Why You Should Never Own A Horse

Having a horse is like a dream come true for many people. They’re beautiful, majestic creatures that evoke a sense of freedom and adventure. Those lucky enough to have one often feel a deep connection to their horse and cherish the time they spend together.

There’s also the aspect of riding. Whether you’re cantering across a field or galloping down a trail, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of horseback riding. It’s an exhilarating experience that can’t be replicated anywhere else.

However, as wonderful as horses are, you’ll probably want to think twice before getting one of your own. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the reasons why getting a horse might not be such a good idea.

7 reasons why you shouldn’t get a horse

1. They’re expensive to buy and maintain

There’s no denying that horses are expensive animals to purchase and care for. The price of a horse can range anywhere from $500 to $5,000, with the average being around $3000, and that’s just for the initial purchase price.

Once you factor in the cost of food, hay, straw, medical care, and shoeing, the costs quickly add up. And let’s not forget about the cost of a stable or pasture if you don’t have your own land.

This is why horses are seen as possessions of the wealthy. Unless you have a lot of money to spare, you might want to think twice about getting one.

2. They require a lot of time and effort

Horses are time-consuming creatures that require a significant amount of time and effort to care for properly. From brushing and bathing to saddling and riding, there’s a lot that goes into taking care of a horse daily.

Not to mention the time it takes to exercise them regularly. If you don’t have at least an hour or two each day to dedicate to your horse, then owning one is probably not for you.

3. They’re high-maintenance animals

Horses are high-maintenance animals that require constant care and attention. From daily brushing and stall cleaning to weekly hoof trimming and mane-pulling, there’s always something that needs to be done when it comes to taking care of a horse.

If you’re not prepared to deal with the daily maintenance required, then a less high-maintenance pet might be a better option for you.

4. They’re prone to health problems and injuries

Horses are prone to health problems both big and small. From colic and Cushing’s disease to laminitis (aka founder), there are plenty of health issues that can affect horses.

And because they’re such large animals, these health problems can often be quite costly to treat. Dealing with the potential health issues (and the associated costs) is something you’ll need to be prepared for if you decide to get a horse.

5. They can be dangerous

Horses are large animals with a mind of their own which means they can be dangerous creatures if not handled properly.

Even the most gentle and docile horses can lash out if they’re frightened or feel threatened in any way, which could result in serious injuries (or even death) for both the rider and nearby bystanders.

6. They’re not easy to transport

Unlike other domesticated animals, like cats and dogs, horses are not easy animals to transport from one place to another. Unless you have a horse trailer or some other type of specialized equipment, moving a horse can be quite difficult (and dangerous).

This means that should you decide to move abroad, for example, you would likely have to leave your horse behind, which could be heartbreaking for both of you.

7. They’re not always the best investment

While horses can be a fun and rewarding addition to your life, they’re not always the best investment.

In fact, many experts believe that horses are more of a liability than an asset due to their high costs of purchase and maintenance as well as the inherent risks associated with owning one.

So, if you’re looking to invest your money in something that will give you a good return, a horse is probably not the best option.

Conclusion

As compelling as the dream of owning your very own horse may be, it isn’t for everyone.

From their high cost of purchase and care to their time-consuming nature, there’s very little benefit to owning a horse unless you’re horse-crazy and have the money to spare.