Why do we have horses?

[allisontatman]

Vague title, I know, but I’ve been wondering lately why I have horses? Is it because I’ve had at least one for 30 years now? Is it part of who I am? I’m a mom of a Kindergartner who plays Little League, races cars from May-October every Sunday, and shows sheep we raise, I work FT Monday-Friday days, working on my Master’s degree, and have a house and family to tend to daily. I tried to be “done” with horses a couple years ago and sold the 2 I had, then panicked and got another. Currently I’ve got a greenie on stall rest due to a wicked access that’s cost me a small fortune (x-rays, layup, vet, farrier), and a new guy (had to have something to ride) that might have a corneal ulcer (vet coming today). And I barely have time to ride which is not good for my (lack of) confidence. I’m starting to once again question why I do this? And also have been thinking about my lack of return on investment. Meaning, I don’t get much time to ride, they are costing me a fortune (even though I have my own farm) and I’m wondering why I still feel the need to have horses? I enjoy my time in my barn and would actually rather clean it than my house, like riding when I have time, and love the sights and smells of the horses in their pastures. I don’t really have competition goals because I know I don’t have the time to ride enough to do that, but do like hacking around my farm and popping over little things in the ring. But in reality, it’s a lot of money and if I ride once or twice a week on average, what is the point?

Just pondering this while I am waiting on the vet to come check out the possible corneal ulcer (which I fear because I’ve dealt with TWO in the past and they SUCK!)

If you are in a similar situation (kids, jobs, family, lack of time, etc) why do you still have a horse or horses? Inspire me, or not. Be honest

[Wicky]

We are crazy.

But another answer is that it nourishes a part of me that has not other encouragement in my life, that makes me happier, more productive, and a better person.

“It” is the physical aspect of riding and the partnership, and the learning about how intricate (or not) it can be.

[peedin]

For me it was soul satisfying. I loved being around my horse and even after he retired my happiest times were spent with him. He crossed the bridge last year and I have no interest in getting that emotionally invested ever again. I just started taking lessons and am happy as a clam.

The bottom line is some people are born to be horse people. We are them.

[pony_grandma]

If I would hazard to conclude that it is just looking at horses, then why do we buy them? Myself, once I’ve had them here at home in the backyard (for 33 yrs) I would never be satisfied to board and ‘go visit’ them. And, yes, it is a burden. Financially and physically as we’ve also aged. But even Gramps, as overcome as he can be with the upkeep, gets immense joy gazing upon them in their moments and quietly muttering yes, we’ve done this.

[WNT]

[QUOTE=Wicky;8081940]
We are crazy.

But another answer is that it nourishes a part of me that has not other encouragement in my life, that makes me happier, more productive, and a better person.

“It” is the physical aspect of riding and the partnership, and the learning about how intricate (or not) it can be.[/QUOTE]

Nailed it.

[Crazy4aOTTB]

I work full time and weekends at my barn to help reduce the cost as well as go to school part time online. I just recently started dating and find I have no time! I know I don’t have children in the mix but I to have considered over the winter why I do this? The thought of selling my horse and just taking lessons crossed my mind but then I realized…

1. horses keep me healthy both physically and mentally.
2. leasing or just taking lessons just isn’t the same as the bond I have with my horse.
3. nothing has every made me as happy as something as simple as being on my horses back, even if its just walking in the pasture.

These are just a few of the things that I couldn’t get from any other “hobby”. Most Non horse people don’t get it. Its ultimately your decision!

But I learned thru my mother that even though you are a mother, wife, employee you still should not lose sight of “yourself”. You need to do something just for you! My mother was a miserable unhappy person when I was growing up…It was all about us kids! But now that we are out of the house she is enjoying her own things like dancing. Ive never seen her so happy. DOn’t get me wrong she was a great mother always shuffling us to games, dance, school etc. but she had lost sight of who she was and what made her happy. Find what makes you happy and hold on to it tightly!

[charismaryllis]

we are suckers for punishment?

[FineAlready]

Horses teach me the things about myself and about life that no one else can teach. They make me a better person.

[kasjordan]

It’s in your blood. I’m just as happy sitting on my deck, watching them laze around or play or even hearing them crunching and slurping and eating like pigs as I am strolling through the gorgeous woods riding them. I can stare at the shiny dapples on my horses butt for an hour and just feel pride and happy and content. We’re weird lol.

[AmarachAcres]

Why do people have kids? They cost a fortune, just ask me. The temper tantrums, lies, messy rooms, arguments, all of it worth it for the “I love you” moments and the hugs.

That is how I see my horses. And they treat me nicer than the kids do half the time. More than half. They come when I call, let me hug them, brush their hair, and wear what I tell them to.

On a serious note… I bet sky divers, car racers, marathon runners, boaters, rowers, dog show trainers, etc… all ask themselves these things at one point or another.

Married, two kids and a big sister to a little brother (big brothers big sisters), a job, 3 dogs, 3 cats, and 4 horses kept at home. I think a big thing people do is over think the riding. I used to only ride 2 days a week, then I asked myself: Why do I have to groom and saddle and have a “regime”. Now I ride with a goal two days a week and the rest of the time, if I have 10 minutes I hop on bare back and have a blast until I have to go. So many benefits to this.

No serious grooming, no saddling, when I hop off I just turn him back out in the pasture and continue my chores. The bareback riding has really helped me, too.

Every ride doesn’t have to be a “big thing”. It’s like stopping to toss the ball for the dogs for a few minutes while doing dishes or mowing. Take those moments, they add up to more joy.

Human’s need a sense of accomplishment and for some of us, it is owning and caring for horses. I can’t figure out why people put money into boats, but hey, I can’t figure out why horses get so much of my moolah either.

They are beautiful fun animals that challenge us to be better people. I’ve seen hard men learn to be gentle, wild children learn to focus, people with no self esteem learn to stand up tall, women lost in depression brought back to life.

If that isn’t magic, what is?

Sitting on the back porch and watching them graze, riding through the trees on a beautiful spring day, grooming lush tails that flick and sway, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

[Foxtrot_s]

Isn’t it one of those questions that the answer is, “If you have to ask you would not understand?” Not referring to anyone on COTH, though…all a like-minded group.

[Proffie]

Because the alternative is terrifying.

I was talking to a lifelong horsey friend once, while we were driving the 45 minutes to the barn after work one evening, and we asked ourselves the question… “What do other people DO after work or on the weekends??” We’ve been at it long enough that neither of us had an answer. Nor did we want to find out.

[drmgncolor]

Why do I have horses?

Because apparently, I like spending money. :lol:

[AmarachAcres]

I’m shocked by how many people tell me they just go home and… nothing.

You don’t have to be into horses or golf to have a hobby people! I swear that the depression they say is taking hold of America is people who do nothing to find something they enjoy doing and finding a way to do it.

There was a waitress at a bar I worked at. Sad all the time. I asked her what she did when not working… nothing. She finally started trying different things and found out she loved disc golf. Boy what a change.

People need something they love that gets them OUT and about.

[QUOTE=Proffie;8082381]
Because the alternative is terrifying.

I was talking to a lifelong horsey friend once, while we were driving the 45 minutes to the barn after work one evening, and we asked ourselves the question… “What do other people DO after work or on the weekends??” We’ve been at it long enough that neither of us had an answer. Nor did we want to find out.[/QUOTE]

[Daisyesq]

[QUOTE=AmarachAcres;8082149]

They are beautiful fun animals that challenge us to be better people. I’ve seen hard men learn to be gentle, wild children learn to focus, people with no self esteem learn to stand up tall, women lost in depression brought back to life.

If that isn’t magic, what is?

Sitting on the back porch and watching them graze, riding through the trees on a beautiful spring day, grooming lush tails that flick and sway, I wouldn’t have it any other way.[/QUOTE]

I ditto this!

Plus I want to add that riding a horse is like “moving meditation.” It nourishes the soul in a way that most other forms of exercise do not, except maybe riding can be related to yoga in that way.

[SmartAlex]

I have a horse because I enjoy it. Although being so dedicated to horse care and training through all the nasty weather just so my horse will be fit and healthy and manageable during the months I do enjoy riding is seeming more and more like craziness.

My mother has them out of habit and claims to enjoy the feeding and money spending although I just don’t see it. I think it’s honestly just one of her bad habits that she has convinced herself is part of her identity.

[Frostbitten]

Because we have a secret desire to be bankrupt. Because we don’t notice we are covered in barn filth. Because we don’t mind sleepless nights when they are sick. Because at heart we are all absolutely fruit bat crazy and know we have an addiction that can only be satisfied by close proximity to a horse. Because there is nothing like a nicotine patch to help us get over it, though we wouldn’t use one even if it were invented and worked like a charm!

[Bluey]

[QUOTE=FineAlready;8081997]
Horses teach me the things about myself and about life that no one else can teach. They make me a better person.[/QUOTE]

We have horses … :

[Sunwhinnies]

Because we have unlimited funds and time.

Not.

Without animals (ok and children) why would we get up in the morning?

I was talking about my city friends and my wonder about wtf they do after work, weekends and holidays with all that spare time. Shop? Bo-ring.

I think having horses gives you some sort of purpose. Something of your very own. Once those damn creatures gets into your blood you’re done. Nothing you can do.

It’s always important to have something of your own, however that’s framed.

Oh and good for the soul.

[HOOF123]

IT IS IN YOUR BLOOD !!! HOOF123