5 Common Mistakes Beginner Horse Owners Make

Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it, or so the saying goes. The best part about being a beginner in something is that you’re not the only one, and you’re certainly not the very first one. Many have come before you and made mistakes you can avoid.

If you’re taking on the wonderful challenge of owning horses, then there are some things to know. Find out the most common mistakes beginner horse owners make.

Glossing Over Costs

It’s certainly no secret that purchasing a horse will cost you a pretty penny. They are so much more than meets the eye, as the costs will only increase after the initial purchase of your lovely equine. You must also consider the additional costs of grooming, vet visits, riding gear, feed, and related things your horse will require.

Poor Horse Nutrition

One of the most common mistakes beginner horse owners make is underestimating the nutritional needs of their horses. Consider the fact that your horse is nearly 1,000 pounds. That means your horse will need a substantial amount of food to sustain itself. Your horses have unique nutritional and mineral needs, so you must also provide those supplements.

Unmovable Shelter

Horses are huge grazers and gain a decent amount of their nutritional needs from grass. You should expect your horses to run through the grass in their vicinity very quickly. Many horse owners will implement a rotational grazing system that gives their horses fresh feed while other fields grow.

You will need to establish a shelter you can easily move for the rotational grazing system. Are you looking for portable livestock shelters? At Palouse Ranches, we are happy to work with you to create a custom shelter to fit your equine needs.

Disregarding Safety

There is no such thing as being overly cautious in the vicinity of large, strong animals that could seriously injure you. That’s why you should acquire all required safety items before your horse comes home. For example, ensure you have boots, long pants, long shirts, a suitable saddle, and of course, a riding helmet.

Misinterpreting Horse Behavior

Many of us know that animals have their own quirks and personalities. It’s a great idea to familiarize yourself with your horse’s behavior. As you spend more time with your horse, take note of their behavior and any circumstances that made them act a certain way. The more you get to know your animal, the better you can figure out when something is wrong.