You’ve met an ordinary member of the public, perhaps at a party, perhaps at work. Conversation has somehow turned to the fact that you own a horse. Unable to escape without looking rude, and realising that you suddenly seem a lot more animated, the member of the public is thus forced to ask you some polite questions about said horse. They usually go something like this…
1. “Do you know *insert name of another horse owner who lives in roughly the same part of the country as you. England, perhaps, or Wales*?”
What you say: No, I don’t think I do.
What you think: Yes, probably. Or at least, you know someone who knows them. That’s the horse world for you.
2. “Isn’t it terribly dangerous?”
What you say: There is always a risk when horses are involved, but there’s plenty you can do to minimise the chances of getting hurt.
What you think: Not really as your horse seems to spend more time on box rest than in work. Although the experience of walking him in hand after six-weeks enforced rest is probably more risky than jumping around any cross-country course. Any volunteers for a spot of equine kite flying?!
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
3. “Have you ever fallen off?”
What you say: Yes, but it’s not a big deal.
What you think: Yes, more times than I would like to admit. Time to replace yet another hat.
4. “Do you have to pay for stabling and feed and all that stuff?”
What you say: I don’t have land of my own, so yes, he’s on livery at a local yard.
What you think: No, he earns his keep with a Saturday job delivering newspapers, and actually I sometimes send him to Tesco on his own to do the weekly shop.
5. “Do you ride every day?”
What you say: Yes, of course. I’m no fair weather rider.
What you think: Well I would if he’d just stay sound for long enough… (see aforementioned comment about box rest).
6. “Do you do dressage?” *Looks really pleased with themselves for remembering the word ‘dressage.’*
What you say: Well, you know, a bit. We got placed at the Area Festivals this year. (Cue blank look once more from member of public.)
What you think: But if pirouettes and a floating extended trot across the field when you’re trying to catch him to be ridden count, then you’re Carl Hester and Fame.
7. “How do you look after a horse, and work full-time, and have a social life? I barely have time for the gym after work!”
What you say: Your horse/life balance is run to a tightly managed schedule.
What you think: Social life — what’s one of those? As for the gym — forget it! Your horse comes first and you sort of hope for the best with the rest.
8. “Have you ridden at Badminton/Burghley/Horse Of The Year Show?”
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
Amanda Vlietstra is a freelance writer and editor who’s worked for a number of national magazines and websites. Having thrown herself back rural living with gusto since moving from London to Buckinghamshire in 2012, she juggles her horsey life with work and two small children. She claims to do dressage, but really just potters about having fun on her 14.2hh Belgian Warmblood mare, Roxy. She also enjoys a good gossip over a coffee in the tackroom!
