Personal Narrative: My First Horse

Ever since I was four years old, and it came time to make my Christmas list the first thing written on the paper was my very own horse. Eventually, after years of asking and taking lessons at a local barn, my Christmas wish came true and I was the proud owner of my first horse. Growing up around horses, I can say for certain that the most important things I've learned in my life have come from a thousand pound animal.

Having a horse is a huge responsibility. No matter how you feel, tired, sick, or lazy you have a responsibility for that animal that can't be neglected. No matter what else I have on my plate, I know that my horse won't take care of himself. That means waking up extra early before school and stumbling out the door, half asleep to feed the horses and clean the barn even if I didn't feel like it. The kind of dependence that my horses have on me has taught me a level of commitment that I personally believe can't be matched by any other experience.

Horses have also taught me to be flexible and have given me a great deal of patience. I've had the privilege to ride and work with many horses since I started riding and if nothing else, it has shown me that nothing works all …show more content…
Talent helps, but it isn't what makes you great. Being a great rider takes years of practice and you never stop learning. Being a horse owner is extremely physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding and goes so far beyond just the riding aspect. Horses cost money; a lot of it. My parents have made me work for what I want and because of this, I got my first paying job at fourteen years old. I’ve always had barn jobs and because of this I’ve spent countless hours of my summers and school breaks cleaning a barn, exercising horses, and teaching lessons while other kids went on vacations or spent time with friends. No matter how hot or cold, the horses depend on me and it's my job to make sure they're taken care