Do you consider your horse a pet?

[candyappy]

My dogs are more than just pets but I think that is because of the way they seem to know what I am thinking, they live in my house, sleep by my bed and want to go everywhere I do.

My horses are more than just livestock or something I ride, but I wouldn’t say they were a pet. I guess it is because they just don’t interact with me the way my dogs do.

I have chickens, goats and a milk cow as well as the horses and I enjoy them all and it is amazing how they all interact with me in their own way and everyone of them has an individual personality. But, they are not pets either.

[danceronice]

More or less. I don’t ride much, I mostly play with him. I think the difference is between ‘pet’ and ‘working.’ I’ve never owned a horse I consider WORKING–I’ve owned a horse I showed, but if the choice had been between keeping him and being able to show, showing would be on the back burner. I’m not a professional, it doesn’t matter if I show or not, there are other hobbies I can compete in come to that.

I do own shares in partnerships on one other category, hobby investment/commodity horses. They’re working racehorses, they are not pets or farm livestock. If we drop one for a tag or we decide to sell, that’s how the game rolls. I like them, but they’re not pets or partners. (Frankly the best one of the lot I wouldn’t want around for fun, he’s something of a jerk, but he does win money.)

[sophie]

No, not a pet. Not sure what the definition of “pet” would be, anyway…My dog, the cat are pets, they live with me at home, I can take them with me if needed, and I have more of a “relationship” with them, well, with the dog, anyway
I love my mare, she makes me laugh, she will be in my care until she dies, for sure, but she is not a pet.

[Arelle]

In thinking about it - I think the answer for me is “it depends”.

I have had multiple horses in my life. Some have been projects I’ve resold, some I’ve kept around in their older age because I could, but I feel like there’s a difference in achieving “pet” status versus “livestock” status in my household.

My mare that tried to get sick on me last weekend - she’s a pet. She’s a member of my family. She’s been with me for 14 years, she’s traveled the country with me solo, and she’d have a room in my house if that was a thing. The other horse that’s held that status was my big, potato headed first horse - an old gelding who babysat me as a kid. He lived the good life until I euth’d him at 24 due to multiple torn ligaments in his hind legs.

They’re not quite like my dogs - but come very close. I think holding a horse to a dog status is impossible – dogs were literally bred to be our partners. But perhaps a better comparison is a pet like a bird.

[cayuse]

Pets.

[Beethoven]

My current horses are my kids as are my cats and dog. I will have these two horses till their last breath. I do not anticipate all my future horses will be the same way and have bought and sold horses in the past as part of my job.

[Pennywell_Bay]

[QUOTE=cayuse;8603464]
Pets.[/QUOTE]

Definition:
a domestic or tamed animal or bird kept for companionship or pleasure and treated with care and affection.
“the pony was a family pet”

Lizard, fish blah blah.

So yes, mine are pets.

[Palm_Beach]

The ones that don’t race are pets, the ones that race are business. They all get the best of everything that I can afford, regardless of income earning potential.

[gingerbread]

Though they are excellent riding partners ( we–horses and humans-- love the trails), my 2 are as much pets as the cat and the dog, just too big to come in the house! We cultivate love, fun ,and interspecies understanding, made easier because we have them at home and interact all the time, in hundreds of little ways. It is amazing and enjoyable. They are NOT like the dog and cat and it is fascinating to learn their language and ways.

I don’t understand how sentient beings can be looked at as athletic equipment.

That said, I chose our horses very very carefully, to be compatible with us in every way possible. Unlike the dog or cat, they could have been sold if they were not right for us.

[Curly_Feather]

Also not quite sure where the line is. For me it leans more towards livestock than pet. I love my horse very much, and I would like to think we have a good relationship (I’ve certainly worked very hard at it), but he is a very chilled out, well-adjusted fellow. If someone bought him tomorrow and moved him somewhere else with equal care and attention, he would probably not miss me at all.

[ChasPonyCat]

This has turned into an interesting discussion! It does seem that there is a sort of “in between” pets and livestock for many, and it is hard to define. While I definitely don’t consider my horse a pet, I’ve also never thought of him as livestock. Numerous of you have used the term “partner,” and I think I like putting it that way. It captures what you have with the animal while also not delegating the horse to pet or livestock status.

[PlanB]

I also say “business partner”.

[atlatl]

I tried to think of my horse as “very expensive sporting equipment” for awhile so I could plan to upgrade at some later point in time. It didn’t work, definitely with me until the end.

[AMWookey]

I think the buying and selling comes down to finances as well. I plan on having my current horse for the rest of his life. But I know financially, we will be able to do that. For people who love riding, showing, trail riding, whatever - sometimes you just can’t afford to keep the horse. So you sell it before retirement age so you can afford to finance the next, or you find a good retirement placement for them.

I leased first, and I always found leasing easier because I knew there would be a time to say goodbye! My first mare I purchased wasn’t a practical buy, especially for a 15 year old. I gave her to a good home when I left for college, and 5 years later when it wasn’t working out, she travelled across four provinces to live out her days with me. She was a ‘pet’ although I don’t think that is enough of a word for her. My dogs are like my kids. They are dependent on me, they are obsessed with being with us, and seeing my husband or I is the best part of their day. Katie was more laid back. She was my best friend.

My next horse was bought for keeps as well (knowing myself well enough) but also knowing that if he wasn’t a good fit, then he could be resold. It’s taken 2 years to be a good fit, but now we know that we have entered into a marriage of sorts with him. He is 9 years old, so we have 20 years or so left to go hopefully. We are fully cognizant that he will live out his days with us. If I had it my way, with this horse, I would build a farm for him, with my house attached to it for my House (that is his name, ridiculous I know), a hubby horse, and another option for when House has gone as far as he can. I am competititve, I strive to be the best I can be at my riding, and I love the feeling of improving. Eventually, House won’t be able to keep going with me. That’s fine. He will never be sold as long as we have the funds to keep him.

[piedmontfields]

Although I have only had my current horse two years, we are much closer than I am with many of my dogs (current and past). I am much more flexible on the kind of dogs I will take on and care for compared to horses. But even with dogs I am quite picky. I am fortunate to have a mare who is truly a match for my heart, mind and body! Our joke is that as long as she doesn’t “drop” me, she has a retirement plan.

[rhymeswithfizz]

[QUOTE=saultgirl;8602975]
I think a lot of people draw the line between the horse that is for sale for the right price, and the horse that is not for sale at any price.[/QUOTE]

Or… worthless

Nobody wants my lame old retiree, who I consider a pet. He’s not even particular friendly. But, either are pet fish, I suppose. He gets pet status because I’ve committed to giving him a retirement home for the rest of his days. If the day comes when I can’t physically or financially care for him, I will give him a kind end.

[saultgirl]

[QUOTE=gingerbread;8604879]
Though they are excellent riding partners ( we–horses and humans-- love the trails), my 2 are as much pets as the cat and the dog, just too big to come in the house! We cultivate love, fun ,and interspecies understanding, made easier because we have them at home and interact all the time, in hundreds of little ways. It is amazing and enjoyable. They are NOT like the dog and cat and it is fascinating to learn their language and ways.

I don’t understand how sentient beings can be looked at as athletic equipment.

That said, I chose our horses very very carefully, to be compatible with us in every way possible. Unlike the dog or cat, they could have been sold if they were not right for us.[/QUOTE]

Who said they consider their horse “athletic equipment”?

[Trails]

All my animals are both family members and pets; they are with me until the end.

[4THEHORSES]

Yes, I consider mine to be pets.

[Chimera]

Absolutely :yes: Much like my cats and dogs, they have a home for life and I will do my best to provide them with the best life possible.