Get your feet wet before you take the plunge!

f you want to adopt a horse, it a heck of a lot different than adopting a dog. Folks may know that, or they may not.

Things to consider

Where are you keeping the horse?

At home, and is it prepared? Is there horse safe fencing, a shelter, and has the property been checked for toxic plants?

Are you considering a boarding barn near by? What care exactly will they provide? Do you know what the horse needs day to day, often this is an unknown and a horse is moved in, only for a month or so down the road to not be happy with the situation.

How much is all of this going to cost. Every month of every year – basically a mortgage

What is the adopters skill level? Actual skill level, not what they image that they have or what they had 20 years ago

In our case, FL, have they owned or cared for a horse in FL? Down here in Naples its so completely different than many parts of the country

We know alot more about horses than we did, 5, 10, and 20 years ago. Have they gotten up to speed on some things like proper forage, being sure they have horse friends, that they are not in stalls the majority of the time. How some of the really simple things will have a profound effect on the horses physical and emotional state

The feed and hay provided, by adopter or boarding barn, and if ridden the correct fitting tack, it really can make the difference between a happy owner and a happy horse and a big mistake. An expensive mistake

Thanking about working with a trainer, who will care for them when you are out of town, what type of medical situations are you able to handle, and is the vet in your area taking on new clients

These are just a few of the things to consider.

Its really important to sort this out before you apply to adopt, or look to buy.

One of the best things you an do is find a mentor who can spend time with you, a trainer, a friend with measurable skills, someone that can help you really look at things critically.

Find a trainer and take some lessons. Find a rescue and volunteer. Getting your feet wet before taking the plunge!

Picture of a Mom and Me class! Jackson is available for classes and adoption!