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I've been thinking about doing this article for a while. I know I'm young, but I'm pretty sure that I'm a fairly good horse owner. I'm not saying I know everything, or that I'm the best, but I know enough for now at least. Patience, is the main thing for any horse owner. Horses are unpredictable animals, and if anything goes wrong, your part to play is to be patient and deal with your horse in a manner that you see fit. It really depends on the situation. this quality is especially important if you own a foal, or are training a young horse.
Knowledge, is important as well. Before buying a horse, you need to have enough knowledge on their care, or you need to get a professionals help. I've heard people tell stories of owning horses before they were ready; then the horse colicked and she didn't know what to do. The horse ended up dying. It is your job to ensure the safety of your horse, and if you can't handle that, maybe you're not ready to own a horse. Read lots of books, and better yet, learn from personal experience and a professionals help what it means to take care of a horse, or horses.
Flexibility, is also crucial.  You should be seeing your horse a couple times a week, to ride (or any other form of exercise , and to make sure everything is in place. If you're going on a vacation, make sure you have somebody to take care of him or her, like a stable hand, or a barn manager if you board your horses, and don't have your own place. If your horse is bad with a farrier (like my Robin), and the farrier is coming at the same time you have a dentist appointment, reschedule! The horse is most important.
Responsibility, is one of the most important things too. If you can barely take care of a dog (this goes mainly for kids, not adults), then you're not ready for a horse, for it is about 10 times harder to take care of a horse than it is a dog, or a cat, or most other pets. 
Understanding of your horse, is very important. Really get to know your horse and start forming a bond with him from the first day you get him. Instead or riding him, untacking, and putting him back in his stall, spend more time with him. Maybe watch as he grazes, walk him around on a lead line, and don't forget lots of hugs and kisses! Treats aren't necessary, and might even spoil some horses, but it would be a nice prize for your horse if you gave him a treat after a good ride.




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