If you are contemplating buying a horse one question that comes up is what can you do with a horse or how can it earn its keep (so to speak). Some people think that horses are hay burners and that their options are limited to leisure riding only. This is not the case; while horse ownership is fun, entertaining and people get unlimited enjoyment from owning horses there are options to increase your use of a horse and your enjoyment.

The most common use for horses is leisure riding. Riding styles vary, but riding around your property or neighborhood is fun and enjoyable. Many local areas offer riding clubs where owners get together and ride trails together or even take trips to ride at state parks or other venues.

Rodeos and shows are another great way to enjoy your horse. Some owners start with riding for fun and enter the world of eventing and find it even more rewarding. Events can include barrel and pole racing at local rodeos. There are also Play-days and Gymkhanas where events vary and expertise is not always required, but fun is mandatory.

Participation is organized shows range from those for beginners to the experienced and the events range from halter shows to riding events. There are also the more advanced hunter/jumper shows and obstacle course events. A few of the nation’s top Olympic riders started in their backyard and with local events. Horses are also incredibly helpful in search and rescue and many areas also have a volunteer law enforcement program for horse owners to help the local sheriff’s departments. It is also fun to ride in parades.

If riding horses is not your thing you can still enjoy your horse in other ways. There are driving events that are just as fun as actual riding. Some areas have driving clubs and organized synchronize driving. It is also fun and entertaining to teach horses tricks. Some horses have toured the country with great success after being trained to count and spell. Recently on late night television a horse was highlighted when he was able to open a refrigerator and bring his owner a beverage.

If riding, driving or tricks don’t fit; you can work with your horse on a lunge line. This is a long rope that can be compared to a leash where you direct your horse to move in specific directions and speeds. There are events and shows that you can compete in on lunge line and it also helps with halter shows.

There are unseen benefits to horse ownership too. Riding is incredibly good exercise, it tones your legs, stomach and bottom as well as helping correct posture. In children, owning a horse increases self-confidence. Being involved with horse projects has been linked to decreased teen pregnancies, lowered risk of drug and/or alcohol abuse and other behavioral problems. Teen girls that own horses tend to be older when they begin dating. Horses have worked with troubled kids and children with disabilities with great success. Just being around horses can raise your spirits and watching horses at play or running in a field is uplifting and enjoyable. And the cost for all this enjoyment and fun can be as little as a few family dinners at a decent restaurant a month.

The benefits of horse ownership and enjoyment out weigh any costs. As the commercial goes horse $1500, boarding $200 a month, benefits of owning a horse Priceless. The next question is can you afford NOT to own a horse?

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