In a world of computer games, the Internet and shopping malls, what is it about this four-legged farm animal that seems to capture the heart of most of them?
According to a recent study by the American Horse Council, 1.9 million Americans own horses -- just over 4 million people are recreational riders and 3.6 million show horses. The horse industry has a $112.1 billion impact on the US gross domestic product: greater than the movie industry and the tobacco manufacturing industry.
Even with people mainly in cities, horses have really disappeared from daily life for most North Americans. And yet their appeal hasn't faded.
I wonder why.
As a youngster, I was enthralled with horses. I read books about horses, took riding lessons and all of my drawings were of horses. It's a girl thing mostly. I didn't come from an equestrian background.
It does have benefits. You learn to control a large muscle-y animal which may prepare you for being married to another version of one. A horse weighs about half a ton. You can't be shy around a horse. You learn to be confident and firm.
The general care of a horse which includes brushing, mucking out stalls and feeding gives you a feeling of responsibility. It's a healthier environment - a riding stable can delay the problems of dating and drugs. It 's a great physical activity.
In an age where teenagers find that television's problems are dealt with in 30 minutes, riding takes a longer, more dedicated approach. I think girls who ride make better drivers because you're trained to look forward and plan what's ahead. No one wants to get hit by an overhead branch on a trail. It' is a monetary investment but I think it's on par with boys playing hockey and the equipment that entails. Overall, I would say it is money well spent.
About the Author
Gwen Jones
http://www.equestrianboutique.com
Gwen Jones is an adult living in Toronto, Canada and rides when she can.
http://www.equestrianboutique.com
Before we talk about using the essential oils, we first... Read More
Dogs come in many assorted breeds, shapes, and sizes. They... Read More
Dog Travel SuppliesThe shopping part along for dog travel supplies... Read More
Hi,I'm Janet CombsMy mother bred and raised Bichon Frises for... Read More
You love your dog. You would do anything for your... Read More
Domesticated rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart... Read More
If you have a hard time in summer imagine how... Read More
Dog careAccepting responsibility of your new pet friend is truly... Read More
Making our lives better includes protecting our families, and also... Read More
Your dogs health is important to you. You show her... Read More
1) Why should I crate train my dog? ... Read More
Of all the aggressive behavior in dogs dog bites is... Read More
With all the companionship and love that our dogs give... Read More
Just say the word cancer and any of a host... Read More
If you have never seen a Shar Pei before, the... Read More
Aren't they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing... Read More
It is hard to get an early diagnosis of lyme... Read More
Carl Icahn, the hostile takeover master who was THE original... Read More
Dog obedience training starts even before you get your puppy... Read More
Dogs mature and age at much different rates, usually according... Read More
Yes! We love our wonderful and dear Pooches! We care... Read More
As a business, I've not been in the holistic pet... Read More
You want your dog to swim?We're going to try to... Read More
Puppies are a bundle of newfound joy. You've prepared the... Read More
I have a business card burning a hole in my... Read More
cleaning help near Bannockburn ..We've recently moved into a new apartment complex that really... Read More
Whether you are searching for something to say "Happy Birthday"... Read More
Over the past couple of years, animal rescues have been... Read More
It is very important to decide whether to keep your... Read More
The American Humane Society estimated that last year alone; fifteen... Read More
Well first of all I was always a cat owner,... Read More
Caring for a kitten is a lot of work. With... Read More
What is Canine Distemper?Canine distemper is a highly contagios disease... Read More
Since having a dog is such a common thing, do... Read More
Your dog's health is a very important part of overall... Read More
Buy or Adopt - That is the question.If you intend... Read More
Puppies are a bundle of newfound joy. You've prepared the... Read More
Obesity is one of the most important health concerns facing... Read More
So you'd like to know how to build a dog... Read More
Is your dog one of those that pulls at his... Read More
Just south of Snowdon, in the grey-stoned village of Beddgelert... Read More
Beaks, Bills, Face Knives, Beakers - whatever we want to... Read More
This is the story of my dog called Shandy. He... Read More
Dog Training CollarsHaving a pet means having to provide for... Read More
If you decide you want a purebred, make sure it's... Read More
Our pets depend on us for their every need, including... Read More
Whether you intend to show your Westie, or keep him... Read More
Goldfish HealthcareYou would think that it's unfair that such a... Read More
Moving is about as stressful a time as any in... Read More
A major part of a horse's diet is hay or... Read More
Pet |