With the warm weather upon us, equine activity is on the rise. We see more riding, more showing, and more interaction with other horse owners. But what happens when we see too much? Suppose you are a witness to, or suspect horse abuse or cruelty? Unfortunately, it’s a fact of life that some people, either out of ignorance or ill-intent, […]
Economic times are tough and horse ownership is expensive. In recent years it has become more common for people to try to defray the cost of horse ownership by using their horses to earn some money on the side. Maybe it’s a young college student who decides to offer horse-drawn wagon rides on his family […]
As spring arrives and the weather gets warmer, many people focus more on outdoor activities and enjoying the fresh air. Equine enthusiasts are no exception. Trail riding becomes more popular and many horse owners consider taking their horses out on the roads. In many cities and towns, horse carriage rides experience a boom in business. Of course, while being a […]
If you are a horse owner, you have likely already realized that veterinary visits are a fact of life that cannot be avoided. In fact, most horse owners develop a positive and trusting relationship with their veterinarians over time. But what happens if your trusted vet makes a mistake that causes serious injury or even death to your beloved horse? […]
As the new year gets under way, many people are enjoying the benefits of equine ownership, some perhaps for the first time. Unfortunately, though, more than a few horse owners neglect one very important aspect of horse ownership: insurance. I have written about equine insurance before, but the beginning of the year is a great […]
While car commercials abound during this time of the year, most equine enthusiasts dream of a different kind of horse power. It’s no surprise that horse sales tend to increase this time of year. In recent years, trial periods in horse sales have become an increasingly popular option. However, while trial periods are designed to […]
Horse slaughter is never a pleasant topic to consider, and it often raises a host of emotions from people on both sides of the debate. Still, it is a fact of life, and most horse owners, at some point, face the question of what to do if a horse needs to be euthanized. Slaughterhouses used […]
Whether a horse is kept for business, pleasure, or a combination, every responsible equestrian wants to make sure that their horse is treated humanely. Sometimes, however, especially in the competition and show industry, the lines get a little blurred. A short while ago, we discussed some of the issues regarding “soring” in the gaited-horse industry […]
As every horse owner probably knows, while horse ownership has many rewards, it also comes with its fair share of woes, including the potential for liability. In last month’s article I talked about the concepts of negligence and strict liability, and when they may apply to situations involving your horse’s behavior. After reading that article, […]
You’ve purchased a horse and you’re crazy about him, despite the fact that he has a difficult temperament. You say he’s got “spunk.” Others say he’s just downright nasty. But what does it matter, what others think—he’s your problem, right? That may be so, unless someone gets injured. Then you may have a bigger problem on your hands than just […]
The snow is melting, the birds are chirping, and spring is just around the corner. While many enjoy the signs of warmer weather, there is one spring ritual that most of us hate to face: Tax Time. April 15 looms ahead, and for horse owners, taxes can pose a particular challenge. Every year, I hear […]
Over the past few months, we’ve taken a long look at the process of purchasing a horse, exploring various options, considerations and pitfalls. While each purchase is unique in its own right, one fact remains the same—buying a horse is expensive! It’s not just the purchase price, but everything that comes with horse ownership…vet bills, […]
