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