Costly
What has been your horse's most expensive injury to date? Let's exclude maintenance things, like hock injections and the magical monthly package of MSM. What single episode blew your savings or left you boiling ramen? If you want to get technical about it, time is money, too.
Isabel has not had any serious injuries during my lease (knocking on wood!). The worst was a wound on the inside of her hock, and we treated with bute and SMZs (and no vet visit).
About six months in to my lease, tho, Isabel was diagnosed with Lyme disease and treated with Doxy. I am happy to report that I don't have the slightest idea what that cost (except that the test alone is $92). She received a follow up treatment after a few months, and again, none of those costs reached me.
Early this winter we suspected she had ulcers. My trainer outlined a very reasonable treatment plan (including generics and ranitidine), however Isabel's owner was more comfortable seeking a vet's opinion. The vet's recommended course of action was significantly pricier (naturally), and we agreed to split the costs - $250 each.
'i'm worth it' - isabel
In the grand scheme of things, I've made out pretty well, I think - tho that's mostly a function of my non-owner status.
'Maintenance' is where my dollars really go (chiro, gastric supps, saddle fitter, farrier etc) and there are a few additional things I would like to do to mitigate the risk of future big vet bills... But alas, these are not my decisions to make.
These are the kinds of sums i prefer not to do. I'm a great ostrich and stick my head in the sand when it comes to my equine habit. What i don't know can't hurt me *shamefaced*
ReplyDeleteHaha I feel the same way!
DeleteDang straight she's worth it. Imagine telling that sweetie no. I doubt you'd survive.
ReplyDeleteLol right? She has a pretty clear sense of entitlement, and who could blame her? :)
DeleteThere are definitely financial advantages to leasing...but one day I'm going to be an owner again :)
ReplyDeleteYea, I'm looking forward to one day being an owner too... Just not today!
DeleteYeah, I thought asking about maintenance costs might make people cry a little bit more than the episodic costs. Like.. How much am I giving SmartPak a year? REALLY?!?!
ReplyDeleteHaha you're right about that - I made the mistake of calculating out all my orders for the past year- yikes!!
DeleteNot bad at all!! Sounds like you have a good thing going with leasing her. Although it sounds like she should be alll yours :) :)
ReplyDeleteI'm really fortunate to have this horse available to me on these terms - it works out really well for everyone involved!! :)
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