| You've loved horses ever since you were a kid | | | | grooming, feeding, and taking care of horses, |
| and have always dreamed of owning one. You've | | | | then you would probably make a great horse |
| spent the last three years taking horseback | | | | owner! |
| riding lessons. You know how to tack up, muck | | | | |
| out, and have read just about every book out | | | | • Do you have the time for horse |
| there on the care and feeding of horses. No | | | | ownership? No more showing up at the barn, |
| one can doubt that you've put your time in. | | | | riding for an hour, and then heading home to |
| Horses are no fleeting fancy, but are a hobby | | | | your real life. When you are a horse owner, |
| that is here to stay! | | | | horses are your real life. If you travel |
| | | | frequently, can't or don't want to commit to |
| So, are you ready to buy your first horse? | | | | a regular schedule, or have a very busy work |
| Well, before you break out your checkbook you | | | | or family life, then this might not be the |
| need to take stock of a few things in your | | | | right time in your life for horse ownership. |
| life to determine whether horse ownership is | | | | Remember, horses must be fed, watered, and |
| right for you. | | | | cared for according to schedule, and it's up |
| | | | to you to be able to maintain that schedule. |
| • Do you have the knowledge? How much | | | | |
| time have you really spent around horses, and | | | | • Do you have the space for a horse? |
| has it been hands-on? If you ride at a fancy | | | | You either need good accommodations at home, |
| stable that tacks and untacks your horse for | | | | or you need to find a place to board your |
| you then guess what? You aren't having the | | | | horse. If you are keeping your horse at home, |
| full horse experience! Make sure you know | | | | at the very least he needs two grassy acres, |
| what is really involved in caring for, | | | | a run-in shed, and an adequate water supply. |
| feeding, and cleaning up after your horse. A | | | | If you keep your horse at home you also need |
| great way to learn about all that is involved | | | | to know that he'll appreciate some company. |
| in horse ownership, without making a | | | | It's best if you have room for an additional |
| long-term commitment, is to lease a horse. | | | | horse, a goat, or some other companionable |
| Try leasing a horse for a year or two and | | | | animal. |
| then decide if horse ownership is really for | | | | |
| you. | | | | Remember, owning a horse is hard work and can |
| | | | be extremely taxing on your time and |
| • Now that you know what is involved, | | | | resources. Before you embark on the exciting |
| do you have the desire? Horse ownership is a | | | | journey of horse ownership, make sure you are |
| tremendous amount of work. Are you up for it? | | | | ready! |
| If you aren't, that's perfectly okay. If you | | | | |
| really love riding horses but don't enjoy all | | | | Michael Albert is an expert by profession but |
| the extra stuff that goes along with them, | | | | he is also writing articles on horses, |
| then why not just keep taking riding lessons? | | | | stallion, and trailors for a long time. He |
| Ask yourself what you really love about | | | | has done his research work in the same field |
| horses. If you love things like mucking out, | | | | within the organization of Horse Chit Chat. |