Owning a Horse (Horses in General)

Member Name: i1189

Product:	Horses in General
Date:	07/07/00 (277 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: You get to ride a lot and do what you want with your horse

Disadvantages: Very expensive, long term commitment

I started horseriding when I was 10 years old, and after 4 years of bugging my parents and helping at the local riding school, I finally got my own horse.
After I got him, I discovered that he had a bit of a problem with showjumping - he liked to let me go over the fences to check them out first!
I then went to pony club, and joined the mounted games team, which I would recommend to anyone who is under 15 (the age limit for this). Its best to have a small pony though! Be warned that some pony clubs take competitions a bit to seriously though, I saw one girl forced to ride after she had just fallen off and broken her collarbone.
I then took up dressage, and spent several years concentrating on this, which was fairly safe.
After I had my horse for 4 years, I decided that I wouldn't keep him at a livery yard any longer, as I couldn't trust the staff to look after him properly. I enjoyed looking after him for several more years, but I have now had to sell him as I am at university.
If you are considering getting a horse, why not think about sharing one instead? There are many owners out there who need help with their horses, and it can work out a lot cheaper. I had a sharer for a while, and she rode my horse more than I did!
A horse is a wonderful thing to own, but is a lot of commitment and very expensive.

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