sawdust in her enclosure. I remarked that the stuff was expensive, upon which Bill, laughing, said that I hadn’t seen anything yet. Katie then said that “boats are something that you sink money into,” to which Bill said, “Horses, same thing.”
I really thought I’d be the exception to their indirect claim that horses are a huge money eater. Frugal Alys had just one horse. A small, hardy little horse with few needs. Costs were going to remain minimal.
The Longs were right. This morning, Pete, in a very upbeat voice, said “Alys has horses so I’ll never retire.” The enormity of his supposedly off-hand remark hit me like a bag of salt blocks. He is so right. Our metaphorical boat doesn’t have a bottom.
Later, as I was pen cleaning I traipsed back down our monetary memory lane. The addition of horses two, three, four, and five have been an additional expense, as have all their related costs. (An aside – Hrimmi, who was not planned—except by Singy—was born healthy, no expense there. And she did not need to be gelded, no expense there. But you never know). Related cost: Feed: hay, grain, supplements. Tack: saddles, bridles, bits, halters. Facility and related expenses: fencing, shelter, hay shed, compost facility, tractor, run in sheds. Veterinary and farrier visits: most just a matter of routine. Clinics: here and elsewhere, including eight trips to British Columbia. Trailers and trucks: many upgrades. Trip expenses: includes route expenses, food, lodging, and gas.
Now it’s time for me to provide a rationalization for all this. I’m not sure that I can. This is like a heroin addiction, though we’ve probably spent more on our horses than has the most diehard junkie on his or her habit. Horse?
Oh, but I can provide a rationalization for all this. With no horses, there would be no rallying cry. So verily unto you I say, giddy up.
Next: 115: 4/25/13:
Trip Preparations – Macro organizin |