Six Top Tips for First-Time Horse Owners

Horse ownership can be a frustrating experience for both owner and horse if you don’t think carefully about it beforehand. It is a huge responsibility in terms of the time and money needed. Taking good care of your equine companion will include, among other things, yearly immunizations, regular dental care, hoof care and parasite control.

These responsibilities notwithstanding, horse ownership is a most rewarding experience. But the right horse must be matched to the right owner. For the match to be successful, the owner’s goals and equestrian ability must be taken into account.

Are you currently thinking about choosing a suitable horse for your family? Here are a few tips that will help you find just the right horse for you.

1. Learn horse riding – Do you know the right way to ride a horse? This is different from sitting on a horse while someone leads it around. Invest in some riding lessons so you and your horse can be safe and comfortable.

2. Consider all possible expenses – Horses are expensive pets. Apart from the high cost of buying one in the first place, their maintenance demands a big budget. Think about the money you will need to spend on feed, bedding, vet check-ups, stabling, horseshoe maintenance and the other supplies which every horse needs.

3. Take a professional with you – Once you have decided to buy a horse, take an equine trainer with you to see him. He can check whether your prospective horse is healthy and whether it rides well.

4. Know the horse’s history – Ask the seller about the horse’s previous owner and the reason he is being sold. You can also ask for the horse’s registration papers. If possible, ask the seller for the contact numbers of the horse’s farrier and veterinarian. This will help you find out about any health issues the seller might be keeping from you.

5. Handle the horse yourself – Instead of riding the horse right away, lead him around as he leaves the stall. Watch how the seller or owner groom or tack him up so you can spot any behavioral issues.

6. Ask the seller to ride the horse before you do – The seller will be happy to ride the horse if it has no problems. Observe how the horse moves and behaves while being ridden.

When all these things check out, you have probably found yourself a great horse. Make sure you continue to treat him well, providing all his needs and giving him plenty of love and attention. You will have then have a companion you and your family can enjoy for a very long time.

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Anger 101: Solving Your Children's Heart Issues

Anger is one of the heart issues which children face as they grow up. Anger is a normal emotion that can help children see what is fair and what is not. However, it becomes a destructive emotion when it causes children to act aggressively and uncontrollably. 

Children need the help of their parents and other adults in order to deal with anger in a healthy manner. Anger management can bring many benefits to children and their families. Keen to know how this can be done? Check out the following tips.

Respond to anger correctly – Children simply copy what their parents do. If you respond to anger calmly, your children are most likely to do the same. Talk about your children's anger in a creative way. Use symbolism – an exploding volcano or a dragon breathing fire will do. Also, don't judge your children because of their anger. Explain to them that their anger is what you hate and not them.



Find the causes of children’s anger – Observe how your children react in certain situations.Take note of the things that trigger them to get mad. Give them a gentle pat on their backs as soon as you see signs of anger. The common signs of anger among children include clenched fists, tightness in their bodies, verbal outbursts and hitting out.
 
Encourage them to work on a goal – Make it their goal to avoid being angry. You must explain to them that they can be angry but only at a certain extent. Have a chart on the that gauges the level of anger they feel. Praise them whenever they are able to keep their anger at an acceptable level. Positive words help children deal with anger better.

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