Coming right after feeding is manure. Horses create a huge amount of manure. What are you going to do with it all? Leaving it laying around is unhealthy, draws flies and the horses can get thrush- a bad foot disease caused by stepping in their waste repeatedly.

How strong are you? Mucking stalls is not for the weak. You have to haul manure and pitch out soiled hay, and you will have to do this every day for the rest of your life, for horses live a very long time.

You also want to start thinking about a horse first-aid kit. Horses are prone to accidents. They are big, active animals, and it is best to be prepared for those accidents before they happen. You want vet wrap, antibiotic ointment, Betandine solution, Nolvasan, FuraZone, Ichthammol, Wonder Dust and Bag Balm. My thoughts are if you have these, you won't need them.

Now you have to think about wormers. Horses who have access to pasture land, also pick up a load of worms. They need to be wormed every 6-12 weeks, your vet will advise as to which wormers are best to use and how often.

Also, how are you going to haul this horse? He won't fit inside your car, so you need a trailer and a truck to haul the trailer. All of these factors need to be considered by anyone who loves horses and has to have them in their life. They are worth having in your life, but they are a lot of work, a lot of responsibility and you have to have money in order to keep them in comfort.

Ok, so now you have gone shopping and you have spent $246.72 for your horse. You have not bought a saddle which can run anywhere from $100.00 to $900.00 or better. You haven't had your head measured and bought a helmet and you haven't bought grain, or hay or a blanket, or a bridle, bit, or anything else, plus you haven't bought a horse yet.  And I went on the assumption that your horse will be on your property. If that isn't the case, then you have to factor in boarding fees. Plus don't forget that all-important first vet visit. It should be done before you buy the horse, so you can be sure you are getting a healthy horse after all. Lots to consider to become a horse owner. Only you can figure out if it is worth it, and if you can truly afford to be a horse owner.