| If you already have an entrance into the joys and skills | | | | happy family members and neighbors. Your horse will |
| of horseback riding, the thought of owning your own | | | | depend on you for every necessity including its food, |
| horse has surely crossed your mind by now. Many | | | | water, companionship, and, of course, exercise. It's |
| people say horses are addictive, and after they get | | | | inevitable, then, that you make your horse a priority in |
| into your blood, it's impossible to get them out. Owning | | | | your new life. You may have to forgo some of those |
| a horse, however, is a serious step to take, and if you | | | | invitations to parties and hanging with friends as you |
| aren't ready, I hope you will know it by the end of this | | | | had in the past. Kicking back after work may not |
| article, and have the wisdom to forebear owning a | | | | happen as quickly with an animal that's waited for your |
| horse for which you aren't ready. | | | | company all day. The weather might be unpleasant for |
| You've probably already come up with your own list of | | | | days on end, but you will still need to exercise your |
| advantages of horse ownership. You can ride when | | | | horse. When it's time for vacation, you'll have to |
| you wish, and the entire well-being of your horse is in | | | | arrange for a horse sitter while you are away. The |
| your hands. The riding and the pride of ownership, | | | | space on which your horse boards will need upkeep |
| however, is the easy part. A horse is a much greater | | | | from time to time. Bear in mind, too, that most horses |
| responsibility than a cat or a tank of fish. | | | | have a life span of 30 years or more. For the duration |
| Owning a horse is still expensive to most people, and | | | | of years left of your horse's life, you will be the one to |
| the cost of buying the animal is only the first expense. | | | | feed, water, care and exercise him most everyday. |
| Your yearly tab will include the cost of food, a farrier | | | | Before you say yes to owning a horse, think long and |
| to shoe or trim your horse's hooves, the vet, and the | | | | hard about whether you really want to take all this on. |
| riding equipment. Depending, however, on your home | | | | A horse is a wonderful animal to add to your life, but it |
| surroundings, you may find it will either cost extra or | | | | is a large animal with a range of specific, often daily |
| save some money to keep your horse at boarding | | | | needs. I would not want anyone to have to give up the |
| stable for a monthly fee. | | | | pleasure of horseback riding. You may already be |
| The costs involved in owning a horse would be halved | | | | aware of some of the alternatives to ownership |
| if only it were a matter of a cash outlay. In fact, it also | | | | including horse sharing, horse loaning, or horse leasing. |
| requires a significant dedication of time and effort | | | | Read through these words several times. Then, if you |
| spent with your animal. | | | | can, come up with your own list of reasons a horse of |
| If you will be stabling your horse, you're the one | | | | your own would be so worth the added financial and |
| feeding, grooming, and cleaning the stall. The later task | | | | personal responsibilities. |
| will be absolutely essential to a healthy, not to mention | | | | |