So You Want To Own A Horse?

Owning horses can be a lifetime of pleasure and excitement. However, just like most things in life that can be rewarding it does require that potential owners do some research, hard work and to incur some expenses.

If you would like to own a horse, or even spend some time around horses, then you have many options. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange and Ulster Counties and My Saddlebrook Farm of Walden are teaming up to present a series of workshops for new and potentially new horse owners to have the opportunity to learn from area horse professionals and volunteers what it takes to care for these wonderful animals.

All sessions will be held at My Saddlebrook Farm in Walden. You may choose to preregister for any or all of these sessions. Class fees are $15 per workshop or $75 for the entire series. Registration deadline is September 1, 2009. For more information call 845-344-1234 or email cah94@cornell.edu.

Directions to My Saddlebrook Farm:

From Middletown:

Take I-84 E toward Newburgh and travel 9.9 miles. Take exit 5 for NY-208 toward Walden/Maybrook for .3 mi les. Turn left at NY-208/State Route 208 and travel 1.2 miles. Make a right at NY-17K/State Route 17K and go 1.1 miles. Turn left at Berea Road and go 1.7 miles to 163 Berea Road.

From New Paltz:

Follow NY-208 for 12.0 miles. Then turn left to stay on NY-208 for 3.3 miles. Turn left onto MAIN ST/NY-208/NY-52 and continue to follow NY-208 for .4 miles. Then turn left onto COLDENHAM RD/CR-75 1.5 miles. Turn left onto Berea Road then turn immediately right at 163 Berea Road.

September 9:  Horse Selection; Choosing the Right Horse for You.

This class will cover general considerations when obtaining a horse: How much can you afford? Consider facilities and services needed. Learn as much as you can about horses. What age horse is best? How will the horse be used and who will use it? Where to get a horse? What sex horse should you buy? Do you want a registered horse? Specific considerations when evaluating horses that you are considering to acquire.

September 16:  Having your horse appraised. Why get a pre-purchase examination? Professional reports are developed based on the need. This helps buyers and owners identify the Fair Market Value of the animal in question. Class participants will learn how to: Identifying the Use & Need of Appraisal, Field Inspection, How to do research on horses including, Pedigrees, Competition Records, Level of Training, Breeding History, Level of Soundness, Level of Temperament, Physical Appearance, Potential Income, Sales Comparison of Relevant Market & Time

September 23:  Appropriate Housing and Fencing for Your Horse.
Selecting appropriate fencing for a horse farm can be tricky. Participants will examine types of housing and fencing to purchase or use depending on factors such as cost, maintenance, safety, aesthetics, the size and location of the land that will be used and how long it is expected to last.

September 30:  Pasture management and toxic plant identification
Students will receive and overview of the when’s and why’s of soil sampling and testing for better pastures, and an introduction to various grazing systems. Participants will also learn the advantages of mowing of pastures and seeding at appropriate intervals, as well as how to identify potentially dangerous plants and apply methods of weed control.

October 7:  Best Management Practices for Horse Manure Composting on Small Farms

Participants will examine topics related to horse manure production and characteristics, compost mix preparation, composting operation and maintenance, compost pile monitoring and testing, environmental issues and costs associated with nutrient management on horse facilities.