Episode 2: Goal: Buy a Horse

A gorgeous American Paint Horse

So I have a new goal: buy a horse. I've wanted a horse since I was young. But now the want has grown rather strong and here is my plan broken up into what I'd like to call . . . "Stages."

Stage 1: Take Riding Lessons

I've never rode a horse before. Ever. Okay, there were those ponies at the fair back when I was 8 but that doesn't count! I plan on starting lessons soon so I can get an idea of what riding and taking care of a horse is like. I can decide from here whether or not I want a horse or if I just want this to be something I do (riding, I mean) from time to time. I found a place nearby that offers the following:

• Beginners Package: $80.00 (4 half-hour sessions, once a week, that teach some of the basics.)
• 1 half-hour private lesson: $25.00
• 1 hour private lesson: $40.00

So I'll definitely start with the beginner's package and then go to probably half hour sessions or maybe do an hour one here and there. So, let me just say once I get a horse, there's $100 a month going toward lessons. So that's a note to self!

Stage 2: Boarding and Other Costs
Also located at the same place nearby (where the lessons are), they offer full board for $375.00 a month. But there are more costs to add; and I'm giving it a little wiggle room. So here's a list of what I see right now and about how much I'll leave money for:

• Board for a month: $375.00 (It seems the grain and feed is included in cost but I'd have to check.)
• Mineral supplements, salt blocks, and concentrate for a month: $50.00
• Feed in case it isn't included: $50.00
• Farrier, dewormers, dentistry, and vaccinations: $50.00

 So if you add that up for a month, you get $525.00 and once you add the $100.00 for lessons, that's about $625.00 per month. I should also put aside $125.00 a month into a separate savings account so I have it on hand just in case there is an emergency with the horse. Over time it will add up and will be worth it when bad things happen. Or, you know, I can use it for gas knowing that I'll be using so much to travel to the barn! So, for now, I'll say that $750.00 a month is what I can expect to put out.

A cute Palomino

Stage 3: Buy a Horse
 Well, yeah, the horse comes next. Once I know I want a horse, have lessons under my belt, and have found a place to board . . . it's time for the next step: a horsey. So I do have some guidlines for my first horse:

• Must be trained for riding. A new horse and new rider just isn't a good mix. It would also be great if the horse knew a couple other disciplines!
• Should be at least a couple years old but not too old. I want a horse that's old enough to know who's boss but not one that old enough that they'll be too old or tired to do the activities I want them to do within a few years. 
• Needs to be a healthy as a horse! I need to remember to get a vet check-up for the horse before I decide to purchase just to make sure my new horsey doesn't have loads of issues.
• $3,500 - $5,000 maximum for the horse depending on the age and experience of the horse.

Preparing
 So looking over all of this, I've decided that I should have at least $6,500 - $8,000 before buying a horse. That way I'll have enough for the horse, vet checks, and a month or two (or more) of board and other fees just in case. I also have to figure about $1,500 or so for starting tack stuff; hopefully I can find used saddles and the like, though.

I'm planning to hit up the bank soon to create a new savings account. From September on out I plan on banking at least $1,000 a month in that savings account. Now, currently I only do Tarot Readings. I do plan on finding another job so that my full-time Tarot Reading job will become part time. This way I can have a continuous pay coming in with some extra Reading money on the side. =]

So be sure to keep looking for how much I'm banking on a monthly basis. I hope that I can start riding lessons in September or October, as well!

Hoping to get a horsey,
Natasha