Читать книгу Horse Economics - Catherine E O'Brien - Страница 9

1. Stabling Arrangements

For those who own, or plan to own a farm, I discuss the potential costs of keeping your horse at home in great detail in chapter 3, and developing a horse property in chapter 5. If not, chances are you will be boarding out your newest family member. You will need to compare potential boarding stables before purchasing a horse. Find local stables by talking with riding instructors, veterinarians, and managers of local tack shops. Regional horse magazines and newsletters often have listings of stables in your area. As of the time of writing, boarding fees range from $200 to $900 a month, depending on your location (some parts of the United States are much more expensive than others in all the topics I discuss in this book) and what the facility includes in that price. Keep in mind that some services incur extra charges. To learn more about choosing a boarding stable, see page 62.

2. Necessary Routine Care

There are three main areas of routine horse care that you will have to take into account, whether your horse is stabled at home or boarded out.

Hoof Care

A blacksmith or farrier must trim, or trim and shoe your horse’s hooves every five to eight weeks. (During periods of rain and good pasture growth, five to six weeks is normal in some areas of the United States; in the winter months when hoof growth slows, every six to eight weeks can be adequate, depending on the horse.) Each foot needs to be trimmed properly, removing excess toe and balancing the hoof. Shoes need to provide ample support and be left wide enough to accommodate hoof growth and expansion until the next appointment with the farrier.

The cost of a trim ranges from $20 to $30, trim and two front shoes from $50 to $75, and trim and four shoes from $75 to $150 (larger horses may cost more). If your horse needs extra hoof care and special shoes or procedures performed, expect to pay more.

This is the one area of care I never skimp. The old saying, “No hoof, no horse” is one that is very true.

Veterinary Care

Typically, a riding horse will require two visits a year from a veterinarian for routine medical care, which includes vaccinations for rabies, tetanus, Potomac Horse Fever, West Nile Virus, rhinopneumonitis, equine influenza, strangles (Streptococcus), and Eastern and Western encephalomyelitis. Depending on where you live, your veterinarian may recommend additional vaccinations, such as Venezuelan encephalomyelitis. Some of these shots are given once a year, and others are repeated in six months to ensure immunity. The veterinarian may also draw blood to perform a Coggins test for Equine Infectious Anemia^♦.

A horse’s teeth should be checked once a year. Floating, which is the filing and shaping of the teeth by a veterinarian or qualified equine dental practitioner, takes off sharp points that may occur from aging and the horse’s grinding and chewing food. Sharp points can make the horse uncomfortable, interfere with the function of the bit, and hinder proper digestion.

Combined, the annual visit and follow-up for vaccination boosters, tooth floating, and Coggins test can cost between $200 and $400. Most equine veterinarians are mobile and come to your farm or stable. The travel charge or trip fee ranges from $15 to $50, becoming higher the farther they travel.