What makes horses worth it? :)

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pone-less

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After seeing a few posts about the worries and hardships of horse ownership this time of year (and knowing from experience), it got me thinking about horse ownership in general!

I am looking at getting a horse again in the next few months and I would just be really interested to hear people’s replies!

SO! We all know horses are expensive and time consuming and generally leave us smelly, dirty, exhausted and make us worry a ridiculous amount

BUT The question is -

What makes all of the above worth it?

What do horses provide you that justifies all of the time, money and worry!

P.s I know there are many positives to horse ownership I just want to hear what everyone else thinks :)
 
When my mare whiffles at me I could just melt. Totally soft I know, but it makes early morings/cold weather/always smelling/no money etc completly worth it!!
 
For me it's the look on my girl's face when I arrive in the morning and she whinnies constantly at me until I get to the door. It's when she edges closer to me if she is frightened by something and asks for reassurance. And knowing that I would go to the ends of the earth to help her and care for her. I don't ride very often and just hack etc but she is worth every penny to me. Love her to bits.

:)
 
For me it's watching my daughter have a wonderful time, the bond between her ponies and her is lovely to see.
I'm proud of their achievements, the commitment she's shows and her pride in them.
From my own perspective it's hard to explain other than I can be in the most miserable or foul mood, but my pony just lightens it and her presence alone makes me smile. She's therapy to me, and I adore her :)
 
Driving past the field on my way to see her and seeing her recognise my car and start heading towards the gate to meet me.

She also makes me laugh when we sometimes canter up narrow leafy tracks and she manages to grab something to eat on the way!
 
pone-less said:
What makes all of the above worth it?
What do horses provide you that justifies all of the time, money and worry!
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Well for me it is my sanity/therapy. My horses have always provided me with this despite the utter hardships you mention at times, such as the massive financial burden I have felt at times over the years, having a broken pony, come hell or high water weather conditions they keep me sane.
People I knew said why not wait longer to buy another after losing my girl, but I felt quite empty without tbh. I have had horses of my own in my life since I was 8/9yrs old, and it is such an innate part of who I am I do not like life without, even with the hard times that come.

They are such wonderful, beautiful creatures that can help us learn so much about ourselves and as some one once said on here, help us to become better people, sorry cannot remember who wrote that but I feel that is so true.
 
They certainly have some magical power over us :) I have had horses since I was 10 and I am now in my 40's. Even with the huge cost and time commitments I have never once considered giving up the horse way of life. I think its wonderful to feel the close bond you develop over time with your horse.

My favourite times are milling along in the country lanes in the summer, watching them enjoying a good hoolley in the field, and enjoying a warm hug before leaving them settled for the night, nothing makes me feel happier.
 
I like having something to try for and to look forwards to. It doesn't matter that I never get there and have many more set backs than progress made, I still enjoy trying, hoping, preparing and the occasional day when things all come together. :)
 
I've given this some thought . . . there are so many reasons for loving being around and caring for horses.

For me, I think it's just the feeling I get when this big, strong prey animal actually trusts me. Horses are endlessly forgiving . . . even my own nutjob stresshead boy. I find them fascinating to watch too . . . they are inquisitive and intelligent and it's so much fun watching them puzzle something through.

What I think I love most of all, though, is the lovely wuffly greeting Kal gives me each morning as I head up the yard . . . he can't see me coming, but he must either smell or hear me because before I get to his box I can hear him wickering to me and when I turn the corner and see his happy little face and his ears pricked, I just melt.

P
 
Welshie Squisher said:
For me it's watching my daughter have a wonderful time, the bond between her ponies and her is lovely to see.
I'm proud of their achievements, the commitment she's shows and her pride in them.
From my own perspective it's hard to explain other than I can be in the most miserable or foul mood, but my pony just lightens it and her presence alone makes me smile. She's therapy to me, and I adore her :)
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Ooooo this is me :D also went for a lovely hack today with a good friend in the sun what more could you want :D
 
Sister and I were without a horse for about 18 months after our first horse was pts. That was many many years ago, we were not happy to be horseless, I have no idea why not! However since getting the mare we did 18 months after the old lad died, we have gone on to be multiple horse owners, never having fewer than three between us, the most we have had was five. After a hard day at work there is nothing better than the routine of dealing with the grlls and their affection for us :)
 
The big smile she puts on my face when we've ridden out, the way she likes to bury her nose in the hood of my coat, when she's feeling a bit worried about something, a squeeze from me and she relaxes (most of the time :D ).

Being able to ride out in the countryside on glorious days like today!
 
Because old man was the best thing that ever happened to me.

And Lyla, because she was there to keep me sane old man pts :(

Love them both, equally, in different ways.

Old man, cos he taught me SO much

And La, because she really tries for me even when she doesnt really understand what I want :o

It's a way of life. They mean I have a life.
 
Lots of things make it worthwhile. I love riding, but the nicest thing is when my mare grooms me back (I scratch her withers and she slobbers all over my clothes)- she only does this occasionally but it's lovely when she does. She is ever so gentle. Sometimes I think it would be nice to have more money, nice clothes etc. but could never imagine life without horses. I came to horses late in life and genuinely have no idea what I used to do with my spare time/money. x
 
I've suffered from depression since my daughter was born 18 years ago. I've had horses again for the last 10 years or so and they have given me a reason to get up in the mornings. I've had my ups and downs with horses but i wouldn't change anything. I've just been on my first farm ride on my new horse and I've had the best day ever.
 
For me its when Chloe whinnies when she sees me. I do think we have a bond, I feel she does trust me and she has taught me so much! I love her to bits!
 
All my stress melts away when I hear the most peaceful sound in the world............ contented horses munching on hay! I think it is seriously hypnotic and calming!
 
For me, its having something that trusts me unconditionally, and that doesnt judge me. He mended my heart and soul, for which I am forever indebted.
 
Its the bond for me, Dolly and I have been together 11 years this year and there isn't a person in my life now or in the past that has stuck by me the way that horse does. She is my sunshine - even now when I'm having to move mountains to keep her as hours have been radically reduced at work.
My OH doesn't understand my need to keep her in my life(when money is tight) and therefore has decided he resents the money I spend on her and is leaving me, I'm upset about it of course but I know I would resent him if I sold Dolly and we wouldn't last long after that anyway.
 
The buzz of caring for them and giving them such a nice home. The warm feeling that they have everything they need to be happy. He makes me' smile when he sees his brekki coming and nods his head as if he's saying 'YES' also the buzz of having a successful day out, where he's really tried his heart out. His manners to burn make my heart melt- he doesn't have to bd so nice. Would never be without him.
 
lauraanddolly said:
Its the bond for me, Dolly and I have been together 11 years this year and there isn't a person in my life now or in the past that has stuck by me the way that horse does. She is my sunshine - even now when I'm having to move mountains to keep her as hours have been radically reduced at work.
My OH doesn't understand my need to keep her in my life(when money is tight) and therefore has decided he resents the money I spend on her and is leaving me, I'm upset about it of course but I know I would resent him if I sold Dolly and we wouldn't last long after that anyway.
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You are doing the right thing. Once you give up something as important as a horse, they often find other things to resent.
 
When after finishing a hard stressful day at work, with a head full of worry, and feeling way too tired and short of time, to go to the stables & trudge through the mud to bring my girl in and put her to bed, I find a filthy mud monster at the farthest part of the field. 30 minutes later after a thorough grooming most of the mud is on me, and I tuck her up in a nice clean stable that smells of haylage and clean bedding I can still find time to hang over the stable door to listen to the sound of rythmical munching, and I realise that I actually feel quite relaxed!

I once reversed off our drive into a car on the opposite side of the road (as the children fighting in the back of my car took my attention for a split second) It was the first time I had ever had a car accident and I was really upset that I'd done something so stupid, I rang my Mum in tears and told her what had happened before going to the stables to school my horse. Later that morning, just as I returned home from the stables my Mum called me back and said she was just ringing to see if I was ok after what happened this morning - I said "Why what happened this morning?" - I had concentrated so much on the schooling, and it had gone so well, that I had completely forgotten about the car thing. - That's why I love my horses so much, they can completely absorb my full attention and take me away on "holiday" from everyday life and stress, and make everything fall into perspective.
 
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Some of the horses I've known have been the most inspirational characters I've ever met...

R was a huge 16.3hh coloured super heavy cob, saved from the meat man from YO at the time. After months of work we stuck a saddle and "bridle" (head was huge and it was bodged together) and he was so funny and such a happy chappy. He even jumped a 4ft spread and cleared it by at least 1ft on a particular exuberant day. He was so trusting after been so neglected and abused, always happy. Seeing him going out in the field for the first time made me cry, he was so happy. I used to see him everyday before and after training, he used to gallop to the gate when he saw me. He got sold 7 years ago, and unfortunately I think he's gone over rainbow bridge :(

B was the horse I had my accident on, but my god... Clearing the last 2 1.10m bounce jumps as a huuuuge spread after already jumping 1.... Amazing... I just didnt happen to stay on... Even if he was bad tempered, he was amazing.

Not forgetting Mr Cob, for helping me get over my accident, for helping me cope with the loss of my athletic career, for making me happy, giving me my confidence back, and allowing me to jump my first ever course of jumps and getting me over them safely. He makes me laugh and take everything in his stride.

Gosh I've shed a tear lol :')
 
Of course horse ownership isn't all cantering through buttercup meadows on a sunny day or being selected for the Olympics, but for me there are loads of little things that every day more than make up for the expense, chilblains, mud, disappointment, pain etc etc:

- my horse wiggling his mustache at me when it's full of bits of breakfast :)
- my daughter's pony going over to her to 'see if she's ok' when she's fallen off him (makes me want to cry)
- our little falabella companion pony sneaking from the garden through the open back door into our kitchen and eating the children's tea off the counter when he thought no one was watching (which we weren't)!

Do it! You may have the odd moment where you wished you hadn't, but isn't it better than sitting there wondering 'what if...?'
 
For me - this

Flame_ said:
I like having something to try for and to look forwards to.
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And the fact that you've never 'finished' - it's not like knitting a jumper as there are always more things you can learn or try!

but also this
pebblemania said:
All my stress melts away when I hear the most peaceful sound in the world............ contented horses munching on hay! I think it is seriously hypnotic and calming!
Click to expand...

very true, I could go to sleep listening to that.

and the smell of my mare's mane which just smells like home :D
and the way she makes me laugh DAILY with her sideways looks and general idiosyncracies
And finally the amazing feeling you can get when you have a fantastic bond with a horse zooming round the countryside :D:cool:
 
Lying down in the stable/field with both of them is always special. The trust my tb has now in me and lets me not only touch his legs, i can now apply creams! Only taken 5 years! When my id takes my cap off, pulls my hair bobble out and massages my head! Oh and galloping my tb (exracer)!
 
loads of things!!
but my favourites are when she does makes a wee squeeky noise when she sees me which cracks everyone at the yard up as its so cute and Iv never heard a horsey voice like it :D when stick her head through the space in the stable bars and turns her head sideways as she just wants to touch my face :) and of course when im on board and she's listening to me :)
 
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