What to do with a Horse

One of the most popular questions asked of anyone who decides to share their life with horse is "what are you going to do with it?" Now, granted, most people who have a horse have plans for it, whether it be western pleasure, jumping, dressage, endurance, barrel racing or trail riding. But don't let people pressure you into doing something you are not comfortable with. If you really want a horse to go trail riding, don't let others make you feel you have to branch out into western pleasure or dressage. The reason most of us have a horse is for the joy that they bring us. The other things, like the exercise we get and the friends we meet are bonuses.

Many people in the horse world seem to be of the opinion that you must have a lofty goal in order to own a horse, and that is not only not true, but can be a shortcut to defeat. People who compete because they think they have to, almost never do well. And they are certainly not happy. Let me make this very clear, You DO NOT have to DO something with your horse to have one. Horses are a pleasure in and of themselves, even when all they do is eat and play in the pasture.

Competing in horse shows and rodeos can be a great way to use your skills and show off the skills of your horse; they can also be a fun and creative way to spend time and make new friends. They can teach a young person valuable lessons such as how to obey the rules, the value of practicing skills and the ability to win, and lose, gracefully. But when it becomes tedious and more like a job than fun, it is time to rethink your choices.

Some people have a horse to just ride, around the house, around the pasture, around the block, whatever. Others have a horse specifically for the exercise they can get caring for and riding him or her. Some people have horses to produce foals. There are even a few people who have horses just for the joy of being around them.

So, don't let anybody tell you what to do with your horse. It is your horse and your life. If you want to keep him in the backyard and just watch him, then that is the best thing in the world that you can do. If you want to show western pleasure, don't let someone convince you that you HAVE to go into Dressage. Do what feels right for yourself and for your horse and you will both be happy and have a long and productive life.

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