What I've Learned as a First-Time Horse Owner

Hello Reader,

If you have been following along this long, you know that I'm on an interesting journey as a horse owner that kicked off in July 2022 when I adopted Kodiak Jack.

The one question I'm asked often is that in light of what I've learned, would I still have adopted Kody, or any horse for that matter?

It is a fair question, considering how many bumps we've hit along the way -- and one that both horsey and non-horsey folks seem to take an equal interest in.

Like a human, a horse is more than their personality and looks, both of which swept me off my feet.

I didn’t realize how Kody’s past training as a racehorse combined with seven years of neglect and abandonment would factor into the challenges we would face in his health and performance. We dealt with some sort of lameness, behavior, or performance issue nearly every month for the first nine, which was not only time-consuming and financially stretching but downright wearisome.

As much as I love Kody, I often wondered what I got myself -- and my family -- into with this decision to adopt a horse for my own pleasure as well as business endeavors!

We finally rounded the corner at around 10 months, when we addressed his nutrition and treated him for ulcers. Both were game-changers! Kody is finally doing fabulous, with improved muscle development, a filled-out topline, nice looking coat, and moving through all three gaits much better.

Along with Kody's improvements, I also managed to overcome some of my own issues both physically and emotionally while writing the curriculum for Finding Calm: Helping Riders Navigate through Fear and Anxiety. I definitely thank Kody for that accomplishment! When I am with him on the ground or in the tack, my blood pressure comes down and my way of being in this world is marked by a new kind of calm and confidence.

Yes, this racehorse who could hardly carry a rider through the canter because of his lack of balance and this rider who was terrified to canter because of two significant falls, both grew alongside each other and now delight the canter together!

Yes, Kody helped me find my calm on the ground and in the tack, in part because he is a stable, rarely spooky, and generally relaxed horse. There is nothing “hot” about this Thoroughbred, which means I don’t have to keep my “guard” up with him or live in a hypervigilant state. It is wonderful! However, that doesn’t mean it is perfect.

Just like a human, when Kody feels anxious or frustrated, he becomes a bit obstinate and pushy . . .

Continue reading the lessons I've learned as a first-time horse owner on the blog . . .

It's a story all want-to-be horse owners should take the time to read. And if that is not you, you might just learn a lesson or two that relates to thinking about starting a new endeavor of any kind.

As always, I share my heart and experiences to help you arise, stabilize, and thrive!

Yes, I believe that is possible in every area of your life!

Peace and grace,

Lisa

Founder of StableMinded.us

I'm here for you.