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Post by flowerpower on Apr 20, 2009 4:59:59 GMT -5
A few weeks ago, a TB farm in the next county was investigated for animal neglect. The horses were so pitiful looking, it made national news. They were half-starved and full of lice. The owner agreed to sign over about 60 of the animals to the Humane Society. They are going to wave the adoption fees. I am seriously considering applying for 1 or 2. I'll assume these horses are fairly young since its a breeding facility. And I would think that most have some kind of training. My biggest concern is that they will have trust issues & I will have an unrideable animal. It would be my first horse. So naturally it will be spoiled. lol If I can only get one, I will request a gelding. Here is a link to some pics of the horses. Very sad.  www.cghs.org/horses.htm |
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Post by ceara on Apr 20, 2009 6:41:18 GMT -5
Oh that's very sad indeed! I've always wanted a horse for riding. Have the space for one but no fencing or even a barn. I used to ride twice a day during summers at camp when I was a kid. We had so much fun going trail riding.  So glad you will adopt. Horses bring so much joy. Geldings are ideal, in my opinion. Post pics when you get them home! |
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Post by bluelacedredhead on Apr 20, 2009 8:11:59 GMT -5
You have enough acreage for one or two. I know you'd spoil them rotten, lol
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Post by flowerpower on Apr 21, 2009 6:33:51 GMT -5
I have a 6 ac field I can pasture them on. But I'll need fencing and a shelter for them. I am thinking electric fence because it's a hill.
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Post by bluelacedredhead on Apr 21, 2009 8:08:17 GMT -5
Shelter is easy. Build a three sided shed with the back wall blocking predominant winds. Make a small hay storage area inside the shed so you can keep hay there for them and not have to make so many trips back to the main barn.
Electric would be good. Solar charging system would mean less strain on your utility bill.
But phone the SPCA and see what THEY require before you build and buy. Better to only have to do it once.
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Post by macmex on Apr 23, 2009 5:56:47 GMT -5
Also, don't assume that you'll be getting a younger horse. Take someone who really knows, along with you, if you can pick. After age 12 it's nearly impossible to determine a horse's age, other than it's 12 or older. U.S. laws have made it so that there is a HUGE glut of horses in this country, many of which are unusable. It costs money to get rid of a horse which is no longer useful. So, many just keep them around. Prices have plummeted. One of my daughters purchased a 2 year old filly, of outstanding quarter horse lineage for only $500, last spring. The stud fee alone, to breed her was $700.
We once accepted a gift horse and learned the hard way "You MUST look a gift horse in the mouth!" That horse nearly broke me with vet bills.
George
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Post by silverleaf on Apr 23, 2009 9:19:12 GMT -5
I've always wanted a horse, but never even managed to have riding lessons! The extent of my experience is going pony trekking twice, lol.
All that horse stuff is expensive, unfortunately, so probably will never happen for me.
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Post by susie on Nov 7, 2009 11:38:23 GMT -5
Get two so that they'll have company.
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Post by flowerpower on Nov 8, 2009 7:01:21 GMT -5
I have a friend who also wants a horse, but has nowhere to board it. So it will stay at my farm & he can pay for both horses' food. lol I really need a hay baler. That would cut the food bill alot.
I learned something interesting recently. When the season ends at Saratoga, alot of horses are sent to auction. There are a few trainers who try to find homes for the horses, so they are not turned into dog food. So I may try to work it from that angle.
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Post by Penny on Nov 9, 2009 6:47:57 GMT -5
Thats so sad, but great that you are stepping in to help.
Keep us updated ok.
Good luck too.
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Post by flowerpower on Nov 10, 2009 5:00:42 GMT -5
It may take a yr or so, but I am getting a horse. lol Its just pricey to set up for them. I need a good sized shelter and fencing for a 6 1/2 acre field. Personally, I love those huge draft breeds like Percheron or Belgian. But they eat twice as much as a standard sized horse. I know that someday, the right horse will find me. And everything will work out just fine.  |
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