Being a student is hard enough. From the endless assignments to the piles of textbooks to figuring out where you’ll go to another party, it can feel like there’s not enough time. But this becomes even harder when you add a horse into the mix. Owning a horse is fun. You can enjoy the great outdoors, hang out with your equine friend and ride off into the sunset. However, owning a horse as a college student is no easy task. It can be hard to juggle all your responsibilities while still living an active lifestyle, but we have some tips for you!
- Have Time For Your Horse
Taking time for your horse is essential to keeping them happy and healthy. Riding, grooming, and exercise promote a strong bond between horse and rider, and these activities also help maintain their physical and mental health. Whether preparing for a competition or simply spending an hour or two together in the paddock, having enough quality time is key to developing trust between you and your four-legged companion.
As a nursing student, I understand that having enough time to dedicate to my horse can be difficult with studies, work commitments, and other interests. When this was the case for me, nursing assignment help was invaluable in freeing up some of the extra hours needed for bonding with my horse. From relaxing trail rides to lunge lessons, making an effort to make sure our horses are happy and healthy can go a long way!
- Invest In The Right Equipment
It goes without saying that owning a horse is an expensive hobby. Between paying for their food and upkeep, coping with unexpected vet bills, and buying necessary equipment like a saddle or bridle, the costs can start to add up quickly! As college students, we often don’t have much money to spare. Luckily, there are ways you can save on your budget while still making sure your horse has the proper gear they need.
The first thing you should consider investing in is quality riding boots. While it may seem tempting to go after cheap boots that look cute but offer little ankle support, this isn’t the best option. Instead, try looking into more support options that also keep you comfortable during long rides outdoors.
Another item you’ll want to invest in is a sturdy saddle pad. These can help protect your horse’s back from pain and discomfort and keep your saddle clean and in good condition for longer. While there are many different types of pads, the ones made from wool tend to be the most popular choice among riders.
Lastly, it’s essential to have basic equipment that every horse needs, like feed buckets, hay nets, brushes, fly spray, treats, water troughs, and more! These items can be found at a discount or online store. Just ensure they’re high quality so you won’t have to replace them prematurely.
- Keep An Eye Out For Any Horse-related Jobs
Owning a horse in college poses unique challenges, but with the right attitude, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Not only does it teach lessons in responsibility and provide companionship, but it also comes with various job opportunities and financial rewards. Keeping an eye out for horse-related jobs can help you take advantage of these opportunities by earning extra cash to offset the costs of caring for a horse. From barn work to competing in events, there are various ways to make money around your college schedule. For example, if you’re already devoting time to riding or showing your horse during the summer months, why not look into offering lessons to other students? It’s crucial never to underestimate the potential benefits of owning a horse while in college. With some forward thinking and hard work, you may turn what was once considered an expense into a profitable venture!
- Be Prepared For Any Bumps In The Road
As any horse-loving college student knows, owning a horse and pursuing higher education can be an exciting but challenging combination. Juggling schoolwork, riding lessons, competitions, and other necessary tasks can be difficult, so it’s essential to be prepared for any bumps in the road ahead. As mentioned at Ibuyessay Blog, if your essays happen to come along the way, consider using a professional writing service to help you out. Many writing services offer top-notch academic papers written by expert writers, whether it’s an essay, term paper, or research assignment.
- Consult With Experienced Horse Owners
Last but certainly not least, it’s essential to seek advice and guidance from more experienced horse owners whenever possible. Whether you’re looking for information on what kind of feed or supplements to buy or how to find the best barns in your area, talking with others who know exactly what you’re going through can be a huge help. You may even form a support group with fellow college students who also own horses so that you always have someone to run to when dealing with tough decisions or difficult situations. With these tips in mind, there’s no doubt that owning a horse while in college can be an enriching experience!
Conclusion
Owning a horse as a college student can be challenging, but it’s possible with the proper preparation and mindset! Whether you’re looking to make some extra money or enjoy spending time outdoors with your equine friend, there are plenty of tips for success. Start by ensuring you have enough time for your horse, investing in the right equipment, budgeting wisely, and keeping an eye out for any horse-related jobs. And whatever bumps come along the way, remember that you’ll always have what it takes to get through them!
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.