Running vs horse riding (ownership)

The biggest difference between the 2 is that it doesn't matter if you are a Dellionaire and you run...it is no advantage.  Running comes down to genes and hard work.  Buying a $200 pair of shoes makes no difference and doesn't affect anyone else.

If you have $50K+ to blow you can go to Europe and buy yourself a badass dressage horse...doesn't matter if you can ride or even safely handle the horse.  You can still own it.  Having any sort of horse and not having any sort of horsemanship skills is a recipe for disaster.  That nightmare effects everyone that has to handle the horse.  I dealt with that sort of crap at the barn today and the owner of the horse felt it was completely justifiable when it refused to get on her trailer and knocked her over.   She just didn't get it when I told her the situation was dangerous.  Just made excuses.

When I see that sort of thing I just appreciate Mr Low Maintenance Riley all the more.