You seen these kinda deals before, let's try to think of the things a horse owner ought to/needs to know to really be an owner/rider.

1) How to properly saddle a horse. Given the right saddle and pad can you saddleup a pony so that the saddle sets right and is secure?
2) How to worm a horse without help. As a part of a regular program or because one looks wormy, can you figure the dose and get'm to take it?
3) How to clean a sheath. Yeah, it may be the least pleasant chore you can do but it does need to be done on occasion. You mind getting your hands wet and soapy?

Ok, I've listed my 3, ya'll ought to be able to come up with some too.

4) The real nutritional requirements of a horse. This includes realizing that just because it is green doesn't mean it is a pasture and just because it is in a bundle with twine doesn't mean it is hay.

5) A horse is a living, breathing, moving being...
a ) treat it like one
B ) a saddle should fit well and move with the horse, not just perch up there
c ) you should have a partnership with your horse, not just owner and slave.


Wonderful new topic NW!

1) treat your horse like you'd like to be treated in the same situation

2) horses have no concept of "win" or "lose", they just live in the moment

3) only crazy people do the same things over and over and expect different results

4) spend time with your horses when you don't expect anything from them

1. Know how to give shots. This is very necessary in case of emergency when your vet cannot arrive quickly.

2. Know how to properly take care of your horses feet and recognize when there's a problem.

3. Realize that every moment that you spend with your horse is training - good or bad.

Learn when to call a Vet, a farrier, a trainer and a trusted experienced horseperson. Never be to proud to ask for help.

Learn to observe your horse so that you know what is "normal".

Give your horse variety in his training. They are not robots.

Spend bonding time with your horse. Grooming, praise, playtime, etc.

Your horse should be eager to work with you. Learn and have fun together!

I think we are on about #18, so I will pick up with 19,

19. There is no such thing as a free horse.

20. Use your head, not your heart when selecting a horse to buy.
(ie, Attitude is worth more than color, as color is only skin deep. Is there really such a thing as a kids horse? What does broke really mean? If advertised as a ranch horse, ask if to see the horse worked on cattle, if they don't have any cattle available to them, well, you get the picture. )

21. Green on Green is not a good match. Green riders need experienced horses.

22. When it comes to advice, always consider the source. Not everyone who owns a horse is a horseman. Listen to all and observe and you will find those you can trust. Look at their horses to see who you can learn from and who to avoid.

23.) Know some basic anatomy. If you can't communicate with your veterinarian or farrier, they can't help you or your horse.
24.) Poisonous plants to horses. Keeping them out of your pasture can save your horse's life even though instinct usually kicks in, but not all horses have common sense.

25. Our Horses dont really "LOVE" us. They tolerate us, maybe respect us, Some times look to us for companionship but dont LOVE us.

26. You can "love" your horse to death (literally)

27. Buying the Horse is the CHEAP part

28. The more you learn with horses the less you realise you know

29) Treasure your time with her (or him) cuz when it's done, it'll never come again