Today we are going to talk about the basics of ownership that will be required should you be fortunate enough to afford one of the more opulent pets. We are, of course, talking about the majestic creature that is the horse.
Horses are notorious for the high cost of their upkeep and care that is part and parcel with the ownership of one (or more!), and are often synonymous with the aristocrats and middle-upper classes. However this is clearly just some associative connections that are made with the ownership of such a pet, and is not always the case. There were 3.5 million people in the UK alone that had ridden a horse at least once in the past 12 months which shows the scale of interest in this animal.
Whether you’re a professional horse rider or just a casual enthusiast, having appropriate riding wear and accessories makes the entire experience so much better. Starting with boots, jodhpurs and finishing off with gloves and headwear, all these items should be included in a rider’s wardrobe.
Boots are usually made of high quality leather ranging from ankle to full length depending on each person’s preference. With regards to the colour palette, black, brown and light brown tend to be the preferred options. Wellington boots are not for riding but they are indispensable when cleaning the yard as they can be easily cleaned and taken off. When handling heavy objects, footwear with steel toe cap and pierce resistant midsole should be worn, to avoid any injuries.
Jodhpurs are made using durable fabrics with waterproof qualities. They are designed to suit any type of weather and ensure increased comfort for the rider. Gloves and helmets aim to provide protection to the hands and head. Grip gloves offer more control when riding as well as boost the performance. Cotton is a preferable option for protection during winter. The ideal helmet should be a balanced combination between safety and comfort.
Only the best of supplements should be provided for horses and Equine America is usually the brand chosen by the vets. Their products assist in rehydrating and restoring the immune system to its optimal condition. Healthy joints can easily be maintained with the help of Corta Vet. The cartilages are strengthened and therefore less exposed to rupture.
The skin and hoofs also require attention and should be cared for. Fungatrol is ideal when it comes to cleaning and treating cracks and dryness and has antibacterial properties. Lamingard paste may be required after competing or running in order to prevent laminitic attack to the hoof. Magnitude ensures that the amount of magnesium in the horse’s body is optimal. If there is a lack of this substance in the horse’s body it may lead to an unhealthy nerve function.
If you horse sustains a cut, sprain or injury it would be worth applying a bandage to help support the wound or injured area. Bandages also help to maintain a normal blood circulation and are available in a wide variety of colours, such as those from Vetrap, as well as both 5 and 10 cm lengths.
It would be really difficult owning a horse but if you stay in a farm, it would be nice to have a horse you can tag along venturing around town.
Indeed very expensive to maintain horses especially in the Philippines and only those who can afford will have the luxury of riding a well-built horse.
i was watching a lifestyle show the other day that featured Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, and she intimated that maintaining a horse is expensive. i can only imagine how much she spends for her horses. it’s a good thing she has the means to do so.
I could just imagine how much it would cost to maintain a horse. I watched a while ago a horse being operated and I thought most probably in the Philippines, horses with such illness will just left dead because of the high cost. Except of course for those who have the means to spend.