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Building a horse-care budget means planning for routine expenses while setting aside money for unexpected veterinary needs. Owners often underestimate the true cost of lifetime care, so creating an emergency fund and accounting for preventive care, feed, farrier services, and potential emergencies can help reduce financial stress. Jonathan Yardley, DVM, of The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, in Columbus, describes financial management tactics to help horse owners keep up with their animals’ health expenses in this Ask TheHorse Live excerpt.

This podcast is an excerpt from our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Managing Senior Horse Expenses.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert:

Picture of Jonathan Yardley, DVM

Jonathan Yardley, DVM

Jonathan Yardley, DVM, is a graduate of Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine, in North Grafton, Massachusetts. He began his career with a private practice internship before joining a prominent racetrack practice, Teigland, Franklin, and Brokken, where he specialized in caring for an elite clientele of Thoroughbred racehorses. In 2014 Yardley shifted from private practice to academia as an ambulatory, clinical-track veterinarian in the Equine Field Service department at The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, in Columbus, where he currently serves as an associate professor. As the equine rotating internship director, Yardley is committed to fostering an enriching learning environment that empowers interns to develop their clinical and critical thinking skills throughout their yearlong internships. Dedicated to veterinary wellness, Yardley serves as co-chair of the College of Veterinary Medicine Health & Wellbeing Committee, championing evidence-based strategies for healthcare improvement. He hosts the podcast “Horse Talk with Doc,” where he shares valuable insights into equine health and well-being. Outside of his professional pursuits, Yardley is an avid curler who enjoys traveling with his wife. They share their home with three beloved Doodles.