22/08/2025
Being a responsible horse owner isn't just about how you care for your horse on a day to day basis
It's also about how you care for your horse going forward. This depends on your individual situation. Sometimes, making big decisions feel difficult. The more you care, the harder it is. And sometimes, we lose the ability to care, because life has become so overwhelming
Ultimately, you should do what's right for not just your horse, but for your situation. And always, it will require you to be practical about a situation that is often laced with emotion
This may mean that you need to sell your horse or your horse may be in chronic pain and the kindest and best level of care would be euthanasia
So, when to let go of your horse or make significant changes? Here are a few examples
🐎When you are no longer able to continually cover the financial cost of your horse's care
🐎When your life balance is out of whack. Your priorities have become skewed. Your immediate family should ultimately come first. If you're letting their care slide, emotionally and physically, just to keep your horse, a serious and honest conversation needs to happen with yourself and those close to you. Chances are, your emotional health isn't doing great either. That isn't sustainable or healthy
🐎Your horse is in chronic pain. It can no longer stand properly to have it's feet done. Medication isn't helping and good care isn't able to be carried out anymore. This requires an upfront conversation with your vet and, you guessed it, yourself
🐎You've lost interest. And have done for some time. It happens. Don't beat yourself up over it. Losing interest doesn't mean you're a bad person. It means that now isn't the time for horse ownership. It may or may not be something for you in the future. Meanwhile, there's a wide world out there waiting for you. You shouldn't miss out on other experiences just because you've been told that 'A horse is for life'. I guarantee you won't be getting enough out of your relationship with your horse, and neither will your horse
🐎Sometimes, we just don't have the right horse for us. Doesn't mean you are a terrible owner/rider/human being. It just means you're not the right match with the horse you own. Selling a horse because you're not the right fit is absolutely OKAY. A chat with your family, trainer, vet, trusted friend are all valid in this situation. Again, it's hard to let go because you feel you've failed. You haven't. You can't be a one size fits all for every horse. Other people approach horses and situations differently, and their approach may work well for your horse. Stay realistic about your needs. Having a good match brings far more joy and happiness than a mismatch
🐎You have too many horses and have over faced yourself. At the end of the day, the majority of horse owners are not running their horses as a business and have limited time and resources. For some reason, you've ended up with 2 to 3 times as many horses as you need. Again, no shame in bringing those numbers down. There's something beautiful about building a relationship with that one special horse. Two if you have the time and commitment to do so
🐎You have serious health issues or your health isn't where it needs to be to properly care for your horse. Hopefully you have loving support in these times and can continue to be part of your horse's life. Horses are great healers. They can provide solace, peace and understanding that our human fellows cannot. There may come a time when you can no longer provide care for your horse. Reaching out to fellow equestrians, friends and family for support and solutions may help you with making decisions you never thought you'd have to make
🐎For women...you're pregnant! Congratulations 🥰 Give yourself permission to ease up on your goals for the next 9 months. Us equestrians are used to being tough and independent, having dreams and pushing onward with our training. Thinking we can and should do it all. You're growing a human. It's a big deal. It's down right flippin' amazing. 9 months will fly by. Be kind to yourself, your body is doing extraordinary things right now. Your horse won't mind the time off. And they don't forget their training. Ask for support if you need it. You'll have plenty of time to plan whilst you settle in with bub
Ultimately, it's a balance. If all is well, there is no negatively impactful neglect of time, your health, personal relationships, emotional well-being or your horse or horse's care, then you and your horse are likely where you need to be
However, if things are out of whack and having a negative impact on you or your horse or those close to you, it may be time to have a rethink about what is working for you
Thanks for reading
Wishing you a beautiful day ahead
