Owning a horse is a dream for many, but there’s more to it than just riding through the fields. Horse ownership brings challenges that often go unspoken. From the time and financial commitment to dealing with unexpected issues, life with a horse requires dedication and patience. If you’re thinking of owning a horse or already do, here are 15 things they don’t tell you about horse ownership.

1. It’s Not Just a Hobby, It’s a Lifestyle

Owning a horse is a full-time commitment that goes beyond weekend riding. Horses need daily care, including feeding, grooming, and exercise. This responsibility can affect your work schedule, social life, and even your finances. The time and effort invested may feel overwhelming at times, but the bond you form with your horse makes every moment worth it. It’s not just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle shift that requires your full attention and dedication.

2. You Will Be Called “That Crazy Horse Person”

Once you own a horse, expect to be labeled as “the crazy horse person.” Friends and family may tease you, and even strangers will make assumptions about your obsession. While the term may seem dismissive, it’s something many horse owners have to embrace. If people can’t respect your passion for your four-legged friend, that’s their problem, not yours. Horses are incredibly rewarding companions, and you’ll soon learn to laugh off any judgment.

3. Everyone Will Ask If They Can Ride Your Horse

One of the first things people will ask after learning you have a horse is, “Can I ride it?” Whether it’s acquaintances, friends, or even strangers, everyone seems eager to get a ride. While sharing your horse with others can be fun, the constant requests can quickly become overwhelming. You’ll have to decide when to allow others to ride and when to protect your horse’s comfort and your own peace of mind. Be prepared for lots of questions!

4. You’ll Develop an Obsession with the Weather

As a horse owner, the weather will become an obsession. Every day, you’ll check the forecast, constantly monitoring conditions to see if it’s safe to ride, turn out your horse, or even keep them comfortable. Rain, snow, and wind can affect your horse’s health, so you’ll spend a lot of time adjusting plans based on weather patterns. Whether it’s checking temperatures for rugging or worrying about storms, weather will always be on your mind.

5. Baling Twine Becomes Your New Best Friend

Baling twine is a horse owner’s secret weapon. Whether you’re fixing fences, tying rugs, or creating makeshift repairs on tack, this simple tool is indispensable. It’s versatile, affordable, and, frankly, a necessity for everyday life with horses. Before long, you’ll find yourself reaching for baling twine constantly, and it will become a permanent fixture in your pocket or tack box. Can you really call yourself a horse owner without some baling twine on hand?

6. Fence Repairs Become a Regular Activity

Expect to spend a significant amount of time repairing fences. Whether your horse has broken through the paddock or a storm has caused damage, fixing fences will become a routine activity. You’ll need to know how to mend everything from wooden posts to electric fences. The constant upkeep can be tiring, but keeping your horse safe and secure is a priority. Before long, you’ll have the skills to fix almost anything that comes your way.

7. Your Horse Will Have a Better Wardrobe Than You

It’s true: your horse will likely have more clothes than you. Horses require an extensive wardrobe, from rugs and saddle pads to boots and fly sheets. If you compete, you’ll need even more specialized equipment. And don’t forget the blingy browbands! As a horse owner, you’ll find yourself spending a surprising amount of money on your horse’s wardrobe, but in the end, it’s all worth it to keep them comfortable and stylish.

8. You’ll Need to Be Comfortable with Grooming Duties Beyond the Basics

Horse care involves more than brushing and cleaning hooves. As an owner, you’ll need to get comfortable with tasks like sheath cleaning for geldings and udder care for mares. These intimate grooming practices can be daunting at first, but they are necessary for your horse’s health. Thankfully, latex gloves make the process more manageable. These tasks will become part of your routine, and you’ll soon understand their importance for maintaining your horse’s hygiene.

9. Height Becomes an Issue at the Most Inconvenient Moments

Not being tall can be a challenge when taking care of your horse. Tasks like applying worming paste or brushing hard-to-reach spots will leave you wishing for a few more inches. Many short horse owners find themselves standing on whatever’s available—rocks, buckets, or fences—just to reach the horse’s back. You’ll quickly become inventive in finding ways to compensate for your height, and it’ll make you appreciate any extra height your horse provides during those moments.

10. Horses Are Like Toddlers: They Have Their Own Opinions

Horses are incredibly intelligent and independent animals. This means they don’t always go along with your plans. From refusing to pick up their hooves to deciding they’d rather not go for a ride, horses have strong personalities. You’ll learn to communicate and negotiate with them, understanding their needs, moods, and quirks. It’s a process of mutual respect and learning, and while it can be frustrating, it’s also part of what makes owning a horse so rewarding.

11. They Eat You Out of House and Home

Horses are voracious eaters. Between hay, feed, and any necessary supplements, your horse’s food bill will be significant. Horses eat a lot more than you might expect, especially in colder months when their metabolism ramps up. You’ll find yourself making regular trips to buy more hay, feed, and other essentials. As a result, your grocery budget will expand to accommodate your horse’s diet. A well-fed horse is a happy horse, but be prepared for the expense that comes with it.

12. The Barn Becomes Your Second Home

As a horse owner, the barn will quickly become your second home. The early mornings, late nights, and weekends spent at the barn will be part of your routine. It’s not just about riding—it’s about keeping your horse’s living space clean, checking their health, and socializing with fellow horse owners. You’ll spend hours maintaining the barn, cleaning stalls, and ensuring your horse is happy and healthy. The time you invest in the barn is part of the commitment to your horse’s well-being.

13. Horse Ownership Can Put a Strain on Your Finances

Owning a horse is a financial commitment that goes far beyond the initial purchase price. There are ongoing costs like veterinary care, hoof care, tack, insurance, and boarding, all of which add up quickly. The unexpected expenses—like a medical emergency or a broken saddle—can strain your finances. You’ll need to budget carefully, and sometimes, sacrifices may need to be made in other areas of life to keep up with the costs of horse ownership.

14. You Will Get Really Good at Horse First Aid

Accidents are bound to happen, and as a horse owner, you’ll quickly become proficient in basic first aid. From treating minor cuts to recognizing signs of serious health issues, you’ll learn how to handle a variety of situations. Knowing when to call the vet and when to manage a situation yourself is part of the responsibility. Whether it’s a scraped leg or a more serious injury, being prepared and knowledgeable about horse first aid will ensure your horse stays safe and healthy.

15. You’ll Experience a Range of Emotions: From Euphoria to Exhaustion

Horse ownership is an emotional rollercoaster. There will be moments of euphoria after a successful ride or training session, but also times of exhaustion, frustration, or worry. You’ll feel pride in your horse’s progress but also stress when things don’t go as planned. Caring for an animal that relies on you for everything is a huge responsibility, and the ups and downs are part of the journey. The emotional highs and lows are what make the bond with your horse so meaningful.