Should I buy a horse and am I ready for the commitment?
Q: I currently share a horse with another person but she’s thinking of selling him. I’d love to buy him off her but not sure I could handle the responsibility on my own. What can do to prepare myself for sole ownership and calm my anxieties?
A: Part of your anxiety around owning your own horse may stem from inner doubt about your competence in this new situation.
If that’s the case, make sure you’re really familiar with the basics.
Owning a horse doesn’t have to be complicated, simplify what it is you’ll be needed to do.
They need to have enough to eat and drink, to be warm enough, to have the opportunity to get moving, whether by being ridden or by playing in the field, and to be loved.
As you’re already involved in caring for this horse, as long as he’s well and happy, you just need to carry on doing what you’re already doing.
If you’re at a livery yard, there will be other experienced people to ask if you have doubts over anything like injuries or feeding.
Of course, owning any animal involves responsibility but the main difference between sharing and owning is in your head!
If you have the time and energy to devote to this horse, and you’ve enjoyed riding and looking after him, recognise how lucky you are to have this opportunity and go for it.
