As the New Year 2013 rolls in, many horse owners need to improve their cash flow by saving on horse-care items so they will have more for family, transportation, and other expenses.
Saving on horse expenses = More buying power
These 10 money-saving tips can help reduce horse-related expenses so you have more buying power for your family, transportation, and other needs.
Here are 10 tips to help you save:
- Reduce the size of your herd whether horses, donkeys, or other livestock. If unable to sell unwanted animals, check out institutions in your area that are willing to take donations such as equine therapy centers, schools with livestock programs, etc., and remember to get a signed receipt to use at tax time.
- Don't breed your mare: In most cases it is much less risky and expensive to purchase a young horse than to pay for a pregnancy and go through the ups and downs of raising a foal.
- Watch your use of bedding and purchase wisely; Some lumbermills sell softwood shavings at very good prices, and may deliver in bulk or let you bag the shavings yourself.
- Watch what you spend on feed and supplements, Good quality forage and veterinarian recommended supplements are all most horses need. No need to spend money on many different products just because they are advertised for horses.
- Turn horses out for as long and as often as possible. In many areas, horses can continue to graze in pastures which saves on forage and also gives them much needed exercise, plus the amount of bedding needed is reduced.
- Need tack and other horse-related items? Search online and buy used or new through reputable sources. Prices are often highest at local tack stores.
- Use supermarket products such as store brand shampoos and conditioners. If the regular products are too strong for your horse's sensitive skin, use store brand baby shampoo which is much milder.
- Use inexpensive disposable diapers for poultices. They cost less than poultice packets made for horse use and the the job just as well. Keep a few in your horses first aid kit. Cut them to size to use as a poultice as they are very absorbent and will help to draw out pus. They are especially useful when applying a poultice to the hoof.
- Instead of throwing ripped or torn horse blankets and rugs away, repair them using strong waxed thread and re-weatherproof them using a can of spray. Do the same with tack on an ongoing basis. A little time spend making small repairs can save you time and money in the long run.
- Turn off the lights in barns, sheds and stalls when not in use, or, if you are working after dark, turn on just half the lights.
And most of all, stay healthy and enjoy a Happy New Year!