| Are you thinking of buying a horse for your | | | | competitive child will gain a healthy sense of |
| horse-crazed child? Looking into the pros and cons of | | | | sportsmanship and a good competitive attitude. |
| buying a horse is the first step in educating yourself to | | | | What are the Benefits for Parents? |
| see if this is the right decision for you and your family. | | | | Buying a horse can bring the family together when |
| When you have a child that can think of nothing but | | | | everyone takes a part in the day-to-day care and |
| having a horse it is hard to escape the constant pleas | | | | riding activities. Parents can be involved, and |
| and now you might be thinking of giving in. Let's look at | | | | experience the joy of watching their children |
| some of those pros and cons to see if we can | | | | developing new skills. These skills will provide pleasure |
| alleviate some of your misgivings and help you make | | | | throughout the child's life. Watching children enjoying |
| the right choice. | | | | their horse may encourage moms and dads to join in |
| What will my Child gain from Owning a Horse? | | | | the fun and learn a new skill. |
| There are many benefits to horse ownership. Caring | | | | What are the Disadvantages? |
| for an animal teaches a child to be responsible. The | | | | Keeping a horse can be expensive. The initial cost is |
| routine and regiment of caring for a horse teaches | | | | just one factor when you consider buying a horse. The |
| children discipline. As with many interests, the rewards | | | | monthly cost in caring for a horse will far exceed the |
| are the direct result of their hard work. Children will | | | | purchase price. He must be cared for every day, |
| learn that this work pays off and they will develop a | | | | twice a day, 365 days a year. If you board your horse, |
| good work ethic. When children contribute towards the | | | | this will not be much of a problem. A horse that is |
| cost of keeping a horse they develop an appreciation | | | | cared for by the family must be provided for during |
| for money and finances. A shy or nervous child will | | | | holidays, vacations, and family crisis. Your child may |
| gain self-confidence from being able to handle an | | | | lose interest or find another pastime. Horses are time |
| animal as large as a horse. All these qualities will carry | | | | consuming. Make sure that your child's other activities |
| over into the child's life. Riding and stable chores | | | | will fit in with a horse. Do you or someone in your |
| develop strength, balance, agility and coordination. | | | | family have the experience to care for a horse? If not, |
| When buying a horse it becomes a "family affair" | | | | are you willing to learn? |
| which encourages teamwork and sharing. A | | | | |