Asside from the money issue, owning a horse is a LOT of work! My mom was usually able to have a "time share" on someone elses horse at the stable where she rode because she was a very good rider who handled a horse well, and the owner was happy to have someone else to exercise their horse a day or two a week so they didn't have to be out there every day. My sister loved riding and dreamed of getting a horse when they moved to a rural area. But it never happened, and I think now she would rather have the freedom to travel and spend time with her grandson and not be tied down caring for a horse everyday. They're wondrfull animals, but an owner needs a lot of time and dedication. Not for me.