For many riders, a horse is for life, so when they sign up to an equine partner they know they’re going to be in each other’s lives for a very long time.
If you’ve owned your horse for 10-plus years, you can probably relate to one or more of these…
1. It’s the longest relationship you’ve ever had
Partners, friends and even family have been and gone, some being in the picture for longer than others, but your horse has been by your side for the duration. You’ve lost connections, and formed new ones. You’ve dated some of the bad ones, some of the good ones and some you would rather just forget about altogether, and only a select few have ever met your horse. While you’ve had ups and downs with your horse, the relationship you have with him is the most stable (pun intended) in your life.
2. You know each other inside out
You know everything about him; his likes, dislikes, quirks and favourite treats. Likewise, he has a pretty good gauge of your personality traits and what makes you tick.
3. Though your horse still manages to surprise you regularly
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Just when you think he can’t possibly do anything to take you by surprise, he’ll throw in an unpredicted stop at a cross-pole, spook while on a hacking route he’s done 1,000 times before or will refuse to load. No matter how long you’ve owned a horse, they’ll always find new ways to bring you back down to earth, sometimes with a thud.
4. You sometimes get asked when you’re getting a new horse
Those on the yard who prefer to move on and change horses every couple of seasons sometimes question why you’ve stayed with the same steed for so long. Though deep down you know that if your horse was to leave the yard, there would be a huge hole where his personality was and he’d be greatly missed by everyone.
5. You’ve been through many physical changes together
Looking back at old photographs makes you cringe. Why did your friends let you go out wearing that outfit, and why did you ever think that hairstyle was a good idea? Your horse has also suffered a similar glow-up; the gangly, immature youngster has changed beyond recognition, and you’ve definitely improved your turnout abilities, too, which has sharpened the picture.
6. You forget how old your horse is
Sometimes you have have to check his passport just to confirm which year he was born and you’re always shocked. Where have the years gone and what’s the secret to his everlasting youth?
7. You hope you’ll make it to two decades
Your horse is your life partner and you just hope you get the opportunity to grow old together.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Former H&H showing editor and deputy features editor
Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.
