Have you always dreamed of owning your own horse?
In the United States, there are more than 9.2 million pet horses, and it’s easy to see why more and more people are starting to own them. Whether you’re an avid rider, a farmer, or just an animal lover, there are many reasons that you might be wanting to buy one of your very own.
Becoming the owner of a horse is a huge decision, and it’s crucial that you take into account the pros and cons of owning a horse before you start looking for one. Here, we’re going to highlight the ups and downs of equine ownership so that you can have a better understanding of all the money, time, and work that goes into this special bond.
Pro: It Promotes Good Mental Health
There’s nothing quite more relaxing and mind-clearing than going on a solo ride or grooming your horse. Horse owners around the world reap mental health benefits that come with horse ownership, including:
- self-esteem and confidence boosts
- decreased anxiety
- reduced depression
- increased serotonin production
- boosted mood
Owning a horse also increases an individual’s sense of responsibility, which can make life more fulfilling. All of these mental health benefits combined make horse ownership one of the greatest experiences you can have as an animal enthusiast!
Con: Horses Are Expensive
Not only does buying a horse itself cost a lot of money (the average horse sells for around $3,000), but the care, boarding, equipment, food, vet bills, and everything else all add up to a lot.
Horses are huge financial commitments, and if you don’t think that your money situation will allow for your horse to have a quality life, then you shouldn’t continue your search. The expenses of owning a horse can cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
While a lot of the cost associated with owning a horse comes from where it will live, there are cheaper alternatives to large barns available! Check out these simple small horse barn plans to see how easy building a horse barn could be for you!
Pro: It Keeps You Active
Horses are animals that require daily exercise, and they’re not the only ones that are going to be moving their bodies!
Keeping your horse active will require physical demand on your part, so be prepared to do some heavy lifting, go on long walks, lug equipment and tack around, and much more. The good part about this? It keeps your heart healthy and promotes a more active lifestyle that you’ll benefit from in the end!
Con: Horses Are a Huge Time Commitment
Do you work a 9-5 job and just want to go home to relax when you’re off? If so, owning a horse might not be right for you.
Horses are a huge time commitment because they require a lot of attention, care, and one-on-one training. If you can’t commit to spending several hours a week with your horse, then you might want to consider getting a cat instead.
Know the Pros and Cons of Owning a Horse
Becoming the owner of a horse is one of the most special, heart-warming experiences a person can have, but it’s also a substantial decision. That’s why it’s important that you’re aware of these pros and cons before you consider shopping for horses for sale.
If the pros mentioned outweigh the cons to you, then you’re a great candidate for owning a horse. Happy riding!
Did you find this information helpful? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our posts about all things pets and animals.