Pets Information


What is It About Horses and Young Girls?


In a world of computer games, the Internet and shopping malls, what is it about this four-legged farm animal that seems to capture the heart of most of them?

According to a recent study by the American Horse Council, 1.9 million Americans own horses -- just over 4 million people are recreational riders and 3.6 million show horses. The horse industry has a $112.1 billion impact on the US gross domestic product: greater than the movie industry and the tobacco manufacturing industry.

Even with people mainly in cities, horses have really disappeared from daily life for most North Americans. And yet their appeal hasn't faded.

I wonder why.

As a youngster, I was enthralled with horses. I read books about horses, took riding lessons and all of my drawings were of horses. It's a girl thing mostly. I didn't come from an equestrian background.

It does have benefits. You learn to control a large muscle-y animal which may prepare you for being married to another version of one. A horse weighs about half a ton. You can't be shy around a horse. You learn to be confident and firm.

The general care of a horse which includes brushing, mucking out stalls and feeding gives you a feeling of responsibility. It's a healthier environment - a riding stable can delay the problems of dating and drugs. It 's a great physical activity.

In an age where teenagers find that television's problems are dealt with in 30 minutes, riding takes a longer, more dedicated approach. I think girls who ride make better drivers because you're trained to look forward and plan what's ahead. No one wants to get hit by an overhead branch on a trail. It' is a monetary investment but I think it's on par with boys playing hockey and the equipment that entails. Overall, I would say it is money well spent.

About the Author

Gwen Jones
http://www.equestrianboutique.com
Gwen Jones is an adult living in Toronto, Canada and rides when she can.
Equestrian Boutique


MORE RESOURCES:

New York Times

Back-to-School Blues for Pets
New York Times
Richard Hertzler/Associated Press Pet behaviorists say back-to-school season can be a stressful and sad time for pets. ...



Washington Post

Mother of Ohio man killed by bear favors pet ban
The Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The mother of an Ohio man who was fatally mauled by a bear has thrown her support behind an exotic pet ban being written in the state. ...
A Mother's Plea: Ban Private Ownership of Exotic AnimalsOpposing Views
Officials can't take remaining exotic pets after OH bear attackWTOL.com
Trustees on Exotic Animal Ban: Our Hands are TiedCleveland News - Fox 8

all 219 news articles »


MiamiHerald.com

Man broke into Boulder homes to save pets from advancing fire
9NEWS.com
He knew one of the owners, but the other people whose pets he saved, he says he is not familiar with. He says a friend of a friend called asking for help ...
Boulder-area residents open doors, hearts to Fourmile Fire victimsDaily Camera
Boulder fire a 'wake-up call' for Summit CountySummit Daily News
Survival tales, mitigation questions linger as Fourmile Fire ragesThe Colorado Independent
Real Aspen -LALATE (blog) -KUNC
all 2,126 news articles »


Hays Free Press

Pet Fest this weekend
Hays Free Press
Pet Prevent a Litter of Central Texas' Pet Fest is scheduled from 10 am to 6 pm Saturday, Sept. 25 at San Marcos Plaza Pavilion Park. ...

and more »


Are bobcats killing area pets?
Ultimate Pearland (blog)
In Friendswood's Sun Meadow subdivision, residents wonder if a bobcat is to blame for missing pets. Cats have disappeared, small dogs have been found dead, ...
Bobcat may be to blame for pet deathsabc13.com

all 5 news articles »


Actress forgoes first class to be with pooch
msnbc.com
Delta's policy indicates pets are permitted in the cabin, including first class. Delta Air Lines has not yet responded to calls from msnbc.com.

and more »


Phoenix family, pets saved after alert neighbor reports fire
AZFamily
PHOENIX -- An alert neighbor is being credited with saving the lives of a family and their pets. Just before 3 am Wednesday, ...

and more »


Oragenics, Inc. To Exhibit Teddy's Pride(R) Oral Care Probiotics for Cats and ...
MarketWatch (press release)
"We're excited to introduce SuperZoo attendees to Teddy's Pride(R), the oral care probiotics that freshen pets' bad breath at the source while gently ...

and more »


ZYTO Corp Discusses Record Breaking Revenue During National Teleconference
MarketWatch (press release)
Pets care is a significant market and ZYTO technology will bring significant value. We're optimistic about the future at ZYTO." ZYTO designs and builds ...

and more »


Man trying to save pet snakes Tased by police
abc7.com
(KABC) -- A man trying to battle a fire and save his pet snakes was Tased by police in Pennsylvania. Now an investigation is under way. ...

and more »

Google News

home | site map
© 2007