Around the holiday season, many people consider adding a horse to their family. It may be every kid's dream to own a horse, but horses aren't for everyone. Horses are magnificent animals - they are also curious, intelligent and require a lot of care. Stress the last sentence - a lot of care. If you feel you have the room on your own land or a reputable place to board your horse that's a great start.

Next, if the main caretaker for the horse is going to be your child, make sure he or she is ready for the responsibility as well as if you or other family members will be able to back the child up in the care of the horse. Horses need lots of attention, regular all-over grooming, special attention to their hooves and regular medical care - they need to be vaccinated and wormed just like a dog or cat does. Some ten year olds are much more mature than some fifteen year olds, you alone can judge if your child is ready for the responsibility.

Horses need good shelter and good food. If you can't provide both, a horse isn't in the cards for you at this time. Many people made the mistake of getting a horse thinking they could just put it out in their pasture to graze. It sounds great but what they wind up with is a very ill and malnourished horse. Horses in the wild have access to a lot of different types of food and horses in captivity need a variety of foods to be healthy.

Your horse will need to be worked with on a regular basis. Training your horse is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. To adopt an abused or neglected horse and turn him into a wonderful and loving companion animal through positive training is a wonderful thing and although it's not the right option for everyone - many people can still provide loving homes for horses.