by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: March 04, 2007   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

WHY BUY A CHILD A HORSE?

Horses can be costly. Actually, the purchase price of the horse is not the issue. The upkeep is what adds up. Boarding, training, vetting and other expenses can mount up quickly. So why are horses a great way to invest in a child's development and future?

OUR STORY

At age seven, my own daughter developed a consuming passion for horses. When she turned twelve, after she had completed five years of equestrian lessons, we bought her a horse of her own. Owning a horse has taught her many things, besides the athleticism and exercise of her time in the saddle. Here are the top ten personal benefits we have realized together:

1) SELF-CONFIDENCE. By practicing and competing with her horse, my daughter has discovered that she really is good at something. In addition, she has won ribbons and prizes and the admiration of her friends. What a wonderful confidence booster for a child, particularly during those challenging preteen years!

2) SOLID WORK ETHIC. Caring for a horse has taught my daughter to work hard and enjoy it. From picking out hooves to mucking out stalls, horse ownership has given her an irreplaceable opportunity to put her hands to a task and complete it.

3) INCREASED IMMUNITIES. Hanging out with horses is a healthy exercise. Stepping out of sterile environments can actually build immunities, particularly to snobbery. Spending days at the stables, my daughter has learned that getting really dirty can sometimes be a good thing.

4) SELF CONTROL. By training a horse and being trained by him, my child has practiced self control and discipline. After all, horses require consistency, attention, and exercise regularly, not just when the weather is ideal.

5) PATIENCE. Training takes time, particularly with animals. Partnering with a large animal and lovingly bending his will to her own, she discovered how to wait and capture teachable moments as they arose. I firmly believe horse ownership will make my daughter a more patient and caring parent someday.

6) UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE. This quiet gelding has offered my child unswerving loyalty and kindness, while becoming a trusted friend and confidante.

7) ALTRUISM. Over the years, as she has cared for this special equine friend, my daughter has been transformed from a dependent youngster into a responsible caretaker. She has learned to observe and meet the needs of another, even a horse. How can these skills not transfer to caring for others?

8) FRIENDSHIPS. Horse lovers know no age boundaries. As a barn girl, my child has enjoyed quality friendships with other equine enthusiasts of all ages, exposing her to the full range of horse breeds and riding disciplines.

9) RISK-FREE AFFECTION. How wonderful it is for a growing girl to discover that someone warm and furry loves her no matter what. Clearly, he is infinitely more deserving of her devoted affections than an immature teen boy with unclear motives.

10) BONDING WITH MOM. Because Mom got a horse too, my daughter has discovered that being at the barn together is way cooler than hanging out at the mall (or online) with friends. From a parent's viewpoint, this is an immeasurable lifelong benefit.

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