FOLLOW US ON:

LATEST NEWS

Loading News...

SUBSCRIBE

Enter your email address to
receive our monthly newsletter

VOLUNTEER

We are always looking for energetic people to help us with feeding, grooming, etc.
» Volunteer Now

BECOME A FAN

So, your kid wants a horse...


Explore the commitments of horse ownership with a minimal financial committment
You are not sure that you can afford one, or even have the time! Heaven Can Wait's So, Your Kid Wants a Horse program answers your questions about horse ownership, gives the entire family hands-on experience in the responsibilities of owning a horse. Parents top two concerns about buying a horse are: "How much will it cost?" And, "What happens if my child loses interest?" So, Your Kid Wants a Horse, helps you discover if the family schedule can accommodate a horse, whether or not the benefits of horse ownership outweigh the financial obligation, and puts your child's commitment to the test before you invest your time and money! The cost of the horse, even if you bought the most expensive horse in the world, is a fixed, onetime cost. It's the ongoing care of the horse that runs into serious money. This expense can run from $2200 per year (per horse) to more than $6,000 per horse.

For $30 per week (per horse) enroll in a six week, eight week, or longer program at Heaven Can Wait. For at least one hour, two days a week, rain or shine, learn basic horse care, horse handling, and experience all of the chores and work that go with the privilege of keeping a horse. Enrollment fees are due in total in advance.

Contact Susan Schwartz: 805-368 5702 or susan@heavencanwait.us.

The work includes taking care of the horse, grooming, bathing, cleaning hooves, learning safe horse handling, cleaning tack, cleaning up after the horse, learning about feeding, supplementing, medicating and dressing wounds, watching the farrier, veterinarian, or other equine care professional who may be at the sanctuary, ask questions, and help in any equine care task that may be needed.

Some lead-line riding is available. We teach foundation seat and hands, but we do not give riding lessons. We limit riding because the focus is about the hard work and commitment. Upon "graduation," we refer you to a 4-H Horse Program Leader where you have the option of taking riding lessons, leasing a horse, or finding the right horse for your family.

Horse ownership is not just about riding. For every ride, there is another one to two hours of work per day (per horse). This care is needed whether the horse is ridden or not. It is part of the responsibility and time-commitment of horse ownership

There are many positive benefits for letting your child have a horse. Children whose parents are involved in their horse ownership usually do well in school, have a sense of purpose, personal drive to achieve goals, and are self-confident. In general, teens and young adults who are committed to their horses have good priorities and stay out of serious trouble

A horse is going to cost me how much?!?
Just to feed an average sized, healthy horse costs around $1200 per year. Add in hoof care (a necessity), routine veterinary care (shots, worming, teeth care) and you've added as much as another $1,000. If the horse gets hurt, or develops colic, the vet bills can be very expensive.

Pre-purchase veterinary exams can run from $200 to more than $500.

Once you get the horse, budget around $1500 for a saddle, bridles, buckets, a helmet, riding clothes, and grooming supplies and incidentals, (like that really cute saddle pad with the pink flowers!)

If you plan on keeping your horse at home, figure annual maintenance expenses to be around $2200 per year. This does NOT include the cost of shelter, fencing, and other needs.

If you board, figure $3600 per year (which includes feed).

Lessons? Average $50 per week for $2600.

OMG! Now she wants to go to horse shows!!! Entry fees, transport expenses, travel, hotels, and meals…

» Read more about Heaven Can Wait

» Learn how to Get Involved