Keeping a horse as a pet can be incredibly fulfilling, but it’s a big commitment and certainly not cheap. Know the basics of horse ownership before bringing home an equine companion.
Owning a horse is a big responsibility. They not only require time, land and resources, but also a significant financial commitment. Make sure you’re aware of all the costs associated with horse ownership before you commit.
The basic necessities for your horse will include:
As an owner you are legally responsible for any harm or damages caused by your horse.
Pet owners should be aware of the Victorian Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTAA), and the offences that are punishable by law.
Horses should be cared for in accordance with Code of Practice for the Welfare of Horses (Revision 1).
Owning a horse is a huge responsibility and a long-term commitment. Be prepared to devote time each day to feeding, grooming and cleaning.
Feeding your horse is not just a matter of putting them into a paddock and letting them graze for themselves. You must ensure your horse has ready access to food and fresh water. As herbivores, horses require a steady intake of food (plant materials) across the day.
They normally consume 1.5-2% of their body weight in dry feed each day and graze for 12-22 hours. You have to work out how much feed they need (body score condition and weight), and how much they have access to – and make sure they have the right balance to maintain a healthy weight.
Horses are sociable animals by nature, so keep this in mind when deciding where they will be housed. You must provide them with accommodation that neither harms nor causes undue strain, and provides adequate protection. And, they must have room to move – to stand, stretch and lie down.
Will your horse will be kept in a paddock or stabled? Paddock horses may need some supplementary feed when grass becomes eaten down, and stable horses will be fed continuously on procured feed.
The paddock should be a minimum of 1 acre, have some natural shelter, good grass cover and adequate drainage. It should also be:
We recommend you provide your horse with a safe area to retreat from the elements, which could include trees, a paddock shelter or stables. Old horses in particular need special care and in winter should have a warm waterproof rug in addition to other protection from the elements.
Your horse must have regular exercise and grooming. Whilst grooming your horse keep an eye out for any signs of injury, disease or lice. You’ll need to ensure your horse is regularly visited by a farrier (every 6-8 weeks), has dental checkups, regular worming treatments and vaccinations against diseases such as strangles and tetanus. Check the cost of these professional visits and make sure you can afford them as they can get costly.
If your horse needs to be tethered for health or safety reasons, it needs to be done in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Tethering of Animals available from Agriculture Victoria.
Keep in mind that a microchip could help reunite you with your beloved horse should there be an emergency. A specialist equine vet can administer the microchipping procedure on your horse.
It’s important to only purchase a horse or equine when you are sure you can provide them with a happy home for the duration of their lifetime. Many horses end up at RSPCA Victoria because owners were not prepared for the responsibility that horse ownership comes with.
If you’re buying your first horse, RSPCA Victoria recommends joining your local pony club, doing lots of research and talking to as many horse owners as possible. To learn all about being an amazing horse parent, here are a few of our top tips to get you started.
If you’ve got what it takes to give a horse a happy home, contact RSPCA Victoria and other local rescues to see who’s available for adoption. You could make a difference in a horse’s life today!
Buy your horse from a reputable source. Beware of purchasing a horse from anyone who cannot provide a satisfactory history of the animal. Find out all about their age, background and vices, and tell the seller exactly what you intend to use the horse for (e.g. for companionship, for riding or sport), and make sure you’re a good match.
If you’re confident, ask to take the horse for a trial period and ask a vet to give them a health check. If you suspect a horse is being mistreated, contact RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate.
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