The Georgia Farm Bureau Equine Advisory Committee has produced a video to educate potential first-time horse owners about things they need to consider before buying a horse.

“A horse is a beautiful, intelligent and powerful animal, but owning a horse is not like owning a dog or cat. ” said Danny Hogan, GFB Equine Advisory Committee chairman. “Horse ownership requires a substantial amount of the owner’s time, energy and money to properly care for a horse.”

The video, entitled “Horse Sense – 101 – Before Owning Your First Horse,” was written and is hosted by GFB Equine Advisory Committee Vice-chairman Tom Kerlin, a horseman from Fayette County. Kerlin got his first horse when he was a young boy and has been riding in cutting horse competitions for many years.

“It’s very critical that new horse owners know what they are getting into when they get their first horse. They need to fully understand what it takes to keep the animal healthy and happy with plenty of feed and water, sufficient shelter, and a safe space for exercise,” Kerlin said. “We’ve attempted to show that in our video by interviewing a feed industry expert, an experienced farrier who demonstrates proper hoof care, and a veterinarian who discusses the regular health care needs horses have.”

In the video, professional farrier Lynn Jean, of Fayette County, talks about the importance of maintaining a horse’s hooves. Jean, who specializes in hoof care, demonstrates his trimming and shoeing technique, which can prevent cracks, thrush or dry hoof. Proper trimming and shoeing should be a regular part of your horse’s care, Jean says, because a horse can be in considerable pain if a hoof becomes cracked or split.

Jean says it is important to make sure that the farrier you select has a vast amount of hoof care experience and proper horse care education.

“There is a big difference in someone who shoes horses and a farrier because some horses can be severely damaged by an untrained person,” Jean said.

Vaccinations, immunizations, and medications are another aspect of horse ownership that must be maintained regularly to keep your horse healthy. In the video, Veterinarian Jason McLendon, of Southern Crescent Equine Services in Newnan, discusses how to select a vet and the importance of giving your horse regular checkups, vaccines and immunizations to prevent disease problems.

Providing proper feed and feed supplements is a basic part of caring for a horse. Donnie Hix, a nutrition expert with Flint River Mills in Bainbridge, offers professional advice in this area in the video.

Imtiza Anees, an international event rider who rode in the English Pleasure event in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, explains the difference between Western and English riding. He explains how new horse owners can choose which style they would prefer.

When buying a horse, Kerlin says it’s important to know the age of the horse, whom you are buying it from, and to consider what kind of horse you should buy based on how you plan to use it. There are some 150 breeds of horses such as the Quarterhorse, Thoroughbred,

“No matter what breed you buy, never purchase a horse unless an equine veterinarian is able to thoroughly check it out first,” Kerlin emphasized. “You want to make sure the horse is free of disease and has no unseen abnormalities that could cause problems down the trail.”

Hogan said it is equally important that you have adequate space to keep the horse, in your own pasture, or in a boarding stable.
“Horses need room to romp,” he said, “You’ll need space to exercise your horse or trails you can ride on a regular basis.”

The “Horse Sense - 101” video is available on DVD or VHS for purchase through the Georgia Farm Bureau Commodities Department. Call the Commodities Department at 1-800-342-1196 for more information.

“Georgia’s horse industry is strong and growing stronger every day,” Kerlin said. “We want new horse owners to really enjoy their animal and take proper care of it. You take care of your horse, and your horse will take care of you.”