I am so freaking lazy. But AWESOME.

To keep my lazy butt on track, I decided to make a HORSE SCHEDULE CALANDER. Behold in it's glory. Actually, it's quite a pain in the butt.

It does work pretty well. I have arranged the days till October 14th, *THE DAY* and on each day, I put an action to do for my horse fund. I.E, Update EBay Account, Sign up for an Etsy account, ect.

The only problem is I am full of LAZY. It's only the second day, and I'm already behind. Seriously, it's pathetic. I need to 1.) Post Craigslist stuff 2.) Order a program and 3.) Buy art supplies for Etsy projects. I am so sad.

What kicks lazyiness, anyone know?

Meanwhile, I can draw awesome horses. Not really. They slightly resemble pixels of nothing.

I'm also reorganizng documents for The Plan. Its fun! Yay.


Soon, I will be that crazy girl, the horse owner. NOT just that crazy girl who draws pixels of nothing.
But I gotta kick the laziness. It sets me behind, and that is something I really, really can't have. If I plan to get my own horse, I can't do this crap.



So, GOOD LUCK.

-Abbi

Taking a Header and Other Nice Things

So, I rode Freddy, a high-strung TB jumper at my stables.

*SQUEEEEE!!!* HE IS SOSOSO ADORABLE.

Also, I hit the dirt, coming clean off his shoulder. While trotting. It was so sad.
Yay! My first fall! xD

I DO get to lease him though.


YEAH, YA HEARD ME. I AM LEASING FREDDY!
Whoo-Hoo.
Starting Sept 22nd, he is "mine" in air quotes.

And I know you're thinking, "WALL IDIOT, THAT'S YOUR HORSE DAY."
I decided to rescedule to Oct 14th. I know, I know. But by then I'll have a better seat and firmer cues, and plenty of Freddy experience. If I can survive him, I can survive anypony! It will also give me more time to raise money for my own horse.
Remind me to update my Pita-Pata Counter.

So, that's my news. Any leasing tips, jumping-seat tips, or riding tips will be appriciated!
Love my commenters! BTW, so sorry I've been gone a while. SCHOOL IS SO FREAKING BORING. At least I have the dreaded algrebra every other day. *preens*


LOVE ALL!!!

- Abbi and Fredward

Average Horse Costs

My earliest memories include, among other things, my passion for horses. I rememeber begging to go on pony rides, begging for lessons, begging to go riding for my birthday, begging for that plush pinto horse at the bookstore. I remember unwrapping horse-related gifts during Christmas and my birthday. I remember carrying this plastic Barbie unicorn with a purple mane and glittery pink hooves all over the house, clomping him and my sister's pink Barbie horse (that I later stole from her xD) on the stairs and on the wooden floors.
My mom said I wanted an interesting array of farm animals - including a pony, a unicorn, a pig, a dog and a chicken. That sorta explains why I've gone vegetarian. That, and North Horse Blog.

But despite all my love, and pleas that we could totally keep a horse in the backyard, I never bothered to find out the costs. I was four and couldn't read, but that is no excuse.

Horses are a big expense, expecially with today's ecomomy. These are the current prices, to my knowlage, but please note that prices vary by area and constantly creep upward each year. This is a basic outline of prices - it's not hard-rock facts. Your prices may be far higher, or even lower than my set prices.

What you're looking at:


Every month:

Boarding:

Between $150 - $250 for pasture board, $250 - $425 for stabling and a run, full or partial care. You can also choose to keep a horse at home, but then you also have expenses from electricity, plumbing, construction and maitence, and trailer and tractor fees. Boarding may seem like a more expensive, less desirable option, but you also have acess to trails, indoor and outdoor arenas, classy facilites, and knowlageable barn staff.
Per year: $1,800 - $5,100

Lessons:

Lessons are optional, of course, but they do help keep problems out of the way, make ownership easier, and are almost invaluable if you show. You're looking at an average of $20 - $50 a week for one lesson - priviate, semi-priviate, or a group lesson. Between $60 - $250 a month depending on the class and how often you take them.
Per year: $720 - $3,000

Hay:

Some barns provide this, but if they don't, you're looking at a half-bale a day, at $10 a bale. Basically $150 a month for 15 bales. A horse eats 183 bales a year. Prices vary where you live; expect higher costs in drier areas. The low price is $2 a bale, the high being $15. Between $30 - $225 a month for hay. In CO, our prices are between $5 - $12 per bale, depending on the type. (ie, timothy, clover, alfala, ect.) Buying jointidly, in a bulk, or in round bales saves costs.
Per year: $366 - $2,745

Grain:

Bags of grain are usually $7.50 - $15.00. If you feed an average horse 3 pounds daily, you're feeding 1095 lbs a year, about 22 bags a year. That's about 2 bags a month at $15 - $30.
Per year: $165 - $330

Supplements:

Supplements are not cheap. Usually, you only provide supplements if you have a show horse, an older horse, or a horse with special problems. Supplements are about $30 a month.
Per year: $360

Bedding/Shavings:

Most of the time, this is provided by your boarding stable. If not, you're looking at a bag a week at $5 - $8.
Per year: $260 - $416

Every two months:

Deworming:

So important! Dewormer costs about $5 - $12.
Per year: $30 - $72

Farrier:

A horse is shoed at average $20 - $30 a foot with hot shoing. ($80 - $120) If your horse throws a shoe, it's $10 for a replacement. Hooves are trimmed for $25 - $45 total.
Per year: $480 - $720 Shoing, $150 - $270 Trimming

Clinics or training:

Training runs along at about $300 - $400 for 30-day training. If you opt for the delacacy called "Redneck Horse Training" or "Backyard Horse Training: The KKK Way" you can get your horse ruined for next to nothing! If you, however, decide to go for training by professionals, it's going to cost $300 - $400. Although, not every horse needs excessive training. Lol. If you take a bi-monthly clinic, you can pay up to $100. These services are optional.

Every year:

Insurance:

If you live in a more suburbian area, or you show, you may need insurance. Equine insurance can run between $120 for a backyard horse to $700 for a horse on the higher levels.

Showing:

Show fees, trailering fees, trainer fees, food and hotel, stalls. Showing can run anywhere from $100 - $4,000.

Vet Check-up:

Checkups are essetional one to twice a year. They cost $150. It's always best to set aside $300 in case of an emergency.

Vaccinations:

Once a year. $120

Coggins testing:

A blood test vital to traveling, showing, or going out of state. $50

Dental:

Between $150 - $240, depending on the area and the service.

Tack replacement or repair:

Anywhere from $50 - $1,000


I'm not trying to crush you, just to get you to look at this realistically. If you sign on for a horse, you have to know what you're paying and responisbly provide for your horse.


- Abbi

Horse Buying Tips

I feel positively like a crusader.

Slightly hysterical, determind, and either really smart or really stupid.
I never can decide.

Gawd, I go back to school soon! *sobs*
On August 15th, the summer is offically OVER. Ovveeeerrrrrrrrrr!
SHOOT.
Hey, at least I finally learned how to jump! HIGH FIVE!

So, I have added a tracking counter so I can count how many days till I get my own horse. That's my personal deadline, people. At least for the money. It's set till my birthday. You can see it under the goals section on the blog if you scroll down a little.
After I get the money, I have to order all the equipment and tack, buy a used Wintec All-Purpose (I LOVE THOSE SADDLES!!!!!!) and *squee* GO HORSE-SHOPPING!!!

Because I will soon (in nearly 7 FREAKIN' WEEKS! EEEK!) be doing this, I thought I'd give y'all some tips. Some may be kinda vauge, so I'll try to go into more detail.

1. Don't trust horsesellers with a twinkle in their eye. And they all do. What I'm saying is to be a bit wary. Even if they have the best of intentions, you do not want to get cheated. Most sellers just want to sell the horse. I'm not saying that most sellers are dishonest (but some are!) but their goal is to sell that horse. Sellers aim to present the horse in the best light. Some want to sell you a horse that is compatiable with you, but some also just want to dump a horse with you. When you arrive, catch the horse yourself, groom him and tack up. Then have the owner ride first to judge the horse. You don't want to hop on a horse you don't know owned by people you don't know before you make sure it's not too much horse for you. It sucks getting thrown! Make sure to always ask good questions and judge the horse as you see fit - or bring along a more experienced rider or friend. Your riding instructor, for example, can help you with this.

2. Make sure to always have a pre-purchase vet exam. You do not, not, not - I stress not - want to buy a horse that has medical issues far beyond your expenses or capabilites. You may be able to handle arthitis or founder, but a horse with heaves may be out of your limits. It's good to have an exam - you can't go wrong with one! ;) Even if everything is fine, it's an assurance to make sure you have the best horse for you. If the vet does discover a problem, the exam can save you hurt, frustration and money in the future.

3. Check out his conformation! A horse with good conformation has balance, symmetry and proportion. No single feature appears exaggerated or deficient. He should be naturally balanced, be able to perform athletically and can safely carry a rider. A horse with good confo is less likely to be injured, or aquire chronic conditions because his body works in harmony. So, basically, do not buy a horse that looks like Frankinstein.
Ideal conformation is usually breed specific. If you're interested in a certian breed, do some research on what attributes are desirable and preferred to your breed of choice.
Some conformation goes for all horses. Their body should be able to be divided into thirds - haunch, middle and neck. They should have nice, straight legs and flat knees. No behind the knee or knock-kneed horses! They should have a reasonable back, good hindquarters, and a good shoulder is preferred. And those are just the very, very basics. Try to train your eyes. Do good research! Conformation is important.

4. Don't settle. When you pick out a horse, stick to your list! Don't compromise on the important factors! Also, don't buy the very first horse you see. Go out, look at at least two more horses. If the first is *the one* then go for it! Just make sure not to setttle.

5. Be smart. No impulse buys, no buying a horse that wants to kill you, try not to ride on emotions when you look (pun intended) and stick to your buget.
6. Don't buy a horse you can't control. You would think this is very basic, but you'd be surprised how often this happens. As a general rule, don't buy a super green horse unless you have several years experince and a good mentor, and don't buy a horse that scares you. If you're a beginner, look for a horse that has more experience than you, and if you're advanced, the horse world is your oyster.

7.  Never, ever buy unseen. Besides missing out on all the fun of visiting new stables and trying horses, it's also very unpractical and can be dangerous. You could get scammed, or find out the horse is 20 years older than his advertised age, or that he's not a match for you, too much or too little of a horse, doesn't know how to be ridden, or whatnot. I have a friend who did this, and it worked for her - but you may not hit the pony jackpot. If you're buying a horse as a gift, just give the person a first-horse owner guide and a check.

8. Don't turn down a senior! Oldies make great horses, and can do jobs well into their 20's. Just because he isn't fancy and young doesn't make him an awesome horse. Maybe a little extra vet care, less rigourous riding, and some supplements are a good idea to make him comfortable and happy.

9. Have a list. And, as said before, STICK TO IT. State what you like, need or want, and what you're willing to compromise on. This is pretty important to be sure you don't go looking for a hunter/jumper, and end up with a green barrel horse. "But mom! He can be retrained!"

10. GET A WRITTEN AGREEMENT! Get all your proper documents in order - expecially your bill of sale. If you're going to take the horse on trial, get a written agreement. For anything, get a written agreement describing the terms of sale and on what you can return the horse. Otherwise, you could end up with a horse you don't want and a seller who doesn't want him back.


- Abbi

Just for fun - Horse Hairstyles

So, hi.
Yesterday I got a haircut. I've had side bangs for a while, so I decided to go for straight-cut bangs. Apperently the stylist thought that meant "make me look like the Grudge during the sixties." So, I'm all like, Nooooooo. And the stylist took that to mean, "make me look like a poodle."

Sigh.
I seriously need to learn how to speak Stylist.

So, when I got home, finished flatironing all the poodle curls out of my hair, did something with my sixties bangs, and used a ton of gel, I actually looked presentable. Then again, I'm not going anywhere without my Troxel, a fedora, or a baseball cap. *rolls eyes*

This takes into consideration - it's time to start clipping your horses!

Some popular clips: (see website here for information on these clips)



OR, you can always go for a funky style!
All hilarity aside, it's important to clip and groom your horse. A happy horse is a healthy horse!



Emo horse is sad because his dad just doesn't understand.

Clarice is ready for her FABULOUS trip to Paris.

Tomboy horse is practically in tears - she told the stylist NO CURLS!

Amira loves her braids, she's just afraid her beads might interfere with the show rules.


My Biggest Problem

I was watching "Silence of the Lambs" today. LOVE that movie, love the book. Btw, I need to place a hold on the rest of the novels. Be right back.

Aaaaanddd back.

Okay, this is about my pet cactus. Hold on in there whilst I ramble like a crazy person, I promise this has a meaning. Eventually.
My cactus is named Marvin, from the movie RED. If I get another cactus, which I will - because it freaks out my mom, my dad, and my sister - he will be named Dr. Lecter. And if I get a third cactus (oh, I totes will. A cactus is the only plant I haven't managed to kill yet because I'm on a ROLL.) his name will be Barney, from the show How I Met Your Mother. Oh my god, I love that show. Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) is a RIOT. "Ted, this is so going on my blog." Sad to say, I frequently quote him and Lily. (Alyson Hannigan)

I have a problem. I have a serious problem.

That is not my biggest problem. Despite depression, a lip gloss addiction, and being clinically proven to be Horse Obsessed, I am a procrastinator.
See, this all comes from Silence of the Lambs.

Good God, I'm not making sense, even to me.

OKAY, so I was watching SOTLs today, and it reminded me of naming a new cactus Dr. Lecter, which in turn reminded me I need to water my catus, which I had been putting off because my mom laughs at me when I do that because I give Marvin bottled water while my family drinks tap water, which reminded me how I procrastinate with everything, which reminded me I need to start working supersuper hard on my horse project and stop putting it off because I hate asking my dad if I can use his credit card and I need to to earn actual money. *whew!* Super long run-on sentace. Yeah, that's right.
So, make sense now?

The thing I most need to shake is procrastination! I mean, Google has everything (I am currently being spiteful to Yahoo, thank you) you can possibly look up on it. The internet is broad indeed, young grasshopper. But all those gurus don't help me!

SO, any tips?



Tons of LOL's,
And insane rambles.


HIMYM Lovin',

- Abbi