|
Most of it's been said already. You would be smart to figure generously, a budget, based on things mentioned below, and see if it can be afforded. Not sure how your winters are, but might be a good idea to have some sort of shelter, walk in at minimum, for those bad weather days. You'll need a place to store your goods/supplies too. Manure, well if not in a stall you won't need bedding, but you'll want to keep your paddock area cleaned up and tidy, could make a small compost pile, it works well and if you have a garden it will benefit Also good to know what that horse has for a personality, and the riding ability of your stepdaughter. If it is something she cannot handle at this time, I'd be hesitant to get her involved at all. She would benefit highly from lessons by an experienced trainer who deals with kids, and an education about horses in general, this is very important. I'd also have a serious talk with her about the entire responsibility, the extra work and costs involved, she would have to demonstrate a serious interest and an ability to do the extra work required, for the privilige being afforded her by you. Both of you have to understand that it's a 24/7 365 days a year commitment, every day you have chores to do and that horse will need attention, feed, grooming and exercise. Don't get me wrong, takes some getting used to and if it does not pan out, make the change immediately. I grew up around thorough bred show horses, and still get involved on occasion, most of my knowledge is on the work side of things, supporting a barn with 30-40 of them. We stopped giving lessons at our place and no longer have any boarders and or customers, things are a lot more managable now. Very difficult to find decent help and I can recall the times when bedding was hard to find, decent hay hard to get, vet bills, blacksmith bills maintenance around the place, money was short, it happens, and it does not end until things give or the horses are gone. Our neighbor up there, across the street has 3 daughters, 2 always took a serious interest in horses, and they have kept their horses at our place and were very responsible with them, but it also helps when they too have a small farm, they grew up in the environment.
|
