Tips for Horse Owners

Dear horse owners.

The area which we live in is indeed lovely peaceful and serene. Surrounded with beautiful nature and gorgeous mountains. It is sad for me however to drive around and see that some of the horses are indeed mistreated. They are locked for hours and days at the time in a small corrals. Sometimes I see that the corral does not even have a shady area for the horse to be under in the hot California summer days, or the winter rain. Unfortunately, I also see a lot of horses that are standing by themselves kept away from other horses. Keep in mind that horses are herd animals. They cannot be away from their own kind. I believe that it is cruel to have a horse by itself all the time. I believe that horses well being depends on the fact that they need each other for security, comfort and company. That need is in their nature, way before we humans got them as pets.

If you can not have your horse mix with others for whatever reason, see if it is possible to have your horse close by another were they can at least touch or see each other so they can communicate. I think that keeping a horse lonely, day after day, will affect the horse's behaviour toward itself and towards his human companions, as it will miss it basic needs.

I know from my own experiences with our horses, that once you let your horses enjoy each other's company, provide them with enough space to roam around or even run if possible, they will welcome you when they see you with a gratitude attitude as they will miss human companionship. They will be better adjusted, calmer and happier.
I do not consider myself to be an expert on raising horses, however, I do know for certain the basis needs those magnificent animals required in order to be healthy and happy. So I think if you think about owning a horse, or if you already own one, please educate yourself as to what are the basic needs for those animals are. There is a lot of good information out there (Pat Parelli's web site) that is easy to find, understand and follow.

Horses are sensitive, precious animals. They need love, companionship, understanding and affection. I truly believe that they know and feel if you truly care for them and when you do they will always love you back.

If you really love your horse ask yourself if its life reflects your love? Are you supplying your horse the basic needs? Is it comfortable, mentally or physically? Is its life is more then just breathing and serving you? Remember that all you need to do is educate yourself as to what it is your horse needs, not in order to be a good riding horse or a good workhorse, but more so in order to simply be and live like a horse. After all you are the one who chose to have it in your life.