snow. It is a good idea to ride only across trails and terrain that you have come to know in warmer weather, so you know the land and are not likely to risk your horse stepping on something that might harm him.
If you are not inside an arena with proper footing, you should not jump your horse outside during winter. The jolt from the landing could hurt your horse’s legs, even if there is soft snow covering the ground. Also, should the snow be slippery and wet, your horse may skid or stumble upon landing, even if outfitted with borium shoes.
After riding in cold weather, cool your horse properly, even if you only had him walking. In the case that your horse is neither blanketed or clipped and has grown winter fur, a longer cooling period will be necessary. Regardless whether he is regularly blanketed, allow your horse to spend a half hour under cooler cover eating hay before returning him to his stall.
Of course you must take proper care of yourself as well as your horse in order to enjoy winter horseback riding. Mostly, this means dressing in a way to stay warm while you ride. Here are a few tips for dressing effectively for winter riding.
Choose the right fabrics. Silk is a good choice as it absorbs a lot of sweat without feeling wet. It is good for under layers because it is thin, but warm. Polyester is also a good choice here. Down is light and resilient and gives good insulation. Gore-Tex is great for an outer layer as it is wind and waterproof as well as breathable.
Allow for release of sweat. Wear necklines containing buttons or zippers. Choose material that move wetness away from you. The key to staying warm, is staying dry.
Dress in layers. This traps air keeping body heat in and cold out. You should have an under layer for sweat, a second layer for insulation and an outer layer to keep out wind and precipitation.
Dress suitably for your level of activity; passive, active or extremely active. Leisurely trail riding is passive, therefor your toes and fingers might get cold. A cross country gallop is extremely active and seldom results in the rider becoming cold. Increase your level of activity if you become cold, for instance, go from a jog to a trot, or get off your horse and walk him for a while. If you become to warm, decrease your level of activity or take off a layer of clothing.
Do not wear tight clothes. Wearing tight clothes slows blood circulation, reducing body heat. Instead dress in loose clothes. This will trap in air, that will serve as insulation. Also, when in full gallop in heavy snow fallen areas, make sure to have some type of ski goggles or other type of eye protection.
With the proper preparation and care for both horse and rider, winter riding can be rewarding and exciting experience for all. It is a healthy and invigorating way to spend the winter months.
Filed under: Horseback Riding
Horseback riders describe their sport as exhilarating and rewarding as well as challenging and at times frustrating. Fortunately, avid riders will easily find advice and support from a variety of online resources. Beginners will learn how to more successfully care for and ride their horses; more advanced riders will find new riding exercises and be able to share tips for training green horses, rehabilitating an injured horse, and teaching riding lessons to others. These online forums are suitable for riders interested in many different riding disciplines and at varying levels of experience. They are indispensable for people looking to buy their first horse or who have come across a training problem, and riders of all skill levels will find them informative and at times entertaining.
Another great way to take advantage of horse based web communities is when planning a trip. Even international trips can be planned out using horse web forums. For example, a Fiji honeymoon would be complete with a surprise sunset horseback ride on the beautiful beaches. There are other great terrain in various locations that a horseback ride would be exciting, including the deserts in North Africa and mountains of Northern Italy. Make sure to take full advantage of online resources when planning a horseback riding adventure on your next trip.
The Horse Forum is a great starting point for beginner riders and those interested in sharing their experience with newcomers to the sport. More knowledgeable forum members can offer advice on where to take lessons, how much they should cost, and at what age a child should begin riding. Learning to ride can be frustrating, and this forum provides a common place for beginner riders to share their experiences with each other to gain encouragement and support. As riders progress, they can post videos and pictures and ask others for critiques. Yet this forum goes far beyond discussions on how to ride. Members also contribute their knowledge of equestrian-related laws, ask for and give help finding stolen horses, and share their artwork, stories, and poems centered on their equine companions. This forum is very active, and hundreds of people often participate simultaneously. This ensures that questions are quickly answered and that beginners receive multiple perspectives on each issue.
As riders progress, they may find that they are more interested in breed or discipline specific forums and resources. The online forum of the national weekly magazine Chronicle of the Horse is an excellent resource that separates threads by discipline, including hunter/jumper, dressage, eventing, driving, and racing. There is even an entire section dedicated to riders with physical disabilities who can share their experiences and tips to help others with similar conditions to ride successfully and independently. These forums are aimed at experienced riders who are looking for more detailed informBation on topics such as current show attire trends, veterinary care, and tack fitting. Many of the forum contributers have competed in their chosen disciplines for many years and enjoy sharing their expertise with others. With close to 7,000 active members, this is one of the most widely used equestrian forums.
These online resources offer communities for riders to take what they have learned with their trainers and veterinarians and share it with a broader group of people. Beginner and advanced riders alike will benefit by receiving advice on riding and horse care problems and by finding others who share their passion. Good riders constantly ask for critiques of their riding, design new riding drills, and stay up to date on current show ring trends. These forums provide a central place for riders of any ability to improve their riding and take excellent care of their horses.