The Reality of Equestrian Life: More Than a Hobby
Why Being an Equestrian is Not Your ‘Elf on a Shelf’ Hobby: It’s a Lifestyle
Being an equestrian is not a hobby you can box up and store away like a set of golf clubs or a kayak. It’s not something you do on a whim, and it certainly isn’t an activity that fits neatly into your weekend schedule. Being an equestrian is a lifestyle—a demanding, rewarding, and all-consuming way of life that shapes your days, your routine, and your very identity.
Is this your routine?
Every morning, without fail, I’m out at the crack of dawn feeding the horses. The first order of the day is ensuring their water is full, checking for any signs of injuries or discomfort, and inspecting their feet to confirm they’re in good shape for the work ahead. This is more than just a checklist; it’s a daily practice of care and observation that’s as routine as brushing your teeth, yet infinitely more significant because it involves the well-being of living, breathing beings.
Are you actively learning?
The truth about being an equestrian is that you never stop learning. Whether it’s a new technique in horse handling, an insight from a fellow horseman, or simply something that catches your attention during a quiet moment in the barn, there’s always something new to absorb. This is not a static hobby—it’s a dynamic, ever-evolving journey that demands constant curiosity and a commitment to improvement.
Hobby with no off switch.
Unlike storing your tennis rackets in the garage, this “hobby” doesn’t have an off switch. It comes with its own language—a language that even Siri struggles to translate—and it involves a level of responsibility that’s difficult to convey to anyone who hasn’t lived it. These horses are not just animals; they’re members of the family, and caring for them is a duty that transcends the casual nature of most other pastimes.
Contrasting equestrian lifestyle: inspiration for this post
The thought for this post came to me as I was cleaning the pens for my eight horses this morning. I watched a vehicle drive by, driven by a horse boarder who lives down the street but houses her horse at the stable. As I saw her drive by, I wondered if she ever feels a pang of envy seeing me out here, tending to my horses in a private space where they have the freedom to move from their smaller pens to a larger area where they can enjoy a leisurely hay lunch, much like horses would in a natural pasture.
The boarders’ horses, on the other hand, live in a situation that could be compared to a parked car—they’re confined to a small corral and only get to stretch their legs when their owner has time to come by. Perhaps she looks at my setup and thinks it’s the ideal situation. But the truth is, while it may seem ideal from the outside, the reality is far more complex. This lifestyle requires immense effort, dedication, and sacrifice—things that have taken me years to build and adapt to.
What it takes
It’s easy to envy what you don’t have. But living this life, committing to this level of care, takes a strength and endurance that most people don’t see. It’s a constant cycle of feeding, cleaning, managing the facility, and teaching classes—all while ensuring the horses are in top condition. It’s a job that leaves little time for personal riding or developing my own skills because my focus is on making it possible for others.
And then there are my customers—the ones who sometimes balk at the cost of lessons. They may not realize that what they’re paying for is the privilege of enjoying these horses, the equipment, the facility, and my guidance, all for a fraction of the actual cost. Maintaining these horses and the space they inhabit costs me thousands every month, not to mention the physical labor and emotional investment that goes into their care. For a mere $320, students get the benefits of all this hard work without any of the daily responsibilities.
So, when that boarder drives by and sees my horses with their space and routine, maybe she does think I have it better. But the truth is, you get out of this lifestyle what you put into it. And I’ve put in everything I have—so much so that sometimes there’s nothing left for myself. But at the end of the day, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Because this isn’t just a hobby. It’s my life. And the life of anyone who truly loves and understands what it means to be an equestrian.
The Right Way to Start Your Equestrian Journey
If you’re dreaming of becoming an equestrian but don’t know where to start—or how to afford it—you’re not alone. The idea of owning a horse is incredibly appealing, but it can also be overwhelming. The reality is that horse ownership is not only a significant financial commitment but also a major responsibility that impacts the well-being of the horse and your family.
What NOT to do.
Many people believe that owning a horse is the first step to becoming an equestrian. However, this can be the worst decision for both the horse and the new owner, especially if they’re not fully prepared for the demands that come with it. When you buy a horse, you’re not just buying an animal; you’re taking on thousands of dollars in monthly expenses, from feed and equipment to vet bills and farrier services. And what happens when life gets in the way—when money is tight, or you simply don’t have the time to dedicate to your horse? The horse suffers, relying solely on you to meet its needs, while you and your family bear the burden of an increasingly difficult situation.
I’ve seen it happen too many times. I’ve sold horses to students, only to watch those horses suffer because their owners couldn’t maintain the consistency needed to keep them happy and healthy. These students, who once dreamed of owning a horse, end up only coming out to see their horse during lesson times. And I can’t help but wonder—why own a horse that you can only spend one hour a week with? Why not borrow a great lesson horse, one that receives care from multiple people every day, ensuring it lives the best life possible?
What TO do.
That’s where my services come in. I offer a better way to start your equestrian journey—a way that’s not only more affordable but also more sustainable for you and the horses.
With United Mustangs of America, my horse handling science community, you can choose from two programs designed to fit your needs and lifestyle:
- Basic Membership: Includes four lessons per month, providing you with a solid foundation in horsemanship without the overwhelming commitment of horse ownership.
- Horse Lab: Offers the same four lessons per month, plus additional hours during the week to enjoy riding and working with the horses. This program allows you to dive deeper into the equestrian lifestyle, giving you more time to build your skills and connect with the horses.
By joining one of these programs, you’ll not only save yourself from the financial and emotional strain of horse ownership, but you’ll also give the horses a better life. They’ll receive daily care from multiple people, ensuring their needs are consistently met. And best of all, you’ll have me as your coach—guiding you every step of the way, helping you grow as an equestrian, and making sure that both you and the horses thrive.
Becoming an equestrian isn’t about owning a horse; it’s about learning, growing, and connecting with these incredible animals in a way that benefits everyone involved. Let me help you start your journey the right way.
Happy Trails,
Monica O. Knight
Horse Handling Science Coach
United Mustangs of America