What Are The Benefits Of Horse Agistment?
Agistment vs trying to buy your own horse property! That is the question. For many horse owners, the idea of being able to look out the window and see your horse grazing on your very own property is the stuff of dreams. That pinnacle of horse ownership we all aspire to… Unfortunately, the reality is usually far different, and we’re forced to consider the benefits of horse agistment instead.
Even though it usually means having to travel to see your horse, agisting does have benefits! These benefits can include:
· Access to experienced horse people – an important consideration if you’re new to horse ownership
· Access to facilities such as round yards, arenas, wash bays, stables, and possibly even riding trails
· Socialisation for your horse – horses are herd animals so being able to socialise with other horses is important for their overall health and wellbeing,
· Expert care and attention for your horse if you need it.
Agistment Provides Access To Experienced Horse People
If this is your first horse, and your experience is limited, keeping it where there are experienced people available to help and provide advice is crucial for your horse’s well being. Especially at first… As you learn more, and become more confident in your ability to care for your horse properly, you can consider going it alone if you have the facilities to do so.
Some of things you’ll probably need help with as a new horse owner include:
· Learning what to feed, and how to feed, your horse properly,
· Gaining experience handling your horse – fitting gear correctly, rugging, routine care and maintenance,
· Routine healthcare – worming, farrier and dental work, vaccinations,
· Learning when to call a vet – learning to recognise the early symptoms of health problems like colic can mean the difference between life and death for your horse!
A good agistment centre will have people, either the owners and/or other agistees, who can help you with all these things.
Benefits Of Horse Agistment: Access To Facilities and Amenities
Another one of the benefits of agisting your horse at a purpose-built agistment centre is having access to facilities and amenities. These agistment properties often have well-maintained, spacious paddocks, secure fencing, and paddock shelters. They may also offer stabling facilities for some types of agistment packages.
Some facilities also have riding arenas, round yards, and plenty of acreage for trail riding. They may also provide riding lessons with specialist coaches, or exercise your horse for you. These are all things you may not have at your own property, at least not in the beginning.
The Social Aspect Of Agistment: Horses and Companionship
Agistment properties usually house multiple horses. This creates a valuable social environment for the horses. They are herd animals and need the safety, security, and companionship of other horses. Living at an agistment centre provides them with these. It allows them to form bonds, engage in natural herd behaviour, and enjoy the companionship of other horses.
These are important considerations if you only own one horse and would not be able to provide any type of animal companionship for it on your own property.
A Real Benefit Of Horse Agistment: Learning When To Spot Medical Emergencies
As a new horse owner, you probably won’t be up to speed with what to look for when it comes to medical emergencies for your horse.
This is where one the true benefits of horse agistment comes in.
There’s usually always someone there who does, and who can help teach you!
Learning to recognise the early warning signs of an impending colic attack for example and getting a vet to the horse promptly increases your chances of a good outcome.
Keeping your horse at an agistment centre not only means you have access to people who will spot those warning signs, they’ll also be able to teach you what to look out for.
In addition to colic, horses are also very good at cutting and scratching themselves. Just how they do this remains a mystery to most owners! You can treat superficial injuries yourself but again, you need to learn how to do this. Deeper ones, where there may be torn skin flaps, or exposed bone (common with lower leg injuries), will usually require veterinary attention.
Choosing the Right Agistment Property
Selecting the most suitable agistment property is essential for the well being of your horse. Factors to consider when choosing your agistment facility include the property’s:
· Location,
· Reputation,
· Condition,
· Available facilities, and
· How well the management and care practices align with your own.
Try to visit any potential agistment property before moving your horse there. What are the facilities and fencing like – in good condition or run down?
Speak with current agisters, talk to the owners and have a look at the condition of the horses there. Make sure you look at the fencing. Review any written agreements thoroughly. Will they notify you if your horse is sick and requires medication attention? Do they take care of arranging farriers, dentists, and other similar essential services?
Agistment Etiquette and Communication
Maintaining open communication and practicing good agistment protocol is vital for a harmonious relationship between the horse owner and the agistment provider.
You should receive regular updates on the horse’s health. You should also know about any changes in dietary requirements.
Also, find out about scheduling visits or exercising the horse should be discussed and agreed upon.
It is important to approach any concerns or issues in a respectful and timely manner. Always ensure a positive experience for all parties involved.
Key Takeaways About The Benefits Of Agistment
Agisting your horse somewhere offers several benefits for horse owners. It provides a safe and suitable environment for your horse, with professional care and supervision. Agistment provides peace of mind. Knowing your horse is well looked after when you can’t personally be there to do it yourself is comforting. It also allows owners without their own land or facilities to keep their horses in a healthy and secure environment.
