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Life with a horse is not always easy. Most of the time, it's a pleasure, but there can also be downsides. In such situations, one must remind oneself why so much time and money is spent on having the four-legged friend. Here's a list of what's really worth remembering. There are many good reasons to be happy – and especially proud – to be a rider.
Having a horse is a lifestyle that more or less forces you to get fresh air daily – and it's healthy! Depending on the weather, it can be more or less enjoyable, but there's no doubt that it's good for the soul to be outside so much.
Along with fresh air, having a horse gives you good exercise. Whether you ride or not, you can't avoid being active when you're in the stable. Grooming, mucking out, and carrying equipment also count a lot. Did you know, for example, that an hour of riding is equivalent to a half-hour run?
When you're in a stable, you can't avoid meeting other horse-loving people. The special thing is that acquaintances in a stable can span a wide range of ages. There aren't many environments where a 60-year-old woman and a 10-year-old child have so much in common.
When you're part of equestrian sports, you're also part of a community that speaks its own language. You might have tried talking about riding with a friend from the stable, while a non-horse-savvy person wondered what on earth you were talking about. It creates a special feeling to delve into something that others don't understand but that you can still share with someone.
You can laugh, and you can cry. No one will look at you sideways if you come by with makeup from yesterday's party – or maybe none at all. Because horse people are so different yet all smell like horses, the environment in a stable is often inclusive and warm-hearted. For some, the stable even feels like a second home.
Having a horse is somewhat like having a child. When you get a horse, you also commit to taking care of it. Of course, you can get others to help, but in the end, it's the owner's responsibility to ensure the horse is well. Even if it sometimes feels like a burden, it also helps you grow as a person.
When you have a horse, you learn to love another being despite its flaws. Whether you own a stubborn mare, an indomitable stallion, or a naive gelding, you have to love it for what it is if you want to build a good relationship. No animals or humans are perfect, and realizing this is important. As a horse owner, you're well-equipped to respect and even love others – including humans – just as they are. This quality is invaluable and will help you throughout life.
There are undoubtedly many more reasons to be both happy and proud to be a rider. Here, you could just read what we think is most important to remember. What do you think is the best thing about having a horse?
