Family Horse Ownership: Sharing The Equestrian Lifestyle

Horses are a fundamental element of our society whether they are pleasure riders now or work animals from the past. From sophisticated equestrian estates to backyard stables, their presence is felt everywhere. Magazines show equestrians riding horses on rich green fields that reach the curvature of the earth wearing perfect hunt coats and $400 breeches. Many people may not know the obligations involved with owning a horse.

Benefits

The HSUS encourages everyone to appreciate the commitment and responsibility of horse ownership. We are also aware, though, that the relationship humans have with horses can yield social and emotional advantages. Learning to ride and care for a horse can help young children develop responsibility, problem-solving skills, and confidence. Children's health benefits from physical exercise as well. Riding and tending to a horse can help to tone the legs and torso and build core muscles. It can also help with posture, lower high blood pressure, and offer stress release. Bonding with horses has also been found to help lower anxiety. And a family that spends time together around horses might grow closer and more sympathetic to one another's wants and worries.

Starting Right Now

There are several ways the whole family may enjoy the equine way of life whether your children are interested in riding or just want to spend time with horses. Usually beginning their path with riding lessons at a nearby stable where they learn to safely lead, groom, saddle up and ride a horse properly, most young equestrians Although these events are a fantastic introduction to horses and low commitment approach to evaluate a child's long term interest, they usually don't teach them everything they need to know about becoming a successful horse owner. Children also have a great chance to learn from highly skilled trainers in a one- or two-day session thanks to nonprofits. This will raise their intellectual capital and raise the calibre of their riding.

Training

Riding lessons at nearby barns allow most young equestrians start their horse experience how to safely lead, groom, and saddle up horses. They might even take part in a horse show, which helps them to establish a successful alliance with their animal. These encounters, meanwhile, provide only a glimpse of the long-term dedication required of horse ownership. Constant expenses to consider are shelter, food, veterinary care, health care, and training. Before making a purchase of a horse, families should evaluate their degree of readiness for this degree of dedication. Should a family determine they are unprepared, they should look for compassionate means of releasing the horse. Among the options are horse leasing, adoption or rescue. The United Horse Coalition provides presentations and recordings on responsible ownership for further information about this subject.

Attention to Detail

Riding a horse needs both commitment and responsibility. Like a cat or dog, horses require daily care including mucking stalls, cleaning stables, fresh food and water, grooming, and exercise. Apart from daily responsibilities, horse ownership calls for a dedication to schedule veterinary and farrier visits and handling unforeseen issues and hurdles. Horses can live up to twenty years generally. Is your family ready to dedicate themselves to a long-term commitment bearing associated obligations? Tell your family straight forwardly about the rigours of your equestrian activities. Clearly defining your priorities and establishing limits will enable you to strike a balance between your other obligations and your riding goals. To get experience with a horse and the obligations involved before committing fully, also think about leasing rather than buying.

Cooking

Five basic elements must be included in the equine diet: water, lipids, carbs and protein; minerals, too. Eight to twelve gallons of water are daily needs for horses. Heat, humidity, hard work or excessive dry hay consumption in winter can all affect the amount of water they drink. Sharing a horse guarantees that it gets enough exercise and satisfies the owners' schedules as well. Families with opposing work and school schedules or those who reside in places like coastal California where turnout is low will find this to be a smart choice. Taking a day-long farm trip is another family-friendly approach to see horses. Usually coordinated by cooperative extensions or agricultural groups, these informal gatherings provide a behind-the-scenes view of many barns and disciplines.