HORSES MAY BE IN CREDIT CRUNCH JEOPARDY, WARNS CHARITY
HORSES MAY BE IN CREDIT CRUNCH JEOPARDY, WARNS CHARITY As the economic situation appears to worsen in the UK, Redwings Horse Sanctuary is offering advice to horse owners who may find the going getting increasingly tough. |  |
Sanctuaries like Redwings are always on hand to offer help and advice to those facing financial difficulties, and the charity does worry that if people are struggling then there could be a tangible increase in not only cases of neglect but also abandonment.
There are many things owners can do to ease the pain in the coming months, says Redwings. The following tips could help owners save money, plus there are additional tips online at www.redwings.org.uk/welfare-issues.htm
Top Tips from Redwings:
- Take a step back. Assess your horse's current lifestyle. You may be able to find cheaper alternative livery in your area or many yards now offer flexible versions of livery, such as part-DIY, so consider whether you can contribute to his care to reduce your costs. Think about whether your horse really needs to be stabled at all. With good shelter most horses can live out quite comfortably all year round, which can save a fortune on bedding costs.
- Have a clearout. Sell off tack items that you no longer need, swap items with other horse owners, and repair rugs rather than buying new ones when they get ripped. Also hunt for bargains in tack shops or the small ads - some charities sell off donated tack and rugs to raise money for their cause too.
- Waste not, want not! Bag and sell your horse's manure - once it's well rotted of course. Gardeners love it!
- Do It Yourself. Make your own flyspray. Try baby oil as a detangler and to improve coat shine. Mild baby shampoo is usually fine for horses, and vegetable oil works a treat instead of hoof oil on their feet.
- Two's company. Share lifts to and from the yard, and share trailers when going to shows - it's better for the environment too.
- Go green. Changing to energy saving lightbulbs and using a timer for your kettle or water heater is not only greener, it will save you money too.
- Get stuck in. Make a few pennies by offering to help others with their horses, perhaps by muck picking or ‘horse-sitting' when they are on holiday. Some yards will also allow you to do some work in exchange for lessons.
- Safety in numbers. Club together with others on your yard for things like: routine vet visits, wormers, feed, hay and straw deliveries. However, never cut corners on buying enough feed or on farrier visits, calling your vet, dentist bills, insurance, maintaining your horsebox or looking after your fencing.
Aside from offering tips to existing owners, the charity is urging those thinking of buying a horse to double check their sums first to make sure they can afford all the care, which can typically include livery costs, feed, hay, bedding, tack, insurance, farriery costs, worming and routine dentist visits plus contingencies such as vet's bills. The charity recommends that would-be owners do plenty of research to make sure they have really thought of everything before they take the plunge.
You can find more top tips at www.redwings.co.uk. Alternatively, telephone the Redwings Welfare helpline for advice on 01508 481008.
Added on: 15/05/08. Views: 199
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