As a member of the Northern New Mexico Horsemen’s Association I gave clinics for the first time horse owner..  When looking for your first horse there is a lot of dreaming and sometimes reality and can get you in trouble.  All of these things I have learned the hard way. And am still learning.

Before you get your horse there are things you have to consider.  Where are you keeping him?  Boarding is great.  You have a lot more freedom but…..  It may be expensive.  Can you control what they feed?  What services do they offer?  What kind of facilities can you use?  Does the barn fit your riding goals?  You should take your time and find a group you feel comfortable with.

You have a little property and you want to keep him at home.  You need to provide a pen and or pasture and shelter.  Fencing is important.  I started putting up fence with 4 x 4’s.  Those pretty post are like giving the horses candy.  They eat them out quickly.  The best wood posts I found were cedar posts with the bark still on.  They last forever.

Another thing you need to consider is the kind of “pressure” your fence is going to endure.  A stallion needs substantial fencing.  The size of the pens changes the pressure.  A small enclosure has more pressure on it than a large open area.  Also you need to realize that they all itch and sit on the fencing.  You also need to look at the opening size of the rails or fencing.  You don’t want them to get their heads or feed caught in the openings.  Another pressure issue is who can live with or besides someone else.  Here is a good rule to remember.  “It is not if your horse gets out, it is when.”  Fence accordingly.

Regardless of where the horse lives it is your responsibility to make sure your horse is safe.  Walk through the barn and pens and look for danger areas.  This could be a nail that is sticking out, an opening they could get their foot or head in.  Wire on the ground.  Loco weeds.  The horses will teach you.  If they can hurt themselves they will, they will teach you.

Every horse needs shelter.  Not to say they will always use it but it needs to be there.  Barns are nice but in most areas you can get along with a run in, two to three walls and a roof.  Something to break wind and rain and shade in the summer.  Again posts and boards are edible and will need to be protected or replaced.  The roof needs to be tall enough that when the horse rears up they do not hit their heads.

No one agrees about what to feed a horse.  But, there is one thing to remember.  NEVER change there feed suddenly.  Mixing the old and new is imperative.  A horse’s digestive system is built so it changes as they grace across the country.  When you bring your new horse home bring a bale of hay and some grain to mix in with what you have in your barn.  One of my basic rules, grass is the safest, alpha is a vet bill unless you have a “working horse”.  

Now picking your new horse.  A lot of new owners are looking for a pretty young horse. No, No, No.  If you or your child are beginners it is best to get an older horse.  Someone needs to know what is going on.  Color doesn’t count, it is his personality and experience.  Getting a horse for your kid needs to be ridden by you every few days to keep the buttons all working.  A horse knows who is in charge within moments of your getting on.  He will take advantage.  A young horse is just like a young kid.  They need someone to help them gain confidence and set up good learning experiences.  Stallions is a No.

I have only touched what you will learn.  Your horse will teach you as soon as you learn to listen. Also listen to everyone and take what works best for you and your horse.