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| Horse ownership requires a great deal of time, money and effort. © iStock.com |
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by Stacy Segal
You would be hard-pressed to find a child who wouldn't be thrilled to have a pony of her or his own.
For some, an interest in horses is a passing fancy that is eventually replaced by another hobby. For others, that first pony ride at the county fair is the beginning of a lifelong love of all things equine.
Young horsemen and women can grow a great deal from a relationship with a horse—it teaches personal responsibility, problem-solving, self-confidence and communication.
Interacting with a horse gives children a productive outlet for their energy, plenty of exercise, and a greater understanding of and appreciation for the outdoors.
But while having a horse in the family can be a rewarding experience, being a successful horse owner requires a great deal of time, money, and a lasting commitment to the care and well-being of the animal. There are a number of factors to weigh before making the decision to bring a horse into the fold.
Early Beginnings
It is in riding stables and backyard barns that the echo of "I want a pony" often begins. For most budding equestrians, the first step of horse ownership is riding lessons at a local barn where children learn how to safely lead, groom, tack up, and ride correctly.
Many barns offer young riders opportunities to participate in horse shows, giving them a taste of the rewards and challenges of creating a winning partnership with their horse.
While these experiences are a great intro to the world of horses and a low commitment way to gauge your child's true interest in horses, they typically don't teach your child everything he or she needs to be a successful horse owner.
The keys to a long-term, successful relationship with your horse are twofold: making sure you choose an appropriate horse for your goals, skill level and resources; and having the knowledge and understanding to properly care for your horse daily.
Here are some key things to consider before adding a horse to your family.
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Horses need care from their owners 365 days a year.© iStock.com |
Does my child need a horse of her own?
Riding lessons are a great introduction to horses and a wonderful way for kids to develop confidence and learn responsibility. However, riding lessons do not give you all of the information necessary to be a horse owner. A good way to test the waters of ownership is by leasing a horse which typically involves paying a portion of the boarding costs for someone else's horse in exchange for riding and care privileges.
By leasing, you can get a better sense of how willing your child is to schlep to the barn in cold weather to make sure the horse has fresh water, or deal responsibly with sudden lameness or behavior challenges. If leasing isn't an option, consider gaining some valuable hands-on experience by volunteering at a local horse rescue, therapeutic riding center or community stable.
Do we have the resources to care for a horse?
Whether you keep your horse at home or at a boarding barn, basic care costs a few thousand dollars per year. In addition to food (hay and grain), water (8-12 gallons per day) and shelter, horses require regular hoof care, dental care; deworming vaccinations, tack and equipment ($200 and up). Training, lessons, transportation to shows, show fees and attire quickly add up too. Horse owners must also be prepared to deal with injuries, illnesses and special needs as they occur. The purchase price is usually the cheapest part of having a horse—it's the ongoing financial outlay for care and training that can add up over time.
How will we choose our horse?
Horse shopping should be approached with the same careful consideration, thought and planning as buying a home or car. First-time horse owners should not foray into the world of horse shopping unassisted. A horse-savvy friend or teacher are good resources as are the hundreds of horse rescue organizations across the country. These rescues take in adoptable horses from a variety of circumstances and match them up with appropriate adopters. Unlike breeders or trainers, who stand to gain from selling a horse, rescues are primarily interested in ensuring the horse and rider are a good match. They have a variety of horses to choose from of all breeds riding ability and temperaments—and if a horse doesn't work out, they will typically take the horse back.
Am I willing to provide a permanent home for our new equine companion?
Horses can live well into their thirties, and many remain rideable well into their twenties. For a twelve-year old girl who wants her first horse or pony, a horse in late teens/early twenties would be an appropriate age. You never want to pair a young, inexperienced horse with a young rider. Even if you choose a horse in his twenties, he could live an additional 10 years or more. Are you willing to provide care to the horse for the remainder of his life? If you can't provide care, are you willing to find another loving home for the horse? Many new horse owners don't realize that horses who are sent to weekly livestock auctions run the risk of being sold to middlemen for slaughter plants, who brutally slaughter horses for human consumption abroad.
Ultimately, horses are remarkable animals who can be beloved companions for the right family. With thoughtfulness and education, it's possible to make lasting and meaningful bonds that benefit both horse and human.
Through its Horses: Companions for Life program, The Humane Society of the United States works to provide potential, new and veteran horse owners with the information and resources they need to have a long, successful relationship with their horse. The keystone of this program, the newly released "HSUS Complete Guide to Horse Care" is an indispensable resource where families can turn to understand what it takes to be a responsible horse owner—as well as ways to involve horses in your life without necessarily owning one.
