Are horses livestock, pets, or companion animals? It depends on what they are used for. In our case we most often think of horses as pets. Horses can be wonderful friends.

Big pets, that require space and the financial means to support the horse. Buying a horse can be expensive, but the horse's purchase price is not usually your biggest cost in owning a horse. Taking care of a horse, keeping a horse, feeding and providing for the horse's health, are all expensive.

Owning a horse is a big responsibility. The owner should be prepared to spend time grooming, exercising, and caring for the animal, or assume the responsibility to see that the basic care will be performed daily.

So, you have seen a few television shows and a couple of movies with lots of horses, now the decision is what type of horse are you interested in? It is important that you buy a horse that suits the temperament and style of the rider.

A nervous, fearful rider should have a calm horse that will not react in kind. A child should not have a horse or pony that will bolt. An experienced rider will want a sensitive horse that responds to the slightest commands.

Equestrianism refers to the skill of riding or driving horses. This broad description includes both use of horses for practical, working purposes as well as recreational activities and competitive sports.

Pony: A pony is a small horse with a specific conformation and temperament. There are many different breeds of ponies. Compared to horses, ponies often exhibit thicker manes, tails and overall coat, as well as proportionally shorter legs, wider barrels, heavier bone, thicker necks, and shorter heads with broader foreheads.Ponies are generally considered intelligent and friendly.

Pleasure Riding: Many breeders breed their horses for specific results albeit a smooth gait, head carriage, sure footedness, or stamina. Western is one style of riding. It is most commonly associated with cowboys and trail riding. The breeds most frequently associated with this style of riding are the Quarter Horse, Appaloosa, and Paint/Pinto.

Race Horses: If you love horses and horse racing, the thrill of owing a race horse can be very special. It will most likely cost you an arm and a leg, and the odds of winning any big money are small, but if you want the ultimate horse pet, buy a race horse.

And when you get tired of the racing, discarded race horses are well known for their second careers as show horses, police horses or pets.

Draft Horses: Watching a great team of draft horses brings back many memories of years gone by. Who has not marveled at the Budweiser Clydesdales pulling their beer wagon? Or enjoyed the winter excitement of a bob-sled ride.

Owing your own team of draft horses can be an ultimate set of pets. The American Cream Draft Horse is a rare draft horse, cream in colour and medium-heavy to heavy build, the USA’s only locally developed heavy horse.

The Draft Horse Connection has an extensive amount of information about breeders, equipment, farms and ranches, harness makers and more