Keeping our horses happy is such a multi-faceted challenge. Depending on where they live and what their dietary needs are, options can be so limited. One thing that all horses benefit from, no matter what, is drinking more water. So why not make water more exciting?
Category: Horse Keeping
How Much Does it Cost to Own a Horse at Home in 2023?
Horses are incredibly expensive, even if you don’t train or compete. If you’ve wondered how much it costs to simply keep horses operating at a bare minimum, you’ve come to the right place. I am going to break down the monthly costs of keeping 3 horses on rented property. At the bottom of this post, I’ll share about our super intense budgeting spreadsheet!
DIY Fly Spray for Horses with Essential Oils
Fly spray is a constant struggle during summer. I hate using chemical sprays, but sometimes that is better than the alternative of your horse getting eaten alive by bugs! Now that I live with my horses, I can spray them multiple times a day with natural products to help them fight the bug battle. But natural products are expensive, too. So I made a “dup” of a natural spray that I liked that works for several hours. It works great to spray during your time with your horse, pre-workout (so you don’t have to wash off the more expensive stuff right after) or if you have the ability to spray throughout the day!
Parts & Hardware
Here’s a list of parts and hardware that I have used to make all my hay net containers, and other related items. If you’re interested in a guide on how we made our DIY hay containers, I have that available here!
Easy Slow Feeding for Any Horse
I'm thoroughly convinced: hay nets are the easiest, most simple, versatile and cost effective way to significantly improve your horse's quality of life. If you're crafty, you can utilize them to fulfil three crucial needs that your horse requires! There is a nice coupon at the end of this post if you'd like to skip ahead 😉
Metal Shoes on Horses: The Where, What, How & Why They Disappoint Us
People opt to remove the metal shoes either to improve the health of their horse, or to cut costs. I can quickly tell you that going barefoot will save you money. If your horse needs hoof protection - hoof boots are the obvious choice if you weigh the costs! If you've already decided you want to go barefoot, I will be adding a guide on how to do so. This post explains the need for hoof protection, the downfalls of the metal shoe, and touches on the alternative options available.
Product Review: Total Saddle Fit Shoulder Relief Girth
About a year ago, I spent a large portion of my savings on the perfect saddle for Tucker. This was immediately before the pandemic - great timing on my part! 🤣 I knew I wanted a top quality girth to go with this saddle, so turned to Total Saddle Fit. After about 8 months of using this girth, I can honestly say I am super impressed by the quality and design.
How to Improve Your Relationship with Your Horse
Looking for a horse that comes to the gate when they see you? One who follows you happily to the barn, who shows you affection? Not every new horse starts off this way, as it completely depends on their past experiences. And sometimes, even when they come to us this way, horse owners end up with a sour horse who stops choosing to be with them. If you want to change how your horse views you, but you don't know where to start, this post is for you!
New Home, New Struggles
In September, the horses moved to a new pasture at a new location! The most space they've ever had: 16 acres with a small mountain included. 360° views of our favorite local masterpiece of a mountain, and an overview of the university I attended in the other direction. The catch? A herd!
Cost of Owning a Horse
People are always curious about money. What do horses really cost? Can you afford to own a horse? What kind of money is someone who has horses really shelling out?