Many people think getting a horse is no big deal. You feed it, water it and then ride it. Actually, you've also got to know how to properly groom a horse and to take care of one. I'll give you a list of the safety needs for you and the horse and how to take care of one:

1. Horses are animals and need care, too. When you buy a horse, make sure you have the right grooming supplies and feed for the horse. You also have got to pay vet bills and ferrier bills (horse shoes, etc.). If you have nowhere to keep it, you can board it and pay monthly or weekly boarding fees.
2. Make sure where you keep your horse there are no wires hanging down, no cattle-guards are in the way, and the barn is in good condition.
3. Make sure when riding that you wear boots with heels.
4. Never give a horse a carrot or apple with your mouth!!! A girl was seriously injured doing that.
5. Horses spook easily, so make sure you are able to control the horse you are riding.
6. If you ever fall off, don't be scared to get back on.
7. Not all horses are sweet gentle giants. Don't let your guard down while in a pasture with more than three horses -- fights may break out around you.
8. Never neglect your horse. Go to see him/her often. Don't ride all the time or every day. Horses get bored of that.
9. If your horse is bored of being ridden, try longeing it for it's exercise. (Having it on a 25 to 35 foot line while it runs around you)
10. Never ever ever ever longe on a lead rope. My riding instructor had three bones broken in her face when she longed on a lead rope, the horse kicked her when it bucked or spooked.

Thanks for reading my article. I will have another one soon about riding sports. If you have any horse-related questions, y-mail me.