Once just a form of transport, they are now - more often than not - a form of recreation.

There is a certain peculiar lunacy that will send a horse person out into the teeth of a gale to check that their four-legged friend is comfortable, and that rugs haven't slipped. Or rising before the dawn to muck out stables and care for their charges before hurrying off to work so that they can afford to keep these animals, which sometimes enjoy better accommodation than their human owners.

The charm and allure of these gentle, trusting and often frustrating beings is a mystery to those who don't understand what it is to own and love a horse.

Frustrating because, if you wish to take a horse somewhere, and you have to be there at a certain time, you can bet your bottom dollar it will lead you in a merry dance as it cavorts around the paddock with its tail carried high over its back, looking stunning.

Then there's the high that you feel when you achieve a goal with your horse that has been such an effort, but made so worthwhile because of the effort that you have put in.

Horse ownership is a journey with many different paths, from dressage to camp drafting, and that's just the competition side of things.

There is so much more to owning a horse than the initial purchase and even that is fraught with perils. What sort of horse to choose? Price? Problems that may pop up - like a horse that behaves when you first ride it but changes into a wild-eyed bucking bronco when it's installed at your place.

There is more than one way to get taken for a ride. Worming schedules, hoof care, correctly fitting tack, nutritional requirements. All of these things are very important and a bit mystifying to someone with no experience with horses.

In between events, we will be running articles on practical horse care and tips to maximize your enjoyment.

Equitana tickets