Which horse costs more to maintain?

[@leahthompson3810]

I find it's different in England. My shire keeps weight on with just hay and grass. I don't give her any supplements. So I pay nothing in feed. She lives out for 7 months of the year so no bedding and very little hay costs. I don't rug so I don't pay for rugs or washing them like others do. Two front shoes in england are the same price as 4, and my shire only needs two fronts cos she has good feet. All my tack is from tack shops or online and there is less choice in the UK but I don't have to get anything custom made. She is tough and hardy , never sick or lame so vet fees are low. I think in the UK is works out the same. Xx

[@HappieronaHorse]

Sounds like a fabulous deal! That’s terrific. 👍🏼

[@Nordic_Mechanic]

Shires here too in canada. Super cold, no blankets. Even the foals dont need them . They get fluffy. No shoes, only trims. They get all sort of supplemental vitamins. The black shires turn brown without supplement. We have a young mare that we believe may reach 18hh, we're hoping for a thick strong build. The gray shire is 13yo, and between 1950-2000lbs. Shes got muscles, her abs are visible :D And cold rolling in now so they are get very fluffy. We dont cut manes, tails or trim mustaches and whiskers cause we want the whole horse :)

[@lucygreen888]

@@Nordic_MechanicBeautiful. I love "we want the whole horse" ❤❤❤❤

[@TheCartographer01]

I just recently found your channel, and I really appreciate the practical, adult-focused topics - thank you!

[@HappieronaHorse]

So glad you're enjoying the content, thank you!

[@HoldYourHorses4]

Loving your channel! I just purchased my first Draft Horse. She is a Percheron/Shire mix. I already have a TWH & a Spotted Saddle. My lesson horse was a Paint/Friesian mix so I have always wanted a Gentle Giant. Preparing for her arrival I had so many questions. Thank you for sharing this information. Much appreciated!

[@BackstageChief]

You have such a good quality channel! I found out about you guys because of Instagram actually. Absolutely love the videos, and I can't wait to see the channel get big!

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm glad you're enjoying the content. So happy to have you join me on this platform too. 😃

[@triangleequestrianvaulting8702]

Your videos are so good. Lots of info, a little humor, great visuals and sound. One of the best, and least known, equestrian channels. You won't stay "unknown" for long...

[@HappieronaHorse]

I'm totally blown away! Thank you so much for the encouragement!

[@bethbosheers8096]

Yes, I absolutely agree! 😎🐎❤️

[@lanamyers_101]

As a cattle farmer who owns almost 3000 acres and my horse lives a n an 80 acre field even in winter, I could def afford a draft horse and it would prob cost the same as my light horses cause I do everything my self including feet, and because I have cows I make my own hay bales on my own land, so the only thing is they would eat more hay, I make alfalfa, oats, timothy and other kinds, I already own a warm blood height trailer so that works out the same as well lol 😂

[@HappieronaHorse]

3000 acres wow! What a dream. Props to you, you've got all the bases covered. 👍🏼

[@Nordic_Mechanic]

living the dream. Wish I can afford some large plot of land but unlikely with the powers-that-shouldnt-be buying everything :s

[@yesterdayfarm5273]

I was surprised to hear that he only gets 4 flakes of hay/day! Our horses go through almost a square bale per day each in the colder months, but we make our own [grass] hay, so we have almost unlimited supply. We only grain them as a small supplement (with the older mare getting the most and 'SENIOR" grade). Lovely horse; GREAT video! 👍👍👍

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you so much! How wonderful you have your own grass hay! Appreciate your comment! 👍🏼

[@Giobemo]

Another awesome vid. So well-explained and right to the relevant points. Very engaging. Sorry I'm so late in discovering the channel...

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you so much! glad you’re enjoying the channel.

[@anthonypascual7726]

Thank you for your work, information, and production. Refreshing in more ways than you know.

[@HappieronaHorse]

My pleasure, thanks Anthony!

[@jenann3266]

I have 2 quarter horses that I arena ride only. They have to have shoes and have issues with lameness, etc. Fortunately I have them at home, and they are not expensive to feed, but farrier and vet bills add up fast. Also, it’s sad and stressful when I can’t ride because they aren’t sound. I hate missing time with them or not being able to show because of it. You are doing great and it looks like you have a perfect companion for your needs. He’s beautiful and I’m really enjoying your content!

[@HappieronaHorse]

I feel ya, that's so tough when horses aren't feeling well/aren't rideable. The extra costs do add up! Sounds like they have a great home with you though. Thanks so much for the encouragement, glad to have you here! I hope you're able to ride soon. 💙

[@XxShellyW13xX]

I don't understand why there are sooo many horses that are lame all the time and absolutely need to be shod. I don't get it. Back in the day, ummm, not to give my age away, our horses never needed shoes here in Minnesota. We rode everyday no matter what it was we wanted to do. Trail riding, swimming, riding near the iron ore pits, showing, and playday events. Our horse's hooves, especially the black ones, the farrier couldn't hardly trim with the nippers because they were so hard. But never brittle, no cracks, no stone bruises, etc.. All they were given was grass hay and oats. There was never any alfalfa on our farm until we got dairy cows. I think their has been a lot of nutrients that has been lost from the constant over cutting of our lands. If you really want to know how much Calcium is in your hay, have it tested. You can have it done through your local feed/animal supply stores, or through your local county extension office.

[@ManWithTheBanjo]

i always find it fun when i hear a flake of hay cause in the northeast we always called them shingles, i only realized that it was just us after talking with other farmers around the country

[@HappieronaHorse]

How neat! Much better than the other kind of shingles 😅

[@AndyTheCornbread]

That's interesting that grass hay is more out there. Here in Montana it is $30 - $50 cheaper per ton for grass hay than it is for alfalfa or alfalfa grass mix. I feed all my horses pure grass hay but I also add in 1lb of alfalfa pellets for each horse because grass hay is low in protein out here unless you can find something like crested wheat grass but that is getting harder and harder to find now days. I pay about $140 - $150 a ton for small squares of grass hay and down closer to $100 - $120 a ton for round bales of pure grass hay. Those are prices for me picking it up in the field with my equipment and transporting it to my hay barn with my hay trailer and truck etc. and while hay prices are cheaper out here than they are where you live, the trade off is that we can't ride our horses from Nov - April/May each year unless you have access to an indoor arena. ...and holy cow!!!! on your farrier fees!!! we pay $45 for a trim and $90 for shoes and it doesn't matter what size the horse is, pricing goes per horse and what kind of shoes you have put on them. I use a fully rimmed steel shoe because they wear slower and give really good traction in the rocky terrain we have out here. You can't bring a barefoot horse trail riding out here as they will lame up due to the type of rock we have out here and how hard it is on horses feet.

[@HappieronaHorse]

That's really interesting about grass being cheaper! Yeah grass is lower in protein here too. Cool to hear that your horses enjoy the mix as well. Yep, we are lucky that we can ride year-round. I must say Montana looks like a gorgeous place to call home though, always wanted to visit. Wow $90? Maybe I need to move to Montana lol. The Bay Area is crazy expensive. Really interesting that shoeing costs are about type of shoe rather than size. Good to know about your trails, makes sense your horses need shoes! Really appreciate your comment, I always love learning how things work for folks in other areas.

[@AndyTheCornbread]

@@HappieronaHorse just realized you have email contact info on here so I sent you an email with info about how you can come ride this area very easily.

[@HappieronaHorse]

@@AndyTheCornbread Sounds great thanks!

[@luv2rackon]

Well done! I love big horses, even though currently I own a couple of ponies and a couple of light horses. On my wish list is a draft cross and a Haflinger but I love all horses so who knows what will come my way? I am kind of surprised that your horse is very forward. Most of the draft horses I have ridden with were kind of slow and laid back. You do the kind of riding I like to do, trail riding, even though my husband and I have spent the last 15 years working with our trainer to get our horses and us better balanced. All of my horses are barefoot too and I have spent the last 10 years learning to trim and trimming my own horses. If you are interested, I recommend Pete Ramey and his videos. What he teaches has been used by a whole community of people who are getting the same results (good ones) when they apply his knowledge. Keep up the good work!

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed! So cool you and your husband are so invested in improving your skills. Thanks for the rec on Pete Ramey! Appreciate you sharing. 🤠

[@catherineolivas3183]

Hello cousin! I'm not a horse person, but enjoy your videos. Take care xo

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you! You too!

[@julieinmon9004]

Really loving your videos! I've had my first horse less than a year (Remy, a Belgian) and he's also a hard keeper! I'd love to hear more about your supplemental feed - hay pellets and rice bran? Do you soak his feed? I've been feeding sr feed with rice bran and oil and I would love to hear more details on your feeding regimen! Thank you for your hard work!

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you so much! I'm glad they're helpful. Awww Remy!! (I have a Frenchie named Remy so I'm already partial to your guy lol). I'm working on a video of our feeding experiences, so your timing is perfect! Stay tuned!

[@natsukitatsumakiniji]

Watching your channel gives me hope. One day I would like a Norwegian Fjord Horse, but not unless I'm certain I can take care of their needs. Still doing research on the dream. In the meantime, do you have suggestions on things to consider when setting up a horse after buying it (like boarding vs. setting up a place to board at home)?

[@montstergirl2377]

Great video! I'm looking to get either a drum or gypsy vanner horse, and this was very informative.

[@HappieronaHorse]

How exciting! Both awesome choices. I'm so glad the video was helpful, thanks for your comment.

[@prettybird1978]

Did you find your dream horse?

[@saff596]

Thank you so much! I'm looking at a handful of horses here in the UK but I was wondering what the difference would be price wise. This has been really helpful

[@HappieronaHorse]

I'm so glad it was helpful! Best of luck in your horse search!

[@JustHorseyMie]

In Norway, our national draft breeds are all smaller and very good keepers. The biggest can reach 16hh but is commonly smaller. The fjord, is usually pony size. They are all very good on trails, as we're a mountainous country and so it is kind of in their genes, but also taught when they go out on a trail.

[@HappieronaHorse]

Your national breed sounds ideal! 🤩

[@JustHorseyMie]

@@HappieronaHorse If you want to learn more about them I have a video on them on my channel, equestrian in Norway - the National breeds. Part 1 has the Døl in it, part 2 the fjord. Or just Google I guess.

[@AuntyProton]

Could you estimate how much extra it is since Fame needs large sizes on so many things such as blankets, halters, bridles, etc? He's a beautiful big boy and looks so chilled and happy.

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you! Honestly tack and such has all cost me about the same, it’s more that I have to buy online.

[@Nordic_Mechanic]

Good way to look at it is like a car. You took the v6 option instead of 4 cylinder. It'll cost more in oil (capacity) or fuel. But in the end, the difference wont be big enough to be a deal breaker. If you enjoy it more, prefer it, and happier with it then the added cost is more than worth it

[@vickysmith8603]

I have two Percherons, 3&6 year olds the 6 year old is 18.2 hands and we are having a hard time finding a trailer he can fit in, his neck is extra long. You have great info.

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you! Hope you were able to find a trailer!

[@Orion-fp4km]

There is a lot more to horses than I thought!

[@ShogunHull]

THANK YOU JESUS....AND THANK YOU, SWEET GIRL, FOR TELLING ME ALL THESE THINGS. THAT I NEED TO KNOW... NOT BEING AN EXPERT YET OR ANYTHING CLOSE YET..BUT I'M ABOUT TO DESIGN A WHOLE THING AND I REALLY APPRECIATE YOU SPELLING THINGS OUT FOR ME TO GLEAN AND KNOW. I FIND ITS VERY EASY TO LISTEN TO YOU AND YOU JUST HIT THE NAILS ON THE HEAD FOR ME. I'VE SEEN A FEW OF YOUR VIDS... I PLAN TO SEE THEM ALL..JUST A BUSY GAL OVER HERE MYSELF. BUT I THANK YOU AND BLESS YOU AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL DRAFT HORSE! YUP

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@pdmullgirl]

Ya know I like horses. I think they are just amazing animals. They command respect, and I like that personally. But I’ve never wanted to own one or ride them. I’ve ridden horses. It was really fun. But nothing I want on a regular basis. My sister, she’s loves horses, has owned horses and all that. I’ve enjoyed watching your videos though to learn. Even though I will probably never use this, as I won’t own a horse ever. But I really like your videos. You are quite likable and very knowledgeable. I appreciate that. So, thanks for posting. Wish you and Fame (who is beautiful by the way) all the best! ❤️💜💚

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you, you’re very kind! ❤️

[@DURGADEVII]

Thank you for the information dear and your horse is beautiful love from india

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you so much! 👋🏼 Hello in India! 😃

[@gkseeton]

Depends. 😃 I had one who stayed fat in work on hay and just enough feed to get his supplements down him. I have a mini gypsy cob who is an easy keeper.

[@chantallamb8652]

I have a Tennessee walker 15 hands and a Thoroughbred 16.2 hands, supplements are key ... So far I'm lucky but sheath cleaning was an extra expense I had until we learned to do it ourselves,my boys get access to hay 24/7 ,High fat & fiber feed, supplements,their treats Paddocks in winter /big grass field in summer I live in Canada so having blankets on & off horses is an extra cost unless you can drive up the the barn and do it yourself 😉 Just came across your channel too

[@HappieronaHorse]

Ah the good ole sheath cleaning! Your horses sound very loved and well taken care of. Always enjoy hearing about other folks' situations, esp in different climates. Blankets is an extra expense here too. Thanks for commenting!

[@sybileberhart3439]

Thank you. Really great video. Very informative and helpful.

[@HappieronaHorse]

You’re welcome Sybil!

[@ruthieharrison2609]

Love your videos great quality

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you Ruthie! Really appreciate that.

[@virglibrsaglove]

Wow. The difference in cost between having a draft horse vs a light horse is actually similar in price when comparing a very large dog vs a medium or small dog. Except for the trailer, of course. Even though the size difference is greater in the 2 horses, the monthly cost increase is about the same for extra large horses or extra large dogs.

[@HappieronaHorse]

That’s very cool! I have dogs but have never compared big vs small costs. 👍🏼

[@virglibrsaglove]

@@HappieronaHorse I didn't write out the costs in the lovely detail that you did with draft vs light horses. But when I had a 102 pound dog I noticed that everything is more expensive for the big guys. Worming, flea/tick, nail trims, collars/leashes, beds, kennels, chew things, food. Everything went up due to his size. He actually wouldn't have fit well in the car I have even. We did fit walking side by side on the sidewalk, though. So, very similar issues. Except the height issue. Since I walked by his side. 😊

[@ShogunHull]

YOU THINK THE QUESTIONS UP... I WANT TO KNOW EVERYTHING... MORE AND MORE, PLS. THANK YOU.

[@HappieronaHorse]

Sounds good thank you!

[@emmabowland2805]

Im so glad someone else has a draft horse that cant keep weight on. Im very lucky at my barn and my board includes hay and feed as long as its the feed my barn uses, but ive tried everything. Too much grain and he looses the ability to focus and not enough and he looks like he came straight from the kill pen😭😭

[@francescampbell4731]

Your farrier fee is so much higher than here on the east coast, but California has a reputation for being expensive. My farrier's fee just went up by $10, so if he is just trimming it's now $60 and to put new shoes on the front only is $130. He is an excellent farrier, as a long time horse owner I've seen plenty of butchers that call themselves farriers but have been lucky to never had one for any of my horses. Just the same I think your channel is very informative and must say I agree with what you're posting. The only thing that confused me is saying your boy is in a paddock of 24 x 24, is this his personal space without other horses? My horse is part of a herd, there are 18 horses in the herd but they have two pastures which are about 30 and 40 acres each. The horses are rotated in each field to keep the grass healthy. The entire property is 400 acres with three large barns spread out over the acreage and three houses. It's a gorgeous property and sits next to Paulinskill Valley trail that covers 15 mile, and we ride six miles of the trail a twice a week. Your channel is very informative and in a good way!

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thanks Frances! Yes everything is so expensive here in Cali. 😒 but I love my farrier - important to find a good one, like you said. Yes the paddock is his personal space. I wish we had big pastures like that here! Fame would love it. Sounds like you’re in a beautiful area!

[@akanene6051]

Please make more videos asap! I need more of your content!

[@HappieronaHorse]

Wow thank you! Workin hard at it, stay tuned! 😉

[@akanene6051]

@@HappieronaHorse The camping video was exactly what I needed right now! I have actually been looking at horse camping videos lately. I'm starting to take lessons this fall, and I am happy to follow KZbinrs who have made that journey already!

[@redhouse1002]

Rice bran contains lectins, which would create long-term health problems for humans. Does it affect horses the same way? It would be worth finding out! I love your videos!

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you! No idea thats a great question 👍🏼

[@ablue5419]

I love horses and one of my favorite horses are friesian and warmblood , I wander is the cost of have a friesian horse are similar to have a draft horse. Thanks blessings always.

[@HappieronaHorse]

It could be! So much of the costs depend on your area too. Thanks and best of luck!

[@SaneSally]

I'm looking for a big horse/draft horse myself, do you have any recommendations on what breeds i should look out for specifically? I personally am Dutch and thus i love the Friesian horse, as well as i really like Clydesdales because they tend to be a 'smaller' draft breed yet still one. I am finding it hard to find the pros and cons between different breeds as there is not much info on YT about bigger breeds(or i have not searched far and wide enough, that could also be a possibility). I know one horse of the same breed is not the same as another of that breed, but was just wondering if there are major/minor differences and thought i might as well just throw this question on here since so far you seem to be the only Draft-riding person on this platform who knows a bit about them :) Greetings from Friesland - the Netherlands Quick Edit: also thanks for the informative videos! forgot to say ,:)

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you & greetings from California! I got a chance to visit Amsterdam but never made it over to Friesland, perhaps someday! I had the same issue when researching for my Drum; I hope to be able to do a video on this at some point. I know the bloodlines and conformation varies slightly in Europe from the US with some breeds, so you may have a different experience talking to owners/breeders. There are many stereotypes in the US about certain breeds that I don't have enough experience yet to verify if they are true. Friesians are gorgeous; out here they are quite a bit more expensive than other drafts and have a reputation for being a bit hotter. I have a good friend with Clydesdales and they are very calm and level-headed despite their young ages. I would join some Facebook groups around the breeds you are interested in and ask questions. The type of riding you want to do is an important factor. Some draft breeds are built better for certain disciplines than others.

[@SaneSally]

@@HappieronaHorse Not much out here to be honest, but definitely a difference experience than Amsterdam. We up here generally have way more farmland as well as water, lots of animals just lurking about :) I think because there are quite a bit of Friesians here they tend to be a bit less costly as long as you stay away from the star-breeders, they are mad expensive haha. For Friesians here specific you also have the big difference between a modern Friesian horse and an 'old Friesian', the old Friesian more representing how they were before and looking much more like your traditional work horse, being much more heavily-build and having a general mild temperament meanwhile the 'modern Friesian' being way more slim in figure since those were bred specifically for Dressage etc, they in the past were often cross-bred as well to keep the breed alive and standing since it was almost extinct at some point in history.(idk if you know this, so thought i might as well throw it out here anyways). Also the typical 'old Friesians are harder to come by for obvious reasons) I myself am much more of a calm person and thus would prefer a more mild-tempered horse. The Friesians now-a days do tend to be a bit hotter, which i am guessing is also because of the cross-breeding and thus the reputation, which is sadly true as they can also be real gentle giants! As for the type of riding; i do not plan on doing anything too crazy, simply also because the landscape is not made for that here, pretty much all flat and/or grassy terrain for as far as i am aware. I love to do just ground work to be honest, from personal experience you can create a bond more easily like that plus some other things which you probably understand i guess. Well and thus my search for a calmer but also sturdier horse. (Because come on, it really does make you feel like 'royalty' when you sit on a mighty draft horse haha) As well as that i also love their appearance in general, Especially of the Clydesdales since other breeds do tend be bigger(though your Drum horse looks absolutely stunning and like a sweetheart, i always forget that they also exist since they are not really talked about over here ,:) ) Thank you for your information and advice, i will try to see if i can find some good Facebook groups, been a long time since i used it haha. I look forward to more videos, i later noticed you are quite new here so good luck!

[@janesnar1796]

Good gosh, Clydesdales are not "small drafts." I met some in person in Michigan and they range up to 18hh. The largest horse in the world I think is 19/20hh. Never go for breed, but the individual horse. Training, conformation, health, experience, maturity, should be matched with your skill set and budget. There are many factors other than just picking a breed and thinking they will conform to any 'description.' They are all individuals. I have heard that Friesians are not as easy to work with and some don't consider them drafts, if anything, light drafts. Cydesdales are true drafts. But horses this big are much happier on land not boarded in a tiny 20 ft run, truly, think about how you can provide for them first and foremost.

[@HappieronaHorse]

@@SaneSally Thank you so much for your response! I apologize for not seeing it sooner, I'm still learning this platform as you noticed lol. That's really fascinating about the old and modern Friesians, I wasn't aware. We definitely have mostly modern dressage ones here and they are often $25,000+ USD lol. I would love to meet an old one someday, I love the stockiness. It sounds like you know yourself well and the kind of riding you like! I wish you the very best in finding something that suits you. Your future horse will be very lucky to have you!

[@sallykauth2115]

@Alys W. I just wanted to send a friendly shout out to you over in the Netherlands 🤗 I grew up on a farm near a small "Dutch" town in southeastern Wisconsin, USA. They celebrate "Holland Days" at an annual festival. I think @Happier on Horses KZbin channel is awesome. I hope you are able to find a horse well-suited to your wants/needs.

[@venison3758]

I’m getting a pedereon (I think that’s how you spell it) from a friend that was kind enough to lower the price I lil bit more, I live right out side of a small Amish town so tack/supplements/feed in general are cheaper, and my dad is a farrier. How many wins was that, a, “win-win-win-win!” The cons: Vet(if the horse isn’t hardy enough) Boarding We Gucci-

[@HappieronaHorse]

Sweet deal! Congrats! 🎉

[@luckyrainbowrose]

Can anyone please recommend any other channels like Stephanie's? I really love this channel but it hasn't got very many videos just yet, so soon I will have seen them all. I love this type of horsey content. And I'm not asking for recommendations with any of these specifics I'm about to go on about. Just any good horsey channel recommendations please! But I especially love watching stuff like this of down to earth horsey people, especially strong women out there living the dream, trucking and riding and caring for their own horse and sharing it all with us. I love watching ALL of it, every aspect of horse ownership. My dream is to do what Stephanie does basically. Be a horse owner again one day. But would have to use stable facilities like her and truck to riding destinations and would have to do alot of the work all on my own. Being the only horse person in my family. So seeing just every day people not necessarily people with multi million dollar stables and horses and high level competing and all that, (which is alot of what I get when just searching horsey content on here) honestly standards unattainable for the average horse loving girl who sees what Stephanie is doing as her more realistic dream for the future, so love seeing every day people who own like one horse and are actually out there living and doing my dream, showing how it is doable, strong women showing all aspects to non billionaire horse ownership and good kind riding in the modern world of right now, my true dream of horse ownership. Please any recommendations of inspirational chanels like this for me to watch while I work towards this dream life goal.

[@janesnar1796]

I have light draft horses --barefoot horses should be seen when needed, in winter there is no trimming needed, no growth. Every 6 week is more than you need, every 8 week is sufficient. I used to go 3 months in winter. I have one out now, but all he does is file. There is literally nothing to trim. Don't ever let a farrier talk you into overtriming, can cause tender hooves. Horses that are never "out" as in moving on terrain may have more noticeable growth, those out 24/7, wear down evenly typically (that's the situation I have).

[@HappieronaHorse]

Great advice, thanks! Proper trimming and foot care is so crucial. Appreciate you sharing!

[@davidholliday2703]

Hi, how old is your horse and why did you choose him.

[@nova-le6mo]

where did you buy your draft horse?

[@scottaddison8071]

Try Teskey’s saddle & Tack store online for draft sizes

[@Nordic_Mechanic]

thanks, looking for shire stuff

[@macobats]

Is your horse a gypsy vanner and how do you find one with blue eyes! They are so beautiful!

[@HappieronaHorse]

Thank you! He’s 1/3 GV. He’s called a Drum horse. A lot of Drums and GVs have them! Dreamhorse.com or the Intl Drum Horse Association are good places to start your search!

[@cassandradenault3822]

How does your draft do being shoeless? I have been wanting to invest in a draft and read they may not need shoes. I would have them on trails as you do with yours. I appreciate your advice and response.

[@HappieronaHorse]

He does great. A lot of it depends on the individual horse and how rocky your trails are. Would be worth having your farrier screen the horse you’re looking to buy. And if you end up with some tenderfootedness there are lots of boots on the market you could slap on just for rides too.

[@LuisAvalos-yq2sd]

What pick up do you tow the trailer with? Is it a quarter ton or a half ton?

[@HappieronaHorse]

I tow with a half ton - a Tundra.

[@junglezadle2513]

I'm sorry but I also do farrier work as my job and I personally think its outrageous that other farriers charge more just because it's a draft horse. In my opinion every horse regardless of the size the trims should be the same price. Now yes shoes will change the price .

[@badonkadonkybadonkadonk7283]

I used to own a shire and i completely understand why drafts cost more to shoe. The horse is closer to 1000kg that's going to ruin your farriers back even if the horse doesn't lean on the farrier. Its going to be 5x more exhausting to carry a drafts leg for shoeing. And the shoe itself has to be custom made for its large hoof, and over all its more surface to work with. Also drafts hooves are under way more pressure than regular horses and the hooves tends to spread because of that. A farrier might need extra education to correct that. Unless the draft is shoed in a farrier cage where its legs are tied up i understand the extra fee. Im sorry but i might not even trust a farrier with my drafts if they didn't take this into consideration, and they do deserve the pay for doing all this extra work.

[@aharder5765]

You could also get the best of both worlds and get a draft cross. I know a couple that are built like drafts but are shorter.

[@HappieronaHorse]

Most definitely. It would be interesting to see if a farrier would charge you as a draft or a light horse.

[@conniebaldwin325]

Hi, I also have a cobb and looking for a good saddle for him. Do you mind sharing your saddle brand name and type? Thanks

[@HappieronaHorse]

Sorry for the delay Connie! We currently ride in a Circle Y Drover Trail saddle, wide tree. Hope that helps and good luck finding a saddle. 👍🏼

[@Nightgrauen]

I don't know what your flakes are in kg, because we ususually have round bales in Germany, but from the looks of it my draft eats double or triple the amount yours does. I've got a Noriker (breed), he is about 1,73 cm tall and weights about 750 to 800 kg. Next weigh-in is in September, so I am not sure right now, because he is still growing at the age of 6. He eats about 16kg of hay a day and he would eat more, if I let him. We use a hay net, because otherwise he would have anihilated his portion of hay in about 5 to 6 hours. I don't know what the breeder did while he grew up, but he just can't seem to eat slow. He is neither too fat nor too skinny according the vet.

[@HappieronaHorse]

Norikers are so cool looking!! What a special horse to have. I wish Fame liked to eat like that! 😂 healthy appetite, love it.

[@thinkinoutloud.1]

👍

[@mariovancouverbc3142]

A total ball park figure would have been very beneficial for people that are planning to adquiere their first draft horse and do not know the figures for owning a light horse. Thanks

[@HappieronaHorse]

The number varies wildly based on your area and horse. For some it could be $200, others $1500. Best to research boarding facilities and farriers in your area to get an idea. Good luck! 👍🏼

[@jupiter970]

Oh my goodness I bought a trailer and it is only 6 feet and some inches. It’s a 1968 so there that info, but it doesn’t fit my horse (she’s 15.2-16 hands) and I didn’t know that my trailer was so short before I tried to put her in there. She wasn’t a very happy camper

[@HappieronaHorse]

Oh man, I can imagine. Some of those older trailers are tiny!

[@lydiahodges8648]

Wow! +$200 for a shoe job on a light horse! In TN its only $90 ish

[@HappieronaHorse]

Yeah Bay Area prices 😩 my farrier is worth it tho!

[@amandalederman3516]

I thought the same I'm in upstate new York and I pay 70 for shoes and 25 for a trim

[@kaidenwhitaker8317]

I have rod and horse

[@hayleysheridan2886]

It’s crazy that he is more expensive to keep in the USA . Here cobs are good doers mine didn’t need feed at all till he hit his twenties. Also can’t get over how expensive you’re farrier fee’s are 😱 mine charges £10 for a barefoot trim but even if he had a full set it would be around £45 that’s mental. But I’m sure there are things more expensive here to so funny how different things can be.

[@HappieronaHorse]

We live in a crazy expensive part of California too so that doesn’t help! 🙈

[@hayleysheridan2886]

@@HappieronaHorse yeah he would cost you hardly anything here to keep. But we have the opposite problem the fields and grass is so rich keeping weight off is usually the issue.

[@aristotleoracles1457]

Hi, any advice on where to start on learning about all this? I am suddenly very curious about owning a horse but i heard a lot of terms i don't understand like draft and 16 hands horse. Where do i begin?

[@HappieronaHorse]

Google! 🤠

[@diamondranch44]

Feed is a big deal a good rule of thumb is a horse will eat it’s weight in feed a month so that’s where your feed cost is different between draft vs a normal saddle horse.

[@HappieronaHorse]

Whew! That puts me at over 40#/day. I don't see Fame eating that much in our climate but I definitely agree that bigger animals usually require more food. 👍🏼Thanks for your comment!

[@henryofskalitz2228]

Move out of California is the highest amenities cost state. Everything costs more there

[@HappieronaHorse]

Yes horsekeeping here isn’t cheap 👍🏼

[@specialauntie8792]

How much did Fame cost? Or maybe better question.. Were you looking for a drum horse when you found him?

[@HappieronaHorse]

Yes I was specifically looking for a Drum horse. If you're interested in a Drum, I would check out the International Drum Horse Association website and Dreamhorse.com.

[@gandalfbutfancier5216]

Me just learning that some horses don't have shoes and do just fine: 👁️👄👁️ Gotta add this to the research list

[@HappieronaHorse]

Most definitely! 🤠👍🏼

[@Nordic_Mechanic]

Can do even better since the hoof is flexible and shoes makes it harder to flex and absorb impacts. Horses used on the pavement and concrete (unnatural ) would wear hooves too fast so we used to shoe them. But trail riding, normal terrain, the hooves grow fast enough. Hope you liked my little explanation

[@gandalfbutfancier5216]

@Veikra I LOVED it, thank you sooo much 😍

[@LiLBitsDK]

oat "hay"? that isn't hay... that is STRAW... so grass is more expensive than alfalfa? huh... odd.. alfalfa is super expensive here... grass is super cheapo over here boarding is "inside" those paddocks would not give any shelter over here, wind raind and cold would make it miserable for the horses, so guess that is the benefit of a hot/warm all year area. generally it isn't that much more for a drafter... but the joy is so much more :D

[@HappieronaHorse]

Yeah we have it different here than in some places. The weather is a big factor! Totally agree...draft maximize the fun! 🤠

[@LiLBitsDK]

@@HappieronaHorse absolutely, even more horse to love :D

[@XxShellyW13xX]

@@LiLBitsDK in your comment about oat hay: it is indeed oat hay if it is cut while the oats are just starting to show, this is when the oats are highest in protein. In order for it to be straw, it would have been cut and thrashed to shake or remove the matured oats when they turn a golden color. Once separated, the oats, would be blown into a trailer, leaving the swaths of straw left behind to be baled into straw. That's definitely oat hay that's being fed to Fame. Something else to think about and remember, oat straw can be fed to horses and cattle that are overweight, as straw has really no nutritional value except to fill the belly so said animals don't think they're starving to death.

[@York1new]

I already know all this, I play red dead 😂

[@Sk0lzky]

Virgin regular horse owner: 3-5k for a trailer or over 10k if it's a tall one Chad owners of indigenous breeds from mountainous/steppe regions: trailer? What's a trailer, it fits in my SUV

[@Nordic_Mechanic]

Im trying to pickup you trying to fit a 18hh shire in the back of a SUV lol

[@brendareed8412]

Just learned will never be able to afford a horse.

[@HappieronaHorse]

😢

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

24x24 ft paddock :(

[@catalinacatg8861]

Waaay better than a 12x12 box :) Here in California, a 24x24 at a facility is a luxury you pay dear for! That said, if you own a horse close to or in a CA city (in my case, LA) it is a bitter expensive passion and my Vanner/Percheron is out of his larger pen ridden 6 days a week. I cannot speak for everyone in our situation, but we do the best we can and are aware of healthy horse-keeping. It was great to see Fame in a 24x24 and utterly loved.

[@madman432000]

Grass hay costs a premium in California? And $200-300 for shoeing? Crap, forget that. Why?

[@HappieronaHorse]

LOL. The great weather 😉 Although I find myself asking the same question at times.🙈

[@XxShellyW13xX]

@@HappieronaHorse I would do a search on finding grass hay around where you live, but often times if you check out of state grass hay, you may be able to find grass hay that's also trucked in for less than what you're paying for it. I'm in Minnesota, and on years that were super dry, we had grass hay shipped in for $90/ton, including delivery.

[@rushellealexandra5243]

if u have your own property u don't need to pay board lol