Types of Horse Ownership: Where do you see yourself?

I've been around horses and horse people for quite a long time.... my whole life in fact. Due to my professions and experiences I've seen horses in all areas of the Equine world. From riding schools to racing stables and all the way to that ever dedicated owner.

People completely new to horse ownership.... to those born and bred with horses in their blood. It'd be in the thousands the amount of horses I've met over the years.

In each and every interaction I have with a human connected to horses I gain little snippets of wisdom and insights.

Today I thought I might share with you the types of horse owners I've come across over the years based on how they view the horses in their life....

1. The Doting Owner

This person has horses in their paddock purely for the joy of it. These owners often aren't riders, they merely enjoy the company and presence of the horse. These horses either want for nothing or experience subtle forms of neglect. Overzealous feeding that comes from a place of love but leaves the horse obese, unwell or so full of energy that bad behaviours become an issue. These owners often think of themselves first before the horse and will make important decisions based on their level of suffering, not the horse's.

Despite perhaps a sometimes rather selfish (not always) approach to horse ownership these horses are at their core fundamentally happy. They generally have their basic needs met - forage, freedom and friends. Generally they aren't shifted from home to home unless there is extenuating circumstances.

2. The Dedicated Rider

These people have horses purely for their own gain. They often compete to higher levels and have a high bar set to win. Whilst they may experience a "connection" with a horse, these people often have no grievances in moving a horse on when it cannot "perform" for them at a level they deem appropriate.

These horses are often physically fitter than the first type although aren't necessarily healthier. "High performance" feeds claiming to be healthy might give the horse a short term energy boost but may have long term side effects. In the name of the sport (or convenience or perhaps a bit of both) these horses often experience isolation from herd members with their owners preferring to paddock them alone out of fear of injury or the convenience of not having to deal with more than one horse at a gateway (a totally trainable situation I might add) These owners will lavish the horse with "the best of the best" of their financial abilities.... but only whilst the horse is performing for them. As soon as it can no longer do what the owner wants they're discarded, ready to make way for the next exciting new thing.

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3. The Horse Enthusiast

These owners dedicate their whole world to their horses. They prioritise the overall health and wellbeing of their horses, seeing them more as family than as a mere toy or an ornament scattered about the paddock. They dedicate their time and energy to pursuing information that will help them do the best for their horse and whilst they may compete or ride the horse does not have to perform at a level in order to keep its place in their world. These owners will make their decisions with the horse first and foremost - even when those decisions will break their own heart.

These horses are generally the happiest as all of their basic needs are met but they also carry a deep undercurrent of simply knowing they have a forever home. These horses are often the most emotionally regulated horses I meet.

4. The Elite Equestrian

These owners, like the rider, see the horse as disposable. They make their money off of buying, selling, breeding, competing etc. Depending on where in the industry they stand and how much financial backing they have will depend on whether the horse's basic needs are met or the horse finds itself in a form of neglect. I've seen breeders who pour their heart and soul into the horses in their care - ensuring that all of their needs are met physically, mentally, emotionally. I've also seen breeders who hoard horses resulting in emaciated horses with neglected hooves and overall poor health. I've seen high end trainers in multiple disciplines who will ensure the horses are well fed, well cared for and in good condition. The horses experiencing the latter obviously suffer but the ones well looked after... whilst they may experience the stresses of their discipline, I often see a hopeful eye and wonder will this horse land in a forever home.

As a professional I say all of this with no judgement - it simply helps me to understand how best I can help that horse in that home in that moment. I thought perhaps it may help others to find understanding when dealing with other equine enthusiasts and perhaps inspire others to reflect on where they sit when it comes to their horse.

Regardless of what level of experience the owner has - they can be in any one of these categories... some even move from one to another as their journey progresses. And the reality is, we need all of them to keep the Equine world going. If you identify with one of these types of horse owners I invite you to reflect on what's written. If it resonates is there something you can do better?

As always, for the horse. Jess.

Jess 🐴