HI Spy: What sacrifices have you made in order to have horses in your life?

Have you had to give up anything to ride or own horses, and what made you decide it was worth it?

1-Sep-10

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Participating in equestrian activities can be very rewarding. Horse ownership, with all its ups and downs, is an experience that can't be matched by anything else. Still, most horse people will admit that they've had to give up or go without certain things in order to maintain their equestrian lifestyle.

The most obvious sacrifice is financial. Horses are expensive, but the majority of horse owners aren't rich! You probably don't often dine at fancy restaurants and your idea of updating your wardrobe might consist of finding new barn jeans at the local thrift shop. While your friends are enjoying $4 lattes and shopping for the latest fashions, you're working out your farrier and supplement budget for the next six months.

Horses are time-consuming. Plenty of horse owners sacrifice lazy Saturday mornings to head out in all kinds of weather to toss hay, scoop grain and muck stalls. If you compete, you've undoubtedly had to pass up barbeques and camping trips in order to spend a summer weekend at a show. Even meeting up with friends for an afternoon can be a logistical challenge when you need to fit in a riding lesson or training session with your horse.

On the other hand, maybe your equestrian life has taught you to sacrifice evenings wasted in front of the TV or your previous concerns about going out in public with dirt under your nails (and in your hair, and on your clothes) and you're better for it.

Whatever sacrifices you've made, when you gallop down the trail, achieve a show-ring goal, or hear a friendly nicker when you walk into the barn in the morning, you know you've made the right choice.

Tell us what you've given up to have horses in your life--and why it's worth it--by clicking "Submit a Comment" below. Some of the responses may appear in a future issue of Horse Illustrated.

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HI Spy: What sacrifices have you made in order to have horses in your life?

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Lane    San Diego, CA 2/11/2012 6:07:55 PM The sacrifices I have made include not having fancy clothes, or fancy tack. I am happy with having my horse, and if I can be happy about that the sacrifices I have made are well worth it. Sarah    Chappaqua, NY 2/10/2012 4:06:01 PM Sacrifices I have made to have horses in my life, well not buying many things so I can save the money for lessons. Also, not doing certain things like having sleepovers with my friends so I will be well rested for my lesson in the morning. But for me, it's not a sacrifice I mean clothing or riding...it's a no brainer for horse lovers! sandi    clinton, WI 2/8/2012 7:07:00 AM There's no such thing as personal sacrifice. For me it's an every day compromise and the question, Who's needs are more important at the moment.Do I really need that box of donuts or Missy a bag of carrots.Or our big one now, does the 1994 Ford get replaced with another bucket of rusty bolts if the old girl still has a few miles left or does Missy get the newer Saddle she's so worthy of. Well that's a no brainer; walking ain't crowded. Becky    Prince George, BC 11/11/2011 5:41:02 PM With my horse, time and effort. But.........Nothing to complain about:)