Non-horsey reasons for having a horse...

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Flicker

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In these dark days of no riding, no turnout, no fun, I thought I would remind myself of all the reasons why I have my horse. Apart from his gorgeous, kind nature, his sense of humour and the fact that he is a joy to ride, there are also a lot of non-horsey reasons that make it worth the trek out to the yard twice a day.
These include:
Friendship - I have forged strong and lasting friendships with so many people thanks to horses. When I moved here a few years ago, I knew one person. Now, I can fill a room with them;
Exercise - even if you are not riding, don't you feel healthy! Imagine having to slog it out in a sterile gym 6 days a week for the same feeling. It just doesn't happen!
Stress management - after you've had to deal with 500 kg of angry horse rearing up above your head, nothing else really seems that exciting!

What reasons does everyone else have?
 
Yes those reasons, plus the trust they offer you, the nicker of hello (clearly to a carrot, but hey), their smell, warmth. I don't know, I'm just hooked....
 
If I didnt have horses, I wouldnt have a clue how to keep my bank account so empty!!

I also feel that my sense of smell would be far too strong.....

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the fact that I'm fit from mucking out, poo picking, traipsing over fields to break ice (urgh), and all the sweeping I do ! Not to mention bagging up hay and straw to carry down from the haybarn, with it's twisty wooden staircase - helps balance and weight lifting skills...

maybe the discipline of having to be there at certain times is good for me too, gives me a routine that I find calming in a funny sort of way..
 
Because I get up so early to do the horse before work I am always much more switched on than everyone else who crawled out of bed half an hour before!
 
Its a good way to accessorise!!

My wardrobe is full up, I think if I put one more pair of shoes in the door really wont shut.

No fear though because I can fill up the rug room and accessorise my horse!

Fancy bling browbands, saddleclothes, show fleeces in an array of different colours... top of my list at the mo are which brushing boots to buy! A good excuse to trawl websites and tack shops contrasting and comparing different types. Bliss!
 
Being focused on the physicality of the chores and caring for the horse keeps my head clear and empties it for a time of work related stuff that would otherwise lead to stress/worry about my clients (I work in mental health).
 
Just turning up at the yard and seeing my four legged furry friend who (nearly) always is genuinely happy to see me.

I get it from the dogs all the time but somehow it's really special coming from a horse...
 
Riding keeps me fit and slim(ish)and cheaper and more fun the gym
Reduces my food appetite - increase my alcohol cravings though - Whisky or red wine in front of the fire after long freezing rides
Exercise for the dog, who loves running about at the fields with friends doggies.
Give my hubby a break from me. - (he works from home at lot)
Gives me a chance to be good at something!!!! - rosette in Dressage boosts my spirits for weeks
De- stresses me - couldn't have got my degrees without escapism on a horse
Provides the most loving trusting companion for me so when I feel low I just look into those adorable big brown eyes and can always be sure that my hugs and treats are truely appreciated.
 
the excuse to walk round local town dressed in mucky johds and steel toe capped boots looking like a horsey person! I don't care how silly I look!
The sense of freedom being out with your best friend (the horse) and meeting folk you never normally would and having a new perspective after getting to know them. Upper body strength from chores! Resilience and persistence and determination....
 
To annoy my mother, she hates them!! She has spent the best part of 30years telling me i should "sell the horses and go on holiday/move to a better house/do up the house we have, anything she can think of. All its done is make me more determined to keep them, wait till she hears ive bought another one before Christmas.

I have my horses for all the above reasons and because i love them!
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Love this post. I agree with all!

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ditto this, and also all the nice friends I have made through Scotnorth ex racers club, just the best.
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Kayfm, I flippin love your horse, stunner!!
 
I know people who have horses but are terrified to ride them and dont have a clue about certain things.
Kept as ornaments and in my opinion, it is just a status thing (Ooh look at me, I have a horse)

Not speaking for all people, but i know 2 people who do this.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I know people who have horses but are terrified to ride them and dont have a clue about certain things.
Kept as ornaments and in my opinion, it is just a status thing (Ooh look at me, I have a horse)

Not speaking for all people, but i know 2 people who do this.

[/ QUOTE ]

i have a horse. i'm too terrified to ride. and i don't have a clue about lots of things...
blush.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I know people who have horses but are terrified to ride them and dont have a clue about certain things.
Kept as ornaments and in my opinion, it is just a status thing (Ooh look at me, I have a horse)

Not speaking for all people, but i know 2 people who do this.

[/ QUOTE ]

i have a horse. i'm too terrified to ride. and i don't have a clue about lots of things...
blush.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

The point I am making, is that i actually know people who use horses as status items.
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I know people who have horses but are terrified to ride them and dont have a clue about certain things.
Kept as ornaments and in my opinion, it is just a status thing (Ooh look at me, I have a horse)

Not speaking for all people, but i know 2 people who do this.

[/ QUOTE ]

i have a horse. i'm too terrified to ride. and i don't have a clue about lots of things...
blush.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

Not for long clipclop!!!
grin.gif
 
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