Horses aren't dogs

It can be a tricky thing with horses. They have personality and an ability to bond. They have character and learn to recognize their human friends. In these ways they are pet like. On the other hand though, they are expensive, require training to be safe to be around, and don't fit well in your living room....and you definitely don't want one to sleep on your bed at night!

Most people buy a horse or start riding because they like horses. And usually they bond with that horse and "love" it. But at some point they may find their skills or ambition requires a new horse, maybe they get too tall for it, or maybe that horse earns an injury that prevents it from continuing to progress in the direction the rider wants to progress in.

And so then the difficult decision comes to sell the horse. A decision most people wouldn't even consider with a dog or cat. Why? Because dogs and cats are cheaper, don't live as long, and don't require as much of a commitment...and because they rarely are needed to fulfil our ambition and goals.

There is a tricky line though, between using a horse as a tool to fulfill ambition, vs using the horse in a respectful manner that benefits both horse and rider. Many of the show horses you see in the ring are only there because they have joint injections and/or are on pain killers to show; is that ok even though it is wearing the horse our faster? On the flip side, some riders will never reach their goals or potential because they are held back my their horse's limitations...and is it fair to expect someone to spend $500+ a month on a horse that they cannot ride/enjoy?

Do competition goals corrupt the purity of riding for the joy of horses? Or does competition encourage better riding and set standards of skills? What about if you are a professional, who needs their horses to set their reputation? That is a lot of weight to put on an equine who really has no concept of the responsibility they are being entrusted with...and pros tend to go through horses faster than the more casual rider, as it does them little good to continue with a less than able horse. I struggle with the ability to be objective in this manner with my own horses...it is hard to break from the love of the horse, and the need to have a horse to showcase/develop my skills.

Then there are the people who sell their problems on to the next person; horse is lame, dangerous, or quirky? Sell it! Don't worry if you were the one who created the issue in the first place...it is too expensive to be responsible for the horse you damaged and it would mean you can't have a new horse...so let someone else clean up and pay for your mess....

For the most part though, I think people are reluctant to part with their horses, and struggle with the idea of selling. The worry of how their horse will be treated, and the loss of the bond they shared together can make the decision to sell a difficult one. Sometimes though, it is in the horse and the riders best interest, if neither one is happy or suited for each other.

And fortunately horses are surprisingly adaptable, and there are other people in the world that also take good care of their horses....it is just a hard balance between the heart and practicality, and between selfishness and mutual best interests.

Karen