Veterinary Expenses
Like all professional athletes, your horse will have its share of
aches, pains, minor injuries and, sometimes, major injuries as a
result of training and competition.
Obviously if your horse is sound, it will require fewer treatments
than an unsound horse. If your trainer is one who does not rely
heavily on medications or veterinary consultation, the monthly cost
to you will be considerably less than one who does. Nevertheless, it
seems that at one time or another nearly every horse will go through
a period of serious illness or injury that will cost a lot of money
to treat.
As an owner, you can protect yourself against unnecessary costs by
education and communication. You should try and understand, as much
as possible, the purpose and cost of each treatment, procedure or
medication performed on or given to your horse. Also, communicate by
having a discussion with your trainer in which you learn the
trainer's philosophy concerning the extent to which a vet is going
to be used, setting a dollar limit beyond which your trainer must
consult with you before ordering treatment and keeping in contact
with your trainer so you are prepared for any unusual medical
outlays.
