Many equestrians dream of keeping their horse or pony at home with benefits to enjoy such as having autonomy over care, saving money and all importantly getting to spend more time together, but is it really as straight forward as we often imagine?
In our latest blog Scientific Nutritional Products takes a look at the pros and cons and what you need to know when considering keeping your equine at home.
If you are lucky enough to have the space to board your four-legged friend at your own property you’ll need to first ensure the field and stable area is equipped with suitable facilities. These include pasture, appropriate shelter, a water source, safe fencing and a storage space for hay, feed, bedding and equipment. Putting these amenities in place will prove expensive but the investment in your property would likely reap reward, if you were ever to considering selling your home. Long term it can also save you money as management from home is often cheaper than paying the cost of a livery yard.
One of the challenges of keeping horses at home is the responsibility of the upkeep and the land management. Whilst you may not be paying fees to a stable yard both the burden and the cost of things such as muck heap removal, maintaining fencing and harrowing and rolling your land falls to you. It is important to be realistic as to whether you’d see this as enjoyable or a definite downside!
The lack of travel time is definitely a perk of having your horse or pony at home allowing more time for riding, quality time together and the opportunity to pop down to the field or stable for a quick cuddle. However if you are going to be on holidays or away for work you’ll need to factor in employing a friend, family member or a professional groom to help look after your equine/s. Considering whether you have suitable help in advance of moving your horse home is vital.
Many horses and ponies don’t stable well alone so horse owners may need to invest in a friend for their equine such as a smaller pony or companion animals such as sheep. Rescue centres such as World Horse Welfare or the RSPCA can be a useful resource in adopting or taking on long term loans of companions.
If you are moving your horse or pony home many horse owners will relish managing their diet. Testing your pasture for deficiencies can be a good place to start when planning a feed ration, alongside sourcing high quality hay from a local supplier. Speaking to your previous yard owner about what your horse or pony has been being fed is crucial so any transition is gradual.
If you want to change products? then Animal Feed and Supplement companies can often help advise. Feeding a Vitamin and Mineral supplement in the diet will make sure that your Horse/Pony has all the nutrients required. Scientific Nutritional Products offers both a Horse and Pony Multi Vitamin Supplement for General Health and a Competition Horse Supplement for the competing Horse which contain premium vitamins and minerals to optimise condition and well being ideal for your equines needs to support optimum health.
For more information or to receive informed nutrition advice visit the website www.horsesupplementsdirect.com or Freephone 0800 032 7774
