The horse as the perfect accessory and social status indicator.

[TrasaM]

This post is part rant and part question as I am trying to make sense re. the following events;-

A couple of recent events have set me wondering about the reasons why some people buy horses. In particular people buying horses that they cannot even ride properly but who's ownership may imply something about the riders ability or social status. In most cases I'm sure that no harm is done unless a change in financial circumstances happens and then the horse is the inevitable victim.
However I've recently come across a case where an ex racer was bought by someone who cannot ride him in more than a trot. When he injured his legs running through barbed wire she could not afford a vet so he now has scars and one area has not yet healed fully. This has left me feeling perplexed and angry.
Why buy a horse when you can't afford a vet?
Why buy a TB and then just ride it around the block (slowly) a few times a week?
Why buy a horse like this when you don't have the confidence to ride it properly?
What status does owning a flashy TB confer on it's owner? Or is just the latest accessory?
Has anyone else come across this kind of situation?

 

[Molly'sMama]

Buying a horse if you cant afford emergency vet bills,at least, in my opinion is inexusable.why?why not insured? I would just consider that cruelty.

Experience wise- Hmm not too similar but our propietor-private yard,big house etc -lovely man,but basically buys horses as he has the land,grooms and likes them in the field in front of his house..

His daughter[about 10] was riding a lovely 17 yo classic pc pony, he was a sweetie,she liked riding ,he bought her a 6 year old section b.

..

He was too much,(obviously!) she lost her nerve,didnt ride,they sold him,she started riding the old cuddly one,started liking riding again,they put oldie out on loan,and bought her another fancy sharp Sec B.
...


He bucks when excited,proper head down bucks,and her last incident was falling off/surrendering to 5 in a row...

It bugs me as Jack (the old pony)was so perfect -so what,he jumped 2ft max,she wasnt jumping higher! You just wanted an expensive pony for ralllies....

 

[TrasaM]

Not too different . This person has a horse far more suited to her abilities but he's just a cob and not very pretty.

 

[Littlelegs]

It doesn't bother me if people buy a tb to dawdle round the block on a few times a week, some tbs like that lifestyle, as long as its suited to the job & looked after then breed doesn't matter.
I do see where your coming from regarding vet bills & lack of care. I have no tolerance for people who take on animals & then blame lack of money/time/experience etc for not providing basic essentials. I have met too many of them over the years.

 

[millikins]

I don't think people buy TB's as a status symbol, they buy them cos they're cheap. It's all thos 17.2 WB's ridden, (or not as the case may be) by 5'2" riders to do W&T tests that annoy me.

 

[TipsyTiggerPig]

I know exactly what you mean,i know of someone who has this absolutely stunning cob, my friend keeps her horse at the same yard, she bought it about 3 or 4 years ago now for a fair wack, as a 5 year old that had done little bits of everything and she has just left it in a field to rot because she is too lazy/ living in a dream, she talks like she knows what she's doing and is quick dismiss other peoples achievements through jealousy but then why doesn't she stop making excuses and do something about it. It's such a shame as the horse has/had so much potential but as he's getting older and manners are getting worse he's going to be a nightmare to fix, but then again, if she did decide to sell, she wouldn't get much for him! It's as if she just keeps him to tell people that 'I have a horse'!

 

[pinklilly]

Don't have any issues with tootling around the block but not being able to afford vets bills is another. How are they going to manage increased costs in winter?

Not sure about the owning a tb to give social status, ex-racehorses being one of the cheapest options to buy, but not to maintain as opposed to a native type. As my mother said the other day about my tb, "He takes some looking after" and my vets bills have been pretty steep this year.

 

[TrasaM]

Don't have any issues with tootling around the block but not being able to afford vets bills is another. How are they going to manage increased costs in winter?

Not sure about the owning a tb to give social status, ex-racehorses being one of the cheapest options to buy, but not to maintain as opposed to a native type. As my mother said the other day about my tb, "He takes some looking after" and my vets bills have been pretty steep this year.

He's already very thin and loosing muscle condition fast. Cost about £1k I think.

 

[blacksabbeth]

I can understand where you are coming from.But what about people like me whom break a leg and there confidence is knocked?Luckily both of my two enjoy takeing things steady and so do I as I have a young son at home to think about and NEVER want to go through that again and not even be able to walk out to the field to say hello.So I think if someone decides to go for a plod around the block thats there choice(i do ride out on long hacks or school).But as for veternary or general welfare costs theres no excuse.I do apologise if it comes across offensive as to what I have posted its really not meant that way....Just saying each to their own and all that.

 

[rhino]

There seems to be 2 issues. Yes, getting a horse, any horse, when you are unable to afford to look after it if it is ill or injured, is wrong.

But how the hell does it matter what horse someone gets, if the horse is well looked after I couldn't care less whether someone have a horse worth £200 or £20,000, or whether it is 13hh or 17hh, a wb, a tb, a cob... whatever... I don't honestly think horses dream at night of being able to compete at the Olympics and 'potential' is purely a human concept

I would guess that the horse someone quoted earlier 'rotting in a field' is actually living a better life than a number of competition animals, after all horses did evolve to live outside, in herds... Different if it is not checked on, doesn't have the vet/farrier etc if needed.

I don't know whether it is jealousy or reverse snobbery in these posts, but this type of thread always winds me up. If the horse is happy and has its needs met, then great. If it is not, then does it matter what type of horse it is? Every type and breed of horse can suffer neglect. If people want to keep 'pet' horses, and they have the time, money and knowledge to do so, why can't people be happy for them?

 

[Shutterbug]

There seems to be 2 issues. Yes, getting a horse, any horse, when you are unable to afford to look after it if it is ill or injured, is wrong.

Absolutely. If you cannot afford even a call out by a vet for a horse, you should not own one, simple. Its irresponsible - I would say the same of someone buying a dog who couldn't afford to take it to the vet - winds me up!

Friends have a new livery at their yard, TB which was given away to the girl - its dropped loads of weight in the 2 weeks she has had it as its not being fed adequately or turned out because it has a leg injury which has not been attended to or seen by a vet. When my friend offered advise she was told to f... off and it was none of her business - its been reported to the necessary welfare services but in the meantime the poor animal is suffering.

If the animal is being looked after though then I don't think it matters what someone does with it- rides it or not, competes it or not...its not relevant to the level of care. If I want to buy a Prix St George horse to hack out then so long as that animal is well cared for, does it really matter if I'm not doing dressage with it?

 

[maresmaid]

I don't care if people spend a lot or a little on buying their horse. I don't think it matters a jot if they never get on its back and just parade it round the yard in the latest designer gear. The only thing that matters is that the horse is fed well and kept healthy and happy - if you can't afford to do that then don't buy! There are lots of ways to enjoy horses and they don't all include competing or even riding!

 

[Goldenstar]

Buying a horse and being able to afford to call the vet when it cuts itself is plain wrong.
Over horsing yourself ( or your child) is silly and a mistake but I should think it's been done ever since man first started riding horses.
Does a retired TB mind it's just hacking about probally not if it's well cared for however some horses like work whether it's jumping dressage whatever and I don't fully agree that the horse does not mind being in a field doing nought school and a grandprix horse hacking about is likely to become a hand ful if not ridden by a rider who understands their training and how to ride them and some horses really love to work enjoy shows and a busy life .
It's the right horse for the job that's important and I always feel sad when I see someone over horsed and scared especially whe it's a child .it's bad for the rider and the horse who risks being labeled a problem .
Are horses a status symbol yes they can be but I don't see how unless you know the owner really well you can know why someone has a horse.

 

[Spudlet]

I don't know whether it is jealousy or reverse snobbery in these posts, but this type of thread always winds me up. If the horse is happy and has its needs met, then great. If it is not, then does it matter what type of horse it is? Every type and breed of horse can suffer neglect. If people want to keep 'pet' horses, and they have the time, money and knowledge to do so, why can't people be happy for them?

Agreed! If the horse is being neglected that's one thing and it should be dealt with. But all this snide bitching about 'not doing enough' with the horse is quite different - smacks of the green eyed monster, frankly.

 

[Briony&Anakin]

I agree on the vet bills point but not on the potential point.

I agree with the above, potential is totally a human concept. I have a 4 year old with big showing potential and a huge jump, but I literally just hack. I'm forever being told I'm wasting him and its driving me mad!!

I spent all my teenage years competing, and I'm in a new chapter of my life now where other things take priority. I have owned my horse from a foal, backed him myself, so who's business is it what I do with him? He loves hacking, so do I. We go maybe 4 times a week, less in winter. He lives the life of riley, I'm there everyday grooming and caring for him, he doesn't want for anything and the vet is always called for any problems. As a full time working adult with home responsibilities, why should I be made to feel guilty for 'wasting' my horse that has potential, when he is happy as larry! I'm sure he doesn't lose sleep over it...

 

[SaharaS]

I understand the points made here,particularly backing the welfare/vet arguement, but just as an example, I frequently get muttered comments from people in the village and passing happy hackers as to why I have 4 (6 previously) and 'never ride'. My school is not visible from the drive or yard..I do NOT hack out as don't have anyone competent enough to hack out with and having been spoilt at home in Sussex, particularly after my accident I feel that frankly the roads are too dangerous(particularly leaving my steep drive on the apex of a fast blind bend)to make the eventual nice minute or two worth it (usually thru cattle round here)busy roadwork does not appeal and is not an essential part of 'good welfare' (yes before i get shot I know roadwork is beneficial, but it is NOT essential) my horses get ridden in the field(18 acres) and school-mostly the school but only when I and they are up to it-me because of my accident and them because they have all been massively into self harm lately..2 have had a year off from injury,one is not yet backed tho taken in school 4/5 times a week for lungig/looseschooling..and one is a broodmare/companion (who i had the accident on)-yes a field ornament!! (last foal 4 years ago)..and a happy one. When I ride or not they are always content and have everything they could want/wish for and I'm lucky enough, despite them being tbs,they can cope with being ridden as & when they or I are up to it-ie I get alot of pain relief from riding but won't ride them if they are 'out for injury as these 2 recently have been'..I NEVER have to lunge or worry prior to getting on, I just get on & they are always level (mentally) and balanced and when fit are able to be kept fit to compete so they are not relics or plods but healthy happy tbs. When I bought them, I reschooled every one very thoroughly, then,we point-to-pointed, evented & competed dressage & even polo. They are all happy & very well cared for. No one who has flung comments has ever stopped to ask why I don't hack..or know about the menage..they simply presume. It's only me at the yard so no one to ask but me.If they need lunging or walking out for any reason (increased mobility for circulation post injury etc) they get it & as much as they need. They go out for as long as poss every day etc etc.. however I have constant 'scorning eyes' and comments or notes put thru that if I'm looking to get rid who I could go to..or that i could give them to rescues or if they hear on the grape vine I am moving..its what are you going to do with them..are you going to sell them or leave them?WTF???? & seriously f oeuf! I have had one of them since she was 7, now 26 and have no intention of ever getting rid etc. One of these 'knowledgeable women' had her lab & mare pts (not the needle way) beacuse they were past usefullness..the dog was slowing picking up on shoots (overweight) and the mare turned 15 so end of...none of them knew/know or have tried to get to know me or anything of my past/experience. As an example,I've had the vet & farrier physios etc all out more than 4 times (each profession) for one of my horses over the last 2 weeks and the dentist out in feb for routine and 3 times since for incidentals/fractures etc.. I am there probably 6 hours a day minimum even when not riding yet I still have been accused of 'hardly being there!' My animals come first no matter what yet I'm constantly up against what other people think..some of these only check their horses once a day..leave them with extra hay but no checks if away for a weekend (on her own admission as couldn't trust anyone!!!)yet are quite happy to snipe at others like me who would rather never go away than leave them partially cared for...rant..yes,welfare/vet should be first consideration and should always be priority but as for individual situations this subject really winds me up!(can you tell!)

 

[WestCoast]

3 Words - poor impulse control.

A lot of people today think that they should be able to have what they want right now.

I guess I'm guilty of overhorsing myself with a young friesian - but she's in schooling livery and was vetted and we've got the dentist, farrier and saddler coming out.

Paula

 

[WestCoast]

Briony - just ignore anyone who tells you that you are wasting your horse. If he's happy it's all that matters.

Paula

 

[TrasaM]

There seems to be 2 issues. Yes, getting a horse, any horse, when you are unable to afford to look after it if it is ill or injured, is wrong.

But how the hell does it matter what horse someone gets, if the horse is well looked after I couldn't care less whether someone have a horse worth £200 or £20,000, or whether it is 13hh or 17hh, a wb, a tb, a cob... whatever... I don't honestly think horses dream at night of being able to compete at the Olympics and 'potential' is purely a human concept

I would guess that the horse someone quoted earlier 'rotting in a field' is actually living a better life than a number of competition animals, after all horses did evolve to live outside, in herds... Different if it is not checked on, doesn't have the vet/farrier etc if needed.

I don't know whether it is jealousy or reverse snobbery in these posts, but this type of thread always winds me up. If the horse is happy and has its needs met, then great. If it is not, then does it matter what type of horse it is? Every type and breed of horse can suffer neglect. If people want to keep 'pet' horses, and they have the time, money and knowledge to do so, why can't people be happy for them?

Rhino. I agree. If a horse is well cared for then it really does not matter what type it is or if it's allowed to sit quietly in a field and munch to it's hearts content with only the occasional trot around the block. This one is not well cared for and I don't think the situation will improve for him any time soon. The other horse is also being neglected due to financial circumstances which have been made worse by taking in a second horse. So no jealousy or reverse snobbery lies behind the post, just frustration seeing a lovely animal in a less than happy situation.

 

[tabithakat64]

I have no issue with people buying a horse they cannot ride as long as the horse is properly looked after and I think being able to pay vet bils is part of being able to look after a horse.

 

[TrasaM]

Some interesting responses. I suppose my first concern is for the horse and the fact that it is not in good condition. If he were I'd be thinking lucky horse you can now have a comfy laid back life. The fact that he's not well cared for and that she's just got rid of a horse which she could not ride and did not disclose the fact that he bucked which put his new owner in hospital colours my judgement just a bit.

Jealous? I have given this serious thought reading some of the responses. No, no jealousy involved here. I don't own a horse because at present as I'm out of the country quite a lot which would leave the burden of care on someone else. Also I believe that ownership comes with a lot of responsibility and its not just the cost of care and vet fees I'm referring to.

 

[redriverrock]

I have a TB ex racer who had a year off when we first got him...he was not rotting in the field! I get quite cross when people put others down for not competing or doing what they think the horse is 'capable' of...
vet bills and neglect are obviously another matter

 

[jenmac_85]

As previously said, there are some excellent points being made.

Prior to owning a horse, I felt that it was always seen as a very 'elite' club. I was naive going into horse ownership and although I 99.9% bought him to enjoy horse ownership and let me get new experiences with horse riding, there was a part of me that felt good that I could belong to the 'elite' club. Over a very short period of time of course this changed and I quickly realised that horse owners are just like everyone else and it comes with its owns stresses.

I do believe there are people out there, and can think of a couple, who have or would go and buy a horse simply on the 'social factor' they believe comes with it. As others have said, as long as the horse is happy, healthy and not neglected or abused, then that is my primary concern. There has to be serious consideration into th affordability of a horse, but sometimes you only discover that after purchasing the horse/pony.

From the issue of 'potential' I do believe it is something that the rider/person concerns themselves about. My boy had the ability to do very well, but I am totally convinced that his life as a happy hacker and lawn more made him a very happy boy.
.

 

[CatStew]

To warn you in advanced, this is going to turn into a rant!!

It really angers me when people buy a horse for the sake of being able to say they that they own one.

I'm 26 and have been around horses for around 20 years. My mum and I joint own Polly, although she is primarily my mums horse rather then mine (she's 14.3 and I'm 5'9 so I do feel a bit silly on her and although we work well together, we don't quite gel the same as my mum who is 5'5 - they're perfect for each other and just 'click') I've worked my backside off and have only just been able to afford to buy my own horse, my 5 year old sec D, Bentley, in the last six months or so.

Both horses come first and never go without, if they need new tack, then fine, we'll get it for them, same goes with rugs, feeds etc. Neither my mum nor I have nice fancy clothes, or really nice cars, our houses are adequate, but could do with updating, but that is the choice we make by owning two horses, and we're happier to have that, rather then anything materialistic. If I'm talking to somebody and it comes up in conversation that we have two horses, the reaction is usually along the lines of "wow! you must be rich!" and actually, no I'm not, and the reason I'm not is because of the horses, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Tbh, to have the opportunity to own horses is a dream come true for both my mum and I.

What's really grated on me and I must stress, I'm having absolutely nothing to do with this, my chavvy (completely non horsey) SIL - you know the type, a string of children (5 of them!!) whom she can't control including a 7 year old whose every other word is a swear word (usually beginning with 'F' or 'T'), neither she nor her partner work and live off benifits - have recently become friendly with some other chavvy person (who keeps chatting my husband up on facebook!!) who alledgedly owns 19 horses and ponies. They've decided to take one of the ponies on loan with view to buy for the little angelic 7 year old to learn to ride on. How on earth do they expect to look after it? Unfortunatley I do predict that there will soon be a welfare case and I know it will be down to me to advise on what to do. I'm very angry about the whole situation!!

/rant!

 

[Fransurrey]

There seems to be 2 issues. Yes, getting a horse, any horse, when you are unable to afford to look after it if it is ill or injured, is wrong.

But how the hell does it matter what horse someone gets, if the horse is well looked after I couldn't care less whether someone have a horse worth £200 or £20,000, or whether it is 13hh or 17hh, a wb, a tb, a cob... whatever... I don't honestly think horses dream at night of being able to compete at the Olympics and 'potential' is purely a human concept

I would guess that the horse someone quoted earlier 'rotting in a field' is actually living a better life than a number of competition animals, after all horses did evolve to live outside, in herds... Different if it is not checked on, doesn't have the vet/farrier etc if needed.

I don't know whether it is jealousy or reverse snobbery in these posts, but this type of thread always winds me up. If the horse is happy and has its needs met, then great. If it is not, then does it matter what type of horse it is? Every type and breed of horse can suffer neglect. If people want to keep 'pet' horses, and they have the time, money and knowledge to do so, why can't people be happy for them?

Completely agree. Many years ago, when I was first looking for a companion horse (rideable), I actually wanted to take on a TB, who was a beautiful quiet hack. It didn't cross my mind that she'd raced, or evented! Owner had actually sold her before I had tried her for loan (and hadn't told the loaner), so I was nearly one of those people with a 'flashy TB', tee hee!

 

[Ibblebibble]

There seems to be 2 issues. Yes, getting a horse, any horse, when you are unable to afford to look after it if it is ill or injured, is wrong.

But how the hell does it matter what horse someone gets, if the horse is well looked after I couldn't care less whether someone have a horse worth £200 or £20,000, or whether it is 13hh or 17hh, a wb, a tb, a cob... whatever... I don't honestly think horses dream at night of being able to compete at the Olympics and 'potential' is purely a human concept

I would guess that the horse someone quoted earlier 'rotting in a field' is actually living a better life than a number of competition animals, after all horses did evolve to live outside, in herds... Different if it is not checked on, doesn't have the vet/farrier etc if needed.

I don't know whether it is jealousy or reverse snobbery in these posts, but this type of thread always winds me up. If the horse is happy and has its needs met, then great. If it is not, then does it matter what type of horse it is? Every type and breed of horse can suffer neglect. If people want to keep 'pet' horses, and they have the time, money and knowledge to do so, why can't people be happy for them?

thank you Rhino,you saved me some typing
i think it winds me more when people judge an owner on what they do with their horse over how they care for it, as long as a horse/pony is well cared for i really don't think it's anyone elses concern as to whether it is evented weekly or ridden once in a blue moon!

 

[TallulahBright]

The social status that my flashy thoroughbred brings me is...
No money - it all goes on her
I look and smell like a scarecrow much of the time
My car looks and smells like a mobile stable
My hubby resents the time I spend with her
A night out means total exhaustion when the 5.30 alarm goes off!

But... I love her and wouldn't change a thing!

 

[horsesatemymoney]

thank you Rhino,you saved me some typing
i think it winds me more when people judge an owner on what they do with their horse over how they care for it, as long as a horse/pony is well cared for i really don't think it's anyone elses concern as to whether it is evented weekly or ridden once in a blue moon!

This ^: why does it matter what your horses looks like, what you do with it, how long you spen pampering it, or not, so long as it's healthy, cared for and happy, everything else is an extra and the thing that gets on my nerves is people passing judgement on what people do or don't do with their horses, so what if the TB 'only' hacks round the block? Both horse and rider might be happy with that and who is anybody else to judge?

 

[CatStew]

The social status that my flashy thoroughbred brings me is...
No money - it all goes on her
I look and smell like a scarecrow much of the time
My car looks and smells like a mobile stable
My hubby resents the time I spend with her
A night out means total exhaustion when the 5.30 alarm goes off!

But... I love her and wouldn't change a thing!

This is me!! Minus the flashy TB plus a sec D(umblood!)

 

[Ranyhyn]

I don't care what anyone else has or how badly they ride it, so long as they look after it and don't harm it.