So you're thinking about finally getting that horse you've always wanted, and you're noticing that with the slowing economy horse prices have come way, way down. Don't get in too big of a hurry, okay? There's a lot to think about, first.

There's an old joke among horse-people about buying the horse itself being the cheapest part of getting and having a horse. No matter how old and hoary the joke may be, every time it's told, horse-people supply the punchline in unison, and everyone chuckles ruefully at the bone-deep truth of the basic observation.

Maybe you just saw one of those ads —you know the ones—they read something like, "15.3 hand, 1/2 QH, free to good home: Joe-Bob is steady and safe, 19 years old with excellent manners. Bombproof on the trail. I just have too many horses - so Joe-Bob is free to caring home with excellent references."

There's another aphorism that goes like this: Free horses never are.

I don't want to burst anyone's bubble. And I don't want to prevent the good work done by animal-rescue people everywhere, either. Horse-ownership is a huge commitment of your time, energy, and money, though, and not to be rushed into.

So let's ask some basic questions, first:

1. How much hay does a horse eat? 15-20 pounds a day, usually, at least. And then it comes out the other end and has to be dealt with in manure form. Are you set up to deal with hay storage and a manure pile, or are your neighbors going to pass a new community covenant to get rid of you and your new steed?
2. If you're not going to keep your trusty pony at home, are you ready to commit to the cost of boarding him? (And don't forget to factor in travel time and gas mileage, when you answer this.)
3. How much free time do you have? And are you really ready to give up (at bare minimum) an hour or more out of every day? And it's every day, remember—Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, and making sure your horse is taken care of the next time you want to go to the beach for a couple of days. What about taking lessons, scheduling vet visits, farrier visits, and making time to just go ride or groom or play with that new horse? This can take over your every free hour pretty fast. Your house won't be as clean, you'll get stains on your clothes, and you'll notice a bumper crop of assorted bruises, scrapes, and twinges you've never had before.
4. How much disposable income are you willing to commit? Horse ownership adds up fast. Board bills (or fencing and shelter, if you're keeping horses on your own property,) feed bills, worming, hoof-trims/shoeing, halters/blankets/saddles/other assorted tack, surprise middle-of-the-night veterinary emergencies, and that's not even considering the really big expenses like a truck and trailer, or converting the garden to a round-pen or exercise arena.
5. How does your family feel about the idea? It's not going to be that much fun cleaning that stall before you leave for work, especially after the novelty wears off. It's going to be even less fun when the person who shares your bed starts snarling at you when the alarm is going off an hour early.

That all sounds a bit negative, maybe. I don't mean for it to, honestly, I love my horses. If you're still game, after all that, (or if it's already too late for you, you have your horse already because you've been bit by the same bug as me) then visit again. We'll talk about horses and horse-ownership, and tell stories to each other, and generally commiserate in that special way only other horse people get.