<p>["Quote: I call “BS”: Kids with horses, trailers, and rigs to transport them for equestrian events don’t get full-rides to Yale or any other selective schools that offer mainly need-based scholarships.]</p>
<p>In many parts of the country owning a horse and trailer doesn’t cost much, and it can be a way of life. Someone in our family currently has a horse farm on a limited income, on a rural property. A used trailer can be purchased in some parts of the country for $2,500 (or even less). Neighbors help transport animals too. Farm trucks can pull a trailer - you don’t need a special rig. Many horse owners will worm their mounts themselves, let them down in the winter to avoid shoeing fees, etc. The feed bill isn’t that big if you’re living in a rural area and aren’t going to a Starbucks or other typical urban/suburban haunt frequently. Many rural kids grow up doing 4H horse shows. Not everyone rides in horse shows, does dressage or equitation, or joins a hunt. </p>
<p>However, I don’t disagree that it can be very expensive to own horses in a major metropolitan area, or certain parts of the country. I owned a few show horses many years ago, and it was certainly an expensive hobby to board, train and transport them. Fortunately my kids weren’t horse-crazy, so my madness was brought to a halt.</p>
<p>Loved Colorado Mom’s posting #389. That’s exactly what happened with three of my kids.</p>