Horse Information

[Rat Trap]

Hey there everyone. I was just wondering where the best place to find information on how to care for a single horse would be on the net? I have looked up a lot of different things but all I seem to be getting is tips on buying a horse or very vague information. I need to know all the specifics if I am to really think about getting one. I want to know exactly everything I need to do to be a good new horse owner. I tried the link to information listed here on the sticky on the forum but the link was dead. Any good sites you know of? Or could anyone personally tutor me? The horse I was offered by one of my dad's customers is a 21 year old palomino quarter horse.... If that helps any. We are currently looking for a place to board it before anything else is to be done.

[Rustyluv14]

You could go to a book store and get a "horse care" book. Those are actually very good usually- I have many from when I first bought my horse and they helped me a great deal. Another place you could try is any kind of 4-H website. Do a google search for it. Those are very complete and reliable. Ill get back to you if I find a specific site. Good luck

[Rat Trap]

OKay, thank you Rusty. :)

[Rustyluv14]

I just did a search on Amazon for complete horse care books and came up with alot, so you could order a few from there. Most of them look really good. You could also try to find a good local barn in your area that would tutor you for free, or in exchange for doing a little work. That would be best.

[Rat Trap]

I see. Two of my dad's friends have horses. I think I will ask them for help on learning if they are not busy too much. Thanks! :D

[lneill84]

Try getting some of the Pony Club Instructional Manuels. I will look around at home, i have some pretty good books, just can't remember the name. There are some pretty important aspects in getting an older horse. You need to make sure he has appropriate food, often times, older horses have broken, cracked or other wise damaged teeth. Its hard for them to get adequete nutrition that way. He will have to have his teeth floated regularly and kept up with his feet. Older guys can be pretty creaky, so a good MSM/Coseqiun type supplement is a must. Older horses are also more likely to colic, so a close watch will have to be kept on him. Older horses are great, they are calmer and more reliable, especially for a new owner, as long as you take into consideration his age and special conditions

[Rat Trap]

Oh, awesoem! Thanks so much for the help! I thought maybe there would be some special considerations for an older lad.

[KellyP]

If you are planning on getting a horse in the future the best thing to do is start taking riding lessons now. Once your comfortable riding and can handle a horse properly I would suggest leasing a horse so you can see how much work and expense really goes into owning a horse.

For the time being join some online horse forums and ask lots of questions. Also check out your local library most have books about basic horse care. But remember there's only so much you can learn from a book. A book cannot prepare you completely. You need hands on experience before you should even think about getting one.

Horses are great. Good luck with your information seeking. :)

[Rat Trap]

OKay. I understand. Thank you KellyP.:)

[sparkyharky]

I would also suggest a copy of Horses for Dummies. I am reading it now to determine if I want it for my personal library and it is a good beginner's book. I also agree with the suggestion to take riding lessons and learn as much as you can from books and other horsemen.

[Rat Trap]

Awesome Sparky. I will check out the book store.