What would I be getting into?

Just make sure that you have enough financing to keep up a horse; it can be very expensive! 

Welcome to the club jules! [] All my life I wanted a horse. I read some books when I was a teen and tried to learn what I could. The best suggestion I have is see if you can find a mentor. I thank dog every day for my friend R. I hope your learning curve isn't as steep as mine has been though. Head over to www.forum.horse.com and start reading. There is a lot of knowledge over there. And hang out here with us and ask a million questions. [sm=wink.gif]

Papillon, would you give me some of the details?  Expenses like what??  Food:  don't horses graze?  Water:  self explanatory
Shots:  horses don't get rabies shots, do they?  Things for grooming:  what do you even call it?  Things for riding:  what do you call that part?  Vet bill: also fairly self explanatory  Do horses have to have a license or some type of I don't know...certificate?  Any good books to recommend?
danehaven, it makes sense to me:  'horsy lady with horsy sized dogs'.  I had no idea there is an i-horse...  and yes I will spend some time there too.  My family thinks I am nuts but it has been my dream to have some space for vegetables, a dog or two, a cat, some chickens, a pig and or a turkey and a horse to ride.  I don't know diddly about ranching or farming.  At least no one said I was too old or too 'city' to learn it.  I really like the idea of a mentor.  I kinda expected to hear 'go shovel a stable' and then let's see if you still want a horse.  Believe me I have stepped in a pile of road apples before lol so I' m not afraid of yucky stuff.  I have a knack for animals.  For some reason, they come to me.  I am looking forward to learning what I need to handle a handful of animals if I do indeed make this move.  Thankyou to both of you and please send more stories regardless!  []    Jules

Hi! We don't own a horse. We have enough land, but no horse even thou my daughter dreams of having one. I used to take riding lessons when I was young, but that was quite some time ago.
Moneywise a horse is out of the question at this point. Our dogs cost a lot of money for their upkeep. The great thing is that after having some neighbors from hell and then no neighbors for a long time we have had a family move next door that are very nice to us. They will put 3 horses on their property as soon as they get the property cleared and the barn ready. I think it will be a great opportunity for my daughter to learn all about the upkeep of a horse. All the work that comes with it.
I am really exited for her to have this opportunity.
Maybe you can find someone in your area that as someone already mentioned  can be your mentor.
Other than that I just want to tell you: follow your dreams. Get all the facts, know that you can afford it and go for it.

Jules, I'll help with your questions as best I can. Horses can just graze but they need to get enough. I have 15 acres with 2 horses. They are out from about 9am to 9pm. Some people leave their horses out all night. They also get coastal hay, alfalfa and a sweet feed grain. If I am riding one the other is put in the barn with a snack. I feed twice a day, morning and night. I figure on average I need a bale of hay per horse per week. In winter they get more hay and summer less. I have paid $3-$6 a bale. A 50lb bag of feed lasts me about a week so for one horse, 2 weeks to a bag. I will measure the grain if you want more accuracy? Feed costs $8-$10 a bag. Feed depends a lot on the horse and what you do with them. Some are "easy-keepers and don't require much feed. I ride everyday if I can. (I have a lot of catching up to do) And I do my very best to keep my guys in perfect condition.

I also feed alfalfa. I have found it is a huge debate. Some people swear you shouldn't and some swear you should. I have consulted 4-5 equine vets and they all say you should feed alfalfa. You need to be careful that you get good horse quality alfalfa. I have paid from $4-$10 a bale.

Horses do require vaccinations. My vaccs visit last year I think was $100. A vet trip to the house is $35 plus $40 for emergency/after hours. My neighbor splits trip costs with me whenever we can coordinate. Horses also need wormer on a regular basis. I alternate wormers every 60 days. $5-$10 a dose.

Horses need thier hooves trimmed on a regular basis. More in summer, less in winter about every 6-9 weeks. My farrier is $30 to trim and $70 to shoe. You don't have to shoe depending on the horse. You can learn to trim yourself?

You should get a Country Supply catalog at horse.com. It will give you an idea for prices. They are resonable and they have all the basics.
You will need grooming tools. A hoof pick, a couple brushes, tail comb. CS has basic kits for $10-$20.

Tack Western or English? I have seen western saddles from $200 - $15,000 and up. Western you need a saddle and pad, bridle or headstall and bit. A rear cinch and breast collar for safety. Helmets are $25.

Halter and lead rope $15 Fly spray $15 Fly mask $10. Fencing?
Thats all off the top of my head so far. Did I miss anything?

*tries to steady herself and not fall over*   Oh, Lordy    [sm=blush.gif]
I did go to the horse forum as you recommended.  Looks like a second home to me
I am writing your list down so my head doesn't pop.  Questions to follow soon.  Jules

The cheapest part is buying the horse. [sm=wink3.gif]

*chuckles* . . . . . . I was wonderin about that . . .  what kind is a good starter?  I would want one just like my dog:  big, yellow, long tail, smiley, and easy on the owner lol  Jules

Thanks, danehaven you are a gem.  I have a lot of reading to do.  Jules

Danehaven, boy I sure got an eyeful already.  I went to the horse forum and started reading thread after thread.  I was doing okay until the thread from a guy in Cali about accomplishing bathing.  I'm thinking, 'the guy doesn't bathe?' so then someone asks about cleaning the 'sheath'.  Now I'm lost, thinking 'huh??' I keep reading until one person posts a song with reference to *ahem* boy horse parts lmaooooo  and NOW I get it lol    I was sittin here by myself bright pink laughin so hard.  I've had two kids so I'm not totally living in a cave but it sure took me by surprise.  It reminded me about i-dog discussions about anal glands and how to empty them.  Thank heaven that's not an issue for horses.....wait a minute....please tell me now....it's not an issue for HORSES, is it?? I'm gonna die if you say yes ..     laffin!!    Jules

Uh Yes. [] Well, um no. Did I get you? Sheath cleaning is another one of those divided debates. Some say you have to do it. Others say don't. I haven't ever. R. says don't because there is a bacteria balance that you can upset. To be graphic, [:'(] with my boys when it comes down I just pick off any chunks.

I wouldn't start looking for a horse until you are ready? You will make yourself crazy. And get those kids to start saving their quarters. That is how I did it saving nickles and dimes since I was a kid. Do any of your kid's friends have horses or do you have 4H or any riding clubs near you? Horse people are usually really nice and glad to help. I've only met one so far that wasn't.

A good book is Storey's Horse-Lover's Encyclopedia.

Thanks in advance a million times for letting me pick your brains.   When I introduced myself on i-horsey I met a gal who lives only one hour from my home! Bonus! She knows exactly where I live ( the city) so finally I met someone from 'my neck of the woods'.  When I asked about a good starter horse, I should have elaborated.  I do not intend to start looking for a horse for quite sometime.  It's just for reference.  If I see any mention of that particular type I will pay more attention.   Jules
PS After that trauma, strongly considering a GIRL horse lol 

Jules, A couple things to consider may be leasing a horse. Cherie could probably give you details about leasing.
Another idea would be to board another horse to help defray the cost of your horse. Then your horse could have a buddy and you could have a riding buddy. If my barn was decent I would take on a couple boarders.

Smart! Make the property work for me.  Here I was sitting here wondering how many eggs I was gonna have to sell to feed a horse lol  This is scary, I am starting to think I really can do this.   Jules