What are your experiences in owning horses?

[Mystic]

So I have been thinking about my future lately. Where I will be in 10 years, and I was hoping that owning horses would be apart of that. I see that alot of the members on here own and ride horses so I would like to hear your experiences.
How did you get into owning horses?
What knowledge have you gained since bringing your first horse home?
How long did you research?
Do feel like their are any cons in owning horses? Pros?

And any other information that you would like to share would be helpful too.

I rode english for 5 years (11-16) and my love for horses has never faded.

 

[xBetterBeSocialx]

I have been riding for 16 years and I've had horses for 11. They really are my best friends in the world and I wouldn't trade them anything. There are so many positives about owning horses that I really can't even get into it here...it would take up half the page...hahaha. They are a lot of work and they can be expensive, but those are details compared to how much they bring to your life.
Let me know if you have any specific questions...you can PM me or whatever And don't be shy...I love talking about my kids!!!!

 

[minrex]

My aunt gave me a horse when I was a senior in high school. I'd always loved horses but didn't have a ton of experience with them. It didn't take me long to realize that "loving horses" isn't good enough when you're faced with caring for one of these animals. They can be unpredictable and dangerous if you're not careful or don't know what you're doing. Sure, I'd read lots of horse books from the time I was a little kid, but the lack of actual experience with horses was a big handicap. I'd had my horse for less than 3 months when I went riding one day and Paris spooked at a passing school bus, and dumped and trampled me in the middle of a gravel road. I landed on my neck and upper back and was seriously lucky that I didn't get hurt more severely than I did, or even killed. As it was, I did sustain some injuries to my back (which still give me trouble today, years later). It didn't damage my love of horses, but it did instill a fear of riding in me. I no longer wanted to get on a horse, and if I did ride, I was unable to relax. (I highly suggest taking riding lessons before getting a horse, by the way. I never did, and as a result I was woefully naive as to how to handle and care for horses.)

Then I went to college. My school had a very good Animal Science program, and I took all the equine classes I could, including a riding class, in which I gradually regained my confidence. I also learned about equine nutrition, management and reproduction and went on a study tour of the horse industry, where I got to meet in person a lot of great people and horses in various aspects of the industry. I joined my school's equestrian team and attended IHSA shows around the Midwest. I was even Regional champion in my division one year. I was also on the horse judging team for a year. I learned SO much during my college career, I can't even fully explain how beneficial it was to me. My horse definitely benefited from my education as well.

My experience with horses has taught me patience, leadership, and perseverance. I also learned that horse ownership is not all rainbows and sunshine. It's hard work, it's expensive, it's often dirty, it can be physically, mentally and emotionally painful, and it can occasionally be inconvenient. In order to be the best horseman or -woman that you can be, you have to constantly be researching (yes, even after you get your horse - I feel like I've never stopped doing research since the day I brought my horse home) and it really helps to network with others - other horse owners, vets, trainers, farriers, extension specialists, etc. But for those who love the horsey way of life, it's a small price to pay for the joy of interacting on a daily basis with these unique and great animals.

 

[Mystic]

My aunt gave me a horse when I was a senior in high school. I'd always loved horses but didn't have a ton of experience with them. It didn't take me long to realize that "loving horses" isn't good enough when you're faced with caring for one of these animals. They can be unpredictable and dangerous if you're not careful or don't know what you're doing. Sure, I'd read lots of horse books from the time I was a little kid, but the lack of actual experience with horses was a big handicap. I'd had my horse for less than 3 months when I went riding one day and Paris spooked at a passing school bus, and dumped and trampled me in the middle of a gravel road. I landed on my neck and upper back and was seriously lucky that I didn't get hurt more severely than I did, or even killed. As it was, I did sustain some injuries to my back (which still give me trouble today, years later). It didn't damage my love of horses, but it did instill a fear of riding in me. I no longer wanted to get on a horse, and if I did ride, I was unable to relax. (I highly suggest taking riding lessons before getting a horse, by the way. I never did, and as a result I was woefully naive as to how to handle and care for horses.)

Then I went to college. My school had a very good Animal Science program, and I took all the equine classes I could, including a riding class, in which I gradually regained my confidence. I also learned about equine nutrition, management and reproduction and went on a study tour of the horse industry, where I got to meet in person a lot of great people and horses in various aspects of the industry. I joined my school's equestrian team and attended IHSA shows around the Midwest. I was even Regional champion in my division one year. I was also on the horse judging team for a year. I learned SO much during my college career, I can't even fully explain how beneficial it was to me. My horse definitely benefited from my education as well.

My experience with horses has taught me patience, leadership, and perseverance. I also learned that horse ownership is not all rainbows and sunshine. It's hard work, it's expensive, it's often dirty, it can be physically, mentally and emotionally painful, and it can occasionally be inconvenient. In order to be the best horseman or -woman that you can be, you have to constantly be researching (yes, even after you get your horse - I feel like I've never stopped doing research since the day I brought my horse home) and it really helps to network with others - other horse owners, vets, trainers, farriers, extension specialists, etc. But for those who love the horsey way of life, it's a small price to pay for the joy of interacting on a daily basis with these unique and great animals.

When I was about 10, me, my mom and sister went out on a trail ride in California. Not one of us knew anything about riding at the time. Well our guide lacked experience too and when one of our horses (my sisters) didn't want to cross a small stream it started trotting away. Our guide trotted after her and both my mom's and my horse followed. I was bouncing all over the place and my sister fell off her horse and got knocked unconsious. I think thats what inspired me to take up riding lessons. So incase I ever did take a trail ride again something similar like what happened to my sister wouldn't happen to me.
I took lessons for 5 years, and learned ALOT about riding and rode many dfferent horse with very different temperments/personalities. During my lessons I have fallen off twice (the same horse too lol) I suffer severe shoulder pains now but like the old saying if you fall off a horse get right back on.
I think it would be a good idea for me to take some kind of Animal Science class like you did so I can learn more about horses physically.



Erica -- I think I will take you up on that PM I have SO many questions. I'm already brainstorming ideas for the perfect stall(s) for my horses lol. Hopefully one day my dream really will be a reality.

 

[Spoof]

How did you get into owning horses?
Neighbor had them.

What knowledge have you gained since bringing your first horse home?
Everything, but still not enough.

How long did you research?
I didn't, it speeded up the learning. (har har).

Do feel like their are any cons in owning horses? Pros?
They're expensive.
If workplace drama upsets you, you probably don't want to board at a large barn.
Some are more injury prone than others. My current one is particularly bad.
Crazy horse people.
Did I mention the cost?
You are going to get injured. It's just a matter of time.

Pros;
Gets me out of the house once a day.
They're captivating.
You can't lie to them.
Crazy horse people.
A sense of accomplishment when you succeed at whatever it is you do.
Good conversation fodder.
"I'm at the barn" is an excellent excuse to get off the phone with people.
Freedom to take your 4-legged all terrain mount wherever you like.


Worked with my neighbor's horses growing up, did the equestrian show team in college, rehabbed a few TB's (still paying on med bills from them, lol) finally purchased my own halfway through my third year. Sold her and moved to LA. Wasn't really looking for my current one, but who can resist a picture of a rearing horse? All I need to see is the word 'gaited' and it could have three legs, I still need it.

I prefer to board mine, it gives me access to facilities (like a covered arena) that I couldn't afford to put up. It is also a good way to socialize and meet people.

minrex hit the nail on the head with her last paragraph!

 

[searchand_dstry]

Do feel like their are any cons in owning horses? Pros?
They're expensive.
If workplace drama upsets you, you probably don't want to board at a large barn.
Some are more injury prone than others. My current one is particularly bad.
Crazy horse people.
Did I mention the cost?
You are going to get injured. It's just a matter of time.

Pros;
Gets me out of the house once a day.
They're captivating.
You can't lie to them.
Crazy horse people.
A sense of accomplishment when you succeed at whatever it is you do.
Good conversation fodder.
"I'm at the barn" is an excellent excuse to get off the phone with people.
Freedom to take your 4-legged all terrain mount wherever you like.

I agree with all of this haha

How did you get into owning horses?
Friends

What knowledge have you gained since bringing your first horse home?
That you never realize how much work and how expensive they are until you actually have one.

How long did you research?
I never actually sat down and did research. I have a lot of friends with horses and gathered many things over the years. Friends, instructors, trainers all helped with research. I don't think I'll ever be done learning as long as I own horses though.

Do feel like their are any cons in owning horses? Pros?
(I pretty much agree with everything spoof said but here are other things)

Pros:
-Anytime I am having a bad day I try to get out to the barn. Even if I am not riding, horses just relax me. The smell, sounds, just the whole barn environment makes me feel better.
-Keeps me in decent shape!

Cons:
-Gonna say it again, cost. Board, vet bills, farrier, miscellaneous supplies.. everything really adds up. And if your horse gets injured that can cost a ton. My friends horse recently became sick and she dropped well over $1,000 in a few days. Always be prepared for things like this.
-Again, going to reiterate this.. YOU WILL GET HURT. That doesn't mean it will be a serious injury but people always fall off, no matter how skilled the rider. You can get hurt on the ground, in the stall, anywhere. They are very large, very strong, unpredictable animals.

As for other information.. Just make sure you are financially prepared for a horse. Talk to a lot of people about owning one, make sure you take experienced horse people out to look at any horses you go look at and get a clean bill of health on them from a trusted vet before buying. I highly recommend leasing or half leasing a horse to get the feel for ownership as well. Especially if you are unsure as to whether or not you are ready for ownership.

Hope that helps!

 

[Mystic]

Thank you both! Your information really helped me.

Alexis, thanks for mentioning about leasing a horse. I wasn't even sure if I could/would be able to do that but that defintiely sounds like a good idea. I know how some horses can be when it comes to riding. Every single one is different.

 

[Spoof]

I wasn't even sure if I could/would be able to do that but that defintiely sounds like a good idea

It's been popular at all the barns I've been at, current one is a 29 stall and there are four horses up for lease at the moment (lots of girls off to college). I'd do a partial lease to someone if they wanted to learn on my guy.

Best thing to do is show up at a barn close to you (or call the owner) and ask if anyone has a horse they're interested in doing a partial or full lease on.

A co-worker of mine used to run an ad in the newspaper "college student looking for horses to ride" and she'd always get a ton of replies. I called on a sale ad, went and saw him, then asked if I could just work with the him. They said yes, and I worked with for a few months. Very nice people! (I've included a pic of him, lol) Taught him ground manners and saddled him for the first time for them.

 

[xBetterBeSocialx]

Erica -- I think I will take you up on that PM I have SO many questions. I'm already brainstorming ideas for the perfect stall(s) for my horses lol. Hopefully one day my dream really will be a reality.

Sounds good! Any time

 

[galtinel]

Was a little kid with a Shetland from ages 6-10...he was best buddy and a nightmare. Learned I couldn't control everything when he'd bolt with me or try to rub me off under the trees.

Now with the racehorses, it's expensive (that's why I do partnerships) and filled with joys when they progress through training or improve their allowances. It's scarey when they run as they may not come back sound (or at all). I meet a ton of great people who have worked with some of the best in the industry...and are now gone: Whittingham, Shoemaker. And I've met some of SoCal's top people today -- and have learned a lot about how you can get a horse to give you it's most. And not all trainers/owners will do this the same way.

 

[starleomach]

I have been riding for 20 years. Owned for 16 and had them living in the back yard for 11 almost 12. we got into them through a friend of my Dad's I used to show western and Hunter Jumper as well as driving. 3 mogans and a quarter horse here. But owning is a daily job, no matter how I feel or how cold it is, or what you want to do they need to be cared for. they are a commitment

 

[alli713]

Yes, you can lease horses, and it would be a good idea I think if you aren't financially ready to fully support a horse. It also gets you learning about horses without going full speed ahead into it.