| Horses possess an important place in American | | | | English and Western competitions is a popular hobby, |
| history, having been in North America since the time of | | | | and riding for the fun of being out on the trail with a |
| the colonies in the east, and a century or more prior to | | | | beloved horse, alone or with a group of friends is as |
| that in the southwest. Horses were originally used for | | | | popular as ever. Americans have a special affection |
| two primary purposes, transportation and work. They | | | | for the beauty, power, speed and enduring usefulness |
| were certainly the fastest means of getting from point | | | | of horses. |
| A to point B by land. Secondly, most colonists farmed | | | | Perhaps you've had the opportunity to ride a horse |
| part of their property and used their horses to pull a | | | | owned by a friend, or enjoyed a trail ride through a |
| plow, hay wagon, or other pieces of equipment. Riding | | | | nearby riding stable, and are now considering |
| for pleasure was part of the reality of owning horses, | | | | purchasing a horse for yourself. Here are a few |
| but only the wealthy had enough leisure time to justify | | | | factors to consider. First, choose a horse that has |
| owning horses solely for leisure riding. The military used | | | | already been trained to be ridden and accept direction. |
| horses extensively, too, and several of the first truly | | | | Breaking a horse, as the training is called, is best done |
| American horse breeds were employed in the | | | | by an expert rider with years of experience. Secondly, |
| American Revolution. | | | | determine where you will stable the horse - on your |
| In the southwest the story was much the same, | | | | property, which may be allowed where you live, or |
| though farming was not as common as in the colonies. | | | | may be prohibited, or at a nearby farm or stable that |
| In the southwest, horses were used for work by the | | | | boards horses. Thirdly, make sure that you own all the |
| vaqueros, but that work often entailed driving cattle, | | | | horse tack, or equipment, you'll need to ride enjoyably |
| rounding them up, and roping them. Today, vaqueros | | | | and safely. It is also important to know where you will |
| and cowboys still work cattle from horses in that | | | | ride your horse, and if there is not sufficient room |
| region, and in all areas where raising cattle is part of | | | | where it is boarded, you'll need a trailer to move it to |
| the economy. In the last 3 centuries many breeds of | | | | where trails are available. Finally, remember that horses |
| distinctly American horses have been developed, | | | | require regularly maintenance and health care, so |
| including the American Saddlebred, the Morgan, the | | | | factor that into the budget. Owning a quality horse is a |
| Tennessee Walker, and perhaps the most important | | | | real thrill, and a source of many hours of enjoyment. |
| for use on working ranches, and a favorite of pleasure | | | | Simply know what you are getting into before you |
| riders, the American Quarter Horse. In the culture, | | | | select one of these American icons to be a part of |
| horse racing is popular, rodeos are a staple of | | | | your family! |
| Summer in many rural communities, showing horses in | | | | |