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Category: Educational Articles for Prospective Owners

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How to Identify a Reputable Equine Rescue or Sanctuary

Social media is flooded with pleas for horse lovers to support rescues and sanctuaries that work tirelessly on behalf of equines in need. While there are many reputable organizations doing vital work, not all groups operating under the label of “rescue” meet appropriate standards of care, transparency, or accountability. Conducting due diligence before donating helps […]

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So you want to start an equine rescue? Volunteer first!

“I think it’s important to realize that the answer isn’t necessarily in creating more rescues – while it’s a noble endeavor, what would be more impactful is to better support the ones that are run well.” – Ashley Harkins, AHC/UHC Operations Manager Volunteer at your local rescue(s) first! If you’re passionate about equine welfare and dream of starting your own rescue, you might feel eager to jump in right away. However, before launching a rescue, one of the best things you can do is volunteer at an established organization. Volunteering provides invaluable hands-on experience, exposes you to the realities of rescue work, and helps you build connections within the equine rescue community. In many cases, people who initially plan to start their own rescue realize they can make an even more significant impact by supporting existing organizations instead. Read on to discover why volunteering first is essential. You’ll Gain Hands-On

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How to Find the Right Farrier for Your Horse

How to Find the Right Farrier for Your Horse: A guide for new horse owners and current horse owners looking for a new farrier. Whether you’re a new horse owner looking for a farrier or a current horse owner looking for a new farrier, your farrier is one of the most important professionals you will work with. A farrier’s job goes beyond simply trimming your horse’s hooves. They ensure that your horse is comfortable, healthy, and performing at its best. Finding the right farrier can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to find a skilled, reliable farrier for your horse. Before you start searching for a farrier, it’s essential to understand what their role entails. A farrier is a trained specialist who trims and shoes your horses’ hooves to promote health and prevent injury. Depending on your horse’s needs, your

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Finding the right horse.

How do I find the right horse?

How do I find the right horse? “A lovely horse is always an experience…. It is an emotional experience of the kind that is spoiled by words.” ~Beryl Markham Buying a horse or pony is a big decision. It can be a culmination of a life dream for some, and also one of the costliest purchases that you will make in your lifetime. For the latter reason alone, it is important to approach finding your new horse with plenty of forethought. We encourage you to read through “Is Horse Ownership Right For Me?” in the UHC Materials. If after understanding all that is involved with owning a horse responsibly sounds like a feasible option for you, it’s time to move on to the next step – making sure you find the right horse. We strongly discourage people from purchasing or adopting a horse sight unseen, on impulse, or due to

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The true cost of horse ownership.

The true cost of horse ownership.

What is the True Cost of Owning a Horse? The cost of horse ownership varies depending on factors such as your goal with the horse, location, and care plan. While calculating these expenses can be complex, understanding them is crucial for budgeting. The true cost of owning a horse is never an easy, singular answer. The most significant cost is often horse board or housing, followed by expenses like hay and feed, which can fluctuate due to weather and other factors. Because of these factors, and the fact that the economy and world are constantly changing, it is difficult for the United Horse Coalition to give a straight answer as to how much it costs to own a horse. Instead, we can only share some of the factors to consider in your budgeting and planning. Initial Cost Whether you’re purchasing from a private seller, at a public auction, or adopting,

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Is horse ownership right for me?

Is horse ownership right for me?

There are an estimated 2 million horse owners in the United States and 7.1 million Americans are involved in the industry as owners, service providers, employees, and volunteers. (American Horse Council 2017 Economic Impact Study.) You might be questioning – is horse ownership right for me? Here are some topics to consider before purchasing or adopting an Equine. Why do I want to own a horse? There is no right answer, but understanding your true motivations for owning a horse will help you determine if there might be better options available. Do you want a horse for recreation or showing? Or are you happy with an equine companion you can visit, brush, and care for? Do you want one because your friends have one or because you’ve dreamed of owning a horse as a kid? Are you trying to earn money by breeding or racing? Do you want to save

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