Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
dedication, a substantial investment of money and time, legal obligations, and a commit-
ment to the environment.
Your domestic horse depends on you because he can't take care of himself as a wild
horse would. Horses need care when they are idle as well as when they are actively being
trained or ridden. Their needs do not diminish if your interest does. During winter, when
you might be least likely to ride your horse regularly, he actually needs the most care. Here
are some of the realities of horse ownership.
HARD WORK
Many parts of horse ownership involve hard physical labor, not only the energy-expending
kind but the backbreaking kind as well. Shoveling manure, toting bales, carrying water,
giving a vigorous grooming, and instituting a conscientious exercise program for your
horse all go more smoothly if you are physically fit.
DEDICATION
When you own a horse, you must give a part of your life to the horse. There will be oc-
casions when you must give up other things you like—such as sleep, warmth, and com-
fort—to ensure that your horse receives proper care. Horses pick inconvenient times to
have foals, become ill, or get injured. It's not unusual for these things to happen in the
middle of the night, just as you are leaving for an important meeting in your three-piece
suit, during the worst blizzard your area has seen in more than 15 years, or moments be-
fore the kickoff of the championship football game. Even routine horse care will sometimes
seem to intrude on other plans. For example, your veterinarian may be able to make it to
your farm only on the morning of your best friend's wedding shower; your horse may be
seriously injured the day before you plan to leave on vacation; the person you had lined up
to do chores may become unavailable; and so on. The horse comes first.
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