Menu
Most horse owners will do everything possible to ensure their four-legged friend is as snug as a bug in a rug. Yet, even though we might feel we're doing everything in our power to provide our horses with a life as close to their natural instincts as possible, it's inevitable that they have to adapt to the life we've placed them in. We dream about the experiences we'll have together. We hold certain expectations for them. We demand things from them. Yet, they can't demand anything in return. All they can hope for is proper care, food the next day, and a chance to bask in the sunshine when it's there.
Have you ever pondered to what extent you own a horse on the horse's own terms? It's a tricky question, quite a noodle-scratcher really. How do you indeed own a horse on its own terms? When does it actually become about the owner's needs, even if they are necessary? Let's muse on this a bit...
Read more: Owning a horse is like playing cards
As we all know, there are countless ways to own a horse. It's just how it is, and it's unlikely to change - and that's okay. Some own horses with ambitions of excelling in equestrian sports. Others aim to train their horse to a higher level and then sell it on. Then there are those who keep a horse purely for the joy of companionship, perhaps with no specific goals in mind. Some switch out their pony for a new one as soon as the rider outgrows it. Others might sell their horse if it doesn't perform as expected. And then there are those who can't bear to part with their beloved mate, even when money's tight and time's limited.
All these owners have varying opinions on what's best for the horse. What one person thinks is right, another may see as completely wrong. What one sees as ideal for the horse, another might view as mere projection of the owner's desires. It's rare to find two people who completely agree on whether it's good or bad for a horse to wear boots in the field. Whether a blanket is necessary if the horse isn't clipped. Or if it's better for a horse to go shoed or barefoot.
Is "taking good care of your horse" letting it roam freely 24/7, even in rain, frost, snow, and gusty winds? Or is it better to bring the horse in as soon as the weather turns? Perhaps it's best to keep the horse inside as much as possible to prevent injuries. Or, conversely, is it beneficial for them to experience the elements frequently?
Is it in the horse's best interest to feed it the priciest feed available? Or is that just the owner's presumption of what's needed for optimal performance? Is it best to ride the horse daily? Or might the horse be better off with every other day?
Is it acceptable to interfere with nature's course to prevent the horse from getting sick? Some horses never get to taste the sweetness of fresh grass solely due to their owner's understandable fear of them developing laminitis. Other horses always find themselves alone in the paddock without the chance to play with a mate, again to prevent potential injury. But what's more crucial? Letting the horse graze or prolonging its life? Socialization or preventing potential harm? Which terms are for the horse and which ones actually revolve around the owner?
It's a fine line to walk when owning a horse, trying to satisfy both its needs and ours. If we were to own a horse purely with its well-being in mind, would we even enjoy the experience? Would we feel right mounting it? Could we justify tying it up where it's restrained, unable to flee if scared? Imagine if we only owned a horse on the horse's terms. Would the joys of horse ownership be as rich? Perhaps it's a good thing we consider our needs as well. The bigger question is how these should be balanced against the horse's needs. What do you reckon?
Read more (advertorial): Pony Massage Pad
The only thing left to address is the myriad of opinions on what's best for the horse. What do we do with those? We respect them. But we also challenge them. Respecting doesn't mean avoiding debate. Debating enlightens us. But true learning only happens with respect. This way, we can help one another become better equestrians. Even though we always act with our horse's best interest in mind, we must always critically reflect on our actions and not just those of others. Perhaps the best way to do this is to regularly ask ourselves the pivotal question: How can we best own a horse on its terms while still getting joy from the experience?
