| Owning a horse is a great opportunity and one that | | | | almost always results in a horse for sale or a horse |
| comes with a hefty weight of responsibility. | | | | left out in the pasture with no interaction at all. |
| Unfortunately many owners don't think before they | | | | Priorities: Is The Horse At The Top? |
| leap into purchasing a horse, resulting in a negative | | | | If you aren't committed to making your relationship with |
| experience for both the horse and the owner. Even | | | | your horse a priority in your life then horse ownership |
| owners that have experience with the privilege of | | | | is not a good idea. The owner has to make the effort, |
| horse ownership may sometimes find it is a bit | | | | every day, to interact with the horse. This can include |
| overwhelming. | | | | cleaning stalls, grooming, feeding and of course riding. |
| The following are some basic strategies and tips for | | | | Training that includes the basics as well as more |
| horse owners and especially potential horse owners to | | | | advanced levels if you want to enhance your skills |
| consider to make the experience positive and healthy. | | | | requires practice, a bond of trust with your horse and |
| By avoiding these common pitfalls your relationship | | | | a development of a team mentality. |
| with your horse will be much better both short and long | | | | Specific types of training such as horse gymnastics |
| term. | | | | training can be used to help develop these skills and |
| The Right Horse for the Job. | | | | this teamwork. However, the owner must be prepared |
| Many horse owners make the mistake of buying a | | | | to learn as well, you can't have someone else train |
| horse out of emotion. Perhaps it is that beautifully | | | | your horse, you have to be the one to work with the |
| marked yearling or the grand champion that has just | | | | horse and learn the aids and riding techniques. |
| come on the market that becomes your "must have" | | | | Long Term Commitment |
| horse. While both of these horses may be a good | | | | Owning a horse is not a short term commitment. |
| choice, they both may also be horrible choices as well. | | | | Horses can live to be twenty plus years, and will need |
| It is essential to have someone that knows horses | | | | to stay active, engaged and cared for throughout their |
| with you to make a purchase and consider what you | | | | entire life. Knowing that you are willing and able to |
| want the horse for before becoming an owner. | | | | commit to these magnificent animals as both a rider |
| Horses have natural abilities and things that they aren't | | | | and an owner for their entire life is essential before |
| so good at. While breeding does definitely factor in, | | | | bringing one home. |
| there are going to be some horses that just aren't | | | | Keeping your horse health with the correct food, |
| suited for the type of riding you want to do regardless | | | | shelter, exercise and routine vet care is also important. |
| of their lineage, breed characteristics or how their dam | | | | Not only does the ownership experience include your |
| or sire performed. Taking an honest look at the level | | | | commitment physically and mentally to the horse, it will |
| of skill required to ride the horse or provide training in | | | | also require significant financial support as well. If you |
| relation to your skill as a rider is a very important step. | | | | can make this commitment you won't be disappointed |
| Never take on a horse that is more horse than you | | | | and your horse ownership experience will be positive |
| can handle or that you feel comfortable in riding. This | | | | and one you certainly wouldn't trade for anything. |