10. A thermometer
9. Betadine® Scrub
8. Novalsan® cream
7. Properly fitting tack for riding horses
6. A good blacksmith
5. A hoof pick
4. Annual fecals
3. Good quality hay and/or grass
2. A good equine vet
And the number one item any horse owner of any means can afford and implement to prevent so may other problems that can destroy the foundation of their horse:
1. A pitch fork – and the commitment to use it daily in run-in sheds too!
Horse businesses are fraught with cash flow challenges. Economic fluctuations can dramatically affect both prices and demand for equine related offerings. Now, more than ever,
Horses aren’t just recreational vehicles to be sold off as commodities when times are tough. They’re pets and partners representing ‘me time,’ emotional bonds, spiritual enrichment, psychological stabilizers and confidants. Before you decide you can’t afford a horse anymore, consider the real costs – and try to get creative about how you may be able to hold on.