Economics

I read a commentary recently which expressed the view that owning a horse is not that expensive. Because I had recently been mulling over how costly it is to own an equine, this really caught my attention.

Reading more closely, it became apparent that the commentator was saying that horse owners do not need to spend as much money as advertising and various published instructions would indicate.

The commentator did assume an owner could afford a large pasture with suitable grass, health care, and thoughtful training. Beyond this, most supplements and many accoutrements would be unnecessary.

It was an incredible assumption and it demonstrates the income gap within the horse world. It almost made me cry, thinking of all the backyard horses that vanished during the recession, of the horses I knew who had to journey onward, of the horse-related businesses that I have seen fail, and of the stories we have all heard of horses abandoned at boarding facilities or in fields or along the roadside. An owner first postpones this farrier visit or that fee, and after that, unpaid bills can mount faster than it seems possible.

I will never forget how I once remarked that one reason I didn't own a horse was that I didn't have time to muck out and feed twice a day. An acquaintance responded with an eye roll and a laugh, "Well that is why you board them!" I could never decide if they were speaking from ignorance or arrogance.

Molly in September 2014

I learned what it cost to own an equine, and only purchased Molly when I was in a position to support her. Good fortune was largely responsible for that position. If my fortunes changed, would I be able to accept that in time to find her another home? How long would I wait, telling myself that things could improve in just a few days or weeks?

Owning a horse is a luxury, but the companionship of a beloved animal is not. My heart goes out to all who struggle to reconcile one with the other.