Purdue News
Purdue News
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July 2, 1999
Owning a horse isn't all fun and gamesWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The healthy economy has given more Americans the chance to discover the enjoyment and benefits of owning a horse. But as horse ownership increases, so does the need to educate potential owners about the responsibilities and risks of owning a horse.According to the American Horse Council, 7.1 Americans are involved in the horse industry and 1.9 million Americans own horses. Since 1987, the horse industry has grown from $15.2 billion to a $25.3 billion business. Mindy Vaughn, administrative assistant for the Indiana Horse Council, has been involved in the industry for 30 years, and she has seen its rapid growth. She has also seen people leave the industry because they didn't do their homework before purchasing a horse. "The economy has been good, so people have the freedom to experience something they've always wanted to," she said. "But the problem starts when people get excited about finally being able to buy a horse and don't realize what they are getting into. This is a problem that needs to be addressed. "Often, first-time buyers aren't aware of the horse's specific health needs, which may result in high vet bills, a bad experience for the owner and possibly death for the animal. People will have a much more positive experience and will be more likely to stay in the horse industry if they prepare themselves for what lies ahead." It isn't any secret why the horse industry has become so popular: Colleen Brady, 4-H youth specialist with the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, credits the bond that develops between horse and rider and the relaxation both can experience when working together. In addition to providing relaxation and companionship, horses have become teachers as well. "It's exciting to have urban children exposed to horses," said Lucinda Davis, executive director of the Indiana Horse Council. "There is a natural bond between horse and child that helps teach the child skills such as discipline, responsibility, compassion and the spirit of competition, which contribute to their lifelong development." Horse industry activities include showing, racing, pleasure riding, polo, police work and ranch work. Horses can also be used as confidence and self-esteem builders for people who are disabled, or the animals may just be kept as pets. Vaughn says that even horses kept simply as pets require much more care and attention than a cat or dog. According to Mark Russell, Purdue professor in the Department of Animal Sciences, the problem is that some new horse owners don't know how to properly care for the animal. "People don't realize that owning a horse is a huge responsibility, especially if you keep the horse at home," he said. Horses can be prone to health problems ranging from abdominal and digestive to heart and circulatory. If a person doesn't know what precautionary measures to take or what signs to look for, a horse may easily contract worms, parasites and fatal diseases. Horse owners who decide to board their horses at home must understand the amount of time and work that goes into the care and maintenance of horses. Russell says the owner must:
Vaughn recommends that new horse owners board the animal at a nearby stable. "In addition to the professional training, lessons and quality horse care, there is also value in the social atmosphere of a busy barn, for both horse and rider," she said. "Boarding a horse at a barn enables the owner to fully enjoy the horse without the labor factor. Sometimes when owners keep their horses at home, the intensity of the work involved leaves little time for riding enjoyment and the pleasure factor disappears, which is why the horse was purchased in the first place." Brady, too, said horses have a social nature and are happier in a social environment, such as a stable, rather than being kept alone at their owner's home. For information about how to choose and care for horses, contact the Extension Service office in your county or read the online Purdue Extension publications about horses.
Sources: Colleen Brady, (765) 494-8441, cbrady@four-h.purdue.edu Lucinda Davis, (317) 692-7115, IndEquine@aol.com Mindy Vaughn, (317) 692-7115, IndEquine@aol.com Mark Russell, (765) 494-7677, mrussell@ansc.purdue.edu Writer: Naomi J. Haley, (765) 494-8402, news_students@aes.purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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