By Erin Lowe
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Standing large and majestic, horses are fairly popular animals for students here as they have been friends to man for centuries. Today, though, they’re used for competitions, pulling wagons or carriages and riding. Athena is one of these horses.

Belonging to senior Avery Sanders, Athena is purely a friend. No longer a competition horse, Sanders said Athena provides a friendship like no other.

“I have had Athena since the sixth grade. I used to do competitions with her but I found out that I prefer just riding for fun,” Sanders said.

According to a 2007 About.com poll, there are about 13.8 million horses owned in the United States. Although that number is fewer than the amount of most common animals owned, horses still beat out reptiles at 13.4 million.

Sanders said she had just wanted a horse for a while. “I think my dad and I just wanted one for the longest time,” she said. “My dad had horses when he was young, so he kind of sparked the idea and I ran with it.”

Having a horse is not all fun and games though. “Be prepared for a lot of work. People never believe  how much work is involved, but my horse runs my schedule,” Sanders said.

An article on ezinearticles.com stated that “there are many daily responsibilities that a (horse owner) has.” The horse has to be fed with grains and chaff and also hay, sawdust should be provided for bedding it will need lots of water throughout the day.

A horse owner should also make sure the horse gets plenty of exercise, attention and love, according to the article.

Sanders said she agrees with that assessment. “Some days (Athena’s) kind of a brat,” she said. “But that’s okay because I love her.”

Horses should be washed before and after a ride. Their hooves should be cleaned daily with a pick and trimmed by a farrier every eight weeks. The most important thing is to make sure a horse is wormed and has check-ups at the vet. It will need a rug in its stall to keep it warm in the winter months.

“It’s my stress release to go riding. I love spending time with my horse. I hate to sound crazy but she’s got enough personality to connect with like you would a person,” Sanders said.

When asked if she enjoyed having her horse Sanders replied, “Yes. She is my pride and joy. I can’t imagine life without her.”