Anyone else find the article “Own a Better Horse” in DT somewhat flawed?
The suggestion that a dressage rider should buy the best horse she can afford is sound. BUT when the author suggests that one should equate buying a horse with buying a car, I have to stand back and wonder about this person’s rationality. She suggests that most people own cars costing from $25k-30k and so riders should spend less on their car and more on their horse (ok, not awful advice but then here’s the kicker), because one can find a good dressage horse for $20k-50k! So, go into debt, she said it, to buy your horse.
Where was the editor for DT? Just wondering how what is such obvious stupidity got past the editor. I bet several people will miss my point so will repeat it. I do think that dressage riders should buy the best horse she/he can afford. I do NOT believe they should get themselves into debt for a horse. Horses are expensive enough to train, outfit, and care for - they are also mortal. So investing what most would consider a huge sum of money on something that could die or, even worse to some, be injurred which would still require care and more money - is not wise. There are many breeds out there that do dressage quite well and don’t cost as much or more than a car. If the majority of us are not aiming at the Olympics, we would be much better suited by purchase a cost friendly animal who’s movement and conformation are good enough. Then we can get a loan to pay for lessons so that we can pay for shows so that we can move up the levels.
Rant over.
i don’t have a car payment, but i do have a horse payment. although, i’m really not sure exactly how it is any of your business what other people do with their money?
