02/15/2026
The reality of owning horses.
Unfortunately, it comes down to affordability. We love these animals with all our heart but so much of their care comes down to simply what we can afford. Which is a very real and very sad fact. To be able to just care for one horse is a blessing, but as any horse owner knows, basic care is the cheapest part of owning a horse. At the end of the day they are unpredictable, large, and flight animals. They do dumb thingsâŠ
The most terrible part is when the horses we love and work so hard for do something we simply canât afford to fix. Itâs seen in this field all the time. You get a diagnosis and maybe, if you went to a specialist and paid for the treatment, youâd be okay but can you afford that treatment, that surgery, that recovery? If only we could all be millionaires and could afford any surgery, treatment, or specialty for all our horses. But that is simply not the case for all of us. And it comes down to being a steward for your animal. The balance between what you can afford and the quality of life you want your animal to live. Because another real reality is, after those surgeries and that treatment, is it realistic to expect your horse to be happy if the only way for those treatments to succeed is if they NEVER exert themselves, NEVER run and play, and heaven forbid may have to be in limited turnout or stall rest for the rest of their lives to live âcomfortablyâ? What kind of life is that for horse? Especially a young horse.
All these thoughts play into your stewardship of your animal. You know your horse, you love your horse, and your vet knows whatâs reasonable and what they can do. Just another reason to have a relationship with a vet you trust that is on your side. These animals need a team vouching for them, and you are their first line of defense. I will say if time and again comfort IS care. But as a horse owner, you know where that line is.
As a bodyworker, and even more so as a horse owner myself, I will always prioritize the horse, in care, in honesty, and in helping them when theyâre in need. I will be a part of your horses team, my end goal is not the business, not money, itâs you and your horses comfort first always.
The strongest form of love you can offer your horse, is putting them first in all things, even the end.
