Taking a horse to college?

[private-tender]

I'm a Junior in High School and am planning my future (ah! scary!) and I was wondering if anyone who did (or didn't) bring their horse to school would let me know if they thought it was a good or a bad idea in terms of work load with school + horse. Thanks!

[armyeventer]

I took my horse to college, but it was definitely a challenge to keep up with everything. I went to Midway College in Kentucky and we had a riding program. The school horses were nice, but being able to go out and ride (or just visit) a familiar face helped me my first year. You have to decide what you want to do. To me, it was worth it to have my horse with me.

[lovemyoldguy]

I took my horse to college. I went to Villanova (outside of Philly, about 30 min. from Radnor). Left my gelding at home freshman year, but was miserable without him. :no: I found a wonderful barn about half an hour from school, and my parents agreed on two conditions:

1) I had to get a job to pay for all of his expenses (as my dad said, "I'll pay for your college education, but I draw the line at one for the horse...")

2) My GPA had to remain at a 3.5 or higher. My non-horsey dad threatened to haul the horse home himself the minute my grades dropped, and he totally would have!

So I got a job as a waitress at a restuarant about 10 minutes from the barn, and brought my boy up before sophomore year started. It was the best decision ever! Taught me a lot about what I would and could do for my horse, taught me to prioritize and buckle down, gave me my mental health back .:winkgrin: Plus it was nice to go to the barn for a 10pm goodnight kiss after my shift ended.

I took him home with me b/t sophomore and junior years, but wound up living in PA over the summers and working after junior and senior years, so he wasn't shuttling up and down I-95 every summer. Overall, it was a fabulous experience for me, but I had to work hard (both as a waitress and with my course work) to make it happen. Hope this helps!

[flyracing]

My freshman year, I went to school locally, continued to work 35 hours a week and had 4 horses to ride and care for (2 in training, 2 of my own). It was crazy, but you'd be amazing what you can do if you prioritize. Really you need to ask your self if it's a good idea for you to take your horse to school. Any one can take a horse to school (and even do selfcare, I did it for 4), but you may miss out on some of the typical social scene. My closest friends are also riders, have horses or ride on the school team, so things work really well for me. There were nights when we'd be out to dinner but it was my night to do the night check and feed at the co-op barn, so I'd have to leave. My horse got really sick during finals last year and I missed a final while waiting for the vet. It's sacrifices you have to make and only you known if you are willing/ready for such things. If your horse isn't going to be a top priority, I'd say don't take your horse. There are students that board at the school barn that drives us nuts because they don't show up to feed on time or at all and won't clean their stall for 3 day and not turn out their horse for a month. Those things fall onto the rest of ours shoulders and (I doubt you're that way, but) those people shouldn't own a horse.

On a positive note, it makes a person much more responsible and gives us a chance to get away from the rest of the world for a while. You should know that most (responsible) people find freshman year of college to be much easier than senior year of HS. You have a lot more free time and instead of being at school for 7 hours a day, you'll have 2-4 hours of classes a day and daily 'busy work' homework is a thing fo the past :). If you know your priorities and work hard you should have no problems handling 18 credits, a 20 hr/wk job, and horse. I don't want to stereotype, but I have seen a big correlation between people that party too much and those that can't seem to take care of their horses and get decent grades (we know that because they get booted of the equestrian team).

I highly suggest making a pros/cons list and really putting some thoughts into what you want from college, particularly your social life. I think for me being at a school with a grood horse program really helps, because I have so many horse friends I go to school with. If your really worried about it, put your horse at a barn that is full care and is of a standard of care that you don't have to worry it you can't make it out for two days during mid terms or somethings.

Good luck!

[WorthTheWait95]

I would not have a 3.94 in an extremely difficult major if I hadn't brought my horse to school with me. He's my main stress relief and has really saved my sanity over the last three years!

I'm ridiculously lucky in that my dad pays for his board and care at a full care facility though so I don't have to worry about it if I absolutely can not make it out there one day (which is rare). I also work a part time job in a lab on campus (about 25 hrs/week) and carry 18 credits on average although this semester I have 20. Most people carry b/t 12 and 15 but I wanted to graduate ASAP, I'm graduating a full year early b/c of it.

[TooManyChickens]

I brought my guy to school for my Junior and Senior years. For me, it was a great decision. I was able to ride the school's horses and take 2 lessons a week for the first 2 years, so that way I got my riding in without having to worry about 'is he happy here... etc etc' when here I was trying to make a big new adjustment away from home for myself, I didn't want to worry about him as well. I could concentrate on school, get in 'the groove', have a social life and get used to the scene. Junior year I moved off campus, brought my guy to a great local barn that I worked off some board at, and was completely happy. I think it all depends how far away from home you end up moving, if there is a nice availability of barns in the area you are comfortable with, and if you can manage your time well :)

[Thames Pirate]

I'd have to say it depends.

If you are a good student with excellent time management skills, you can do it. If you go to a college for which you are overqualified, you can do it. If you don't care what your grades are, you can do it.

I would recommend against having a horse that requires daily riding. You never know when things are going to get crazy, and what about when finals hit? You probably want a horse that is fine with 3-5 days/week and that can go a week without riding (during finals or whatever).

I went to a difficult college, but I have poor time-management skills (I'm better, though not great, now). I wanted to try new things and enjoy the experience and the people. I didn't have a horse my freshman year (though I missed it terribly and rode over breaks). I recommend that for at least the first few months (maybe first quarter/semester). Get settled in, get to know some folks--maybe even horsey folk!--and try something new. See how much time you have, practice good study habits, and decide after that.

[WalkerEvntr]

The horses have been my saving grace in college. Without them as my stress release, my academics would not have done well. This past semester I carried 18 credit hours, plus a part time job, stayed competitive at prelim and ended the semester with a 3.9.

It is pretty standard for me to have two of my own and ride a few others. If you can find a place willing to let you work you can also let most of it pay for itself. To help cover costs, some people will do a half lease on their horse and split the expenses with another person. It mostly boils down to creativity when you are looking to do it on a budget.

Balancing school, work and horses is a bit tricky, but definitely doable. If they have been a big part of your life up to now then you won't experience that much of a difference and I would recommend taking your horse along whole heartedly.

[fordtraktor]

It depends on whether you envision your college experience as schoolwork + horse, or schoolwork + social life + horse. There is plenty of time for the former, but if you do the latter all three are likely to suffer.

I kept my horses during college and law school, and have no regrets. My schoolwork did not suffer, but I also had very little social life. I went to a small state school for college and did well enough to go to a very famous law school, riding 6 days a week at both. I did not compete during law school, mostly for financial reasons.

[Lori B]

Does your horse have good SAT scores? Has he picked out his major?

giggle.

[eloquence09]

I think the most important things to consider are:

A.) your financial situation

and

B.) your priorities as far as school/horse/social life go

I'm a senior in college with one more semester to go and I have always had a horse with me at school. Beginning my Sophmore year I had to take over full financial responsibility for my horse. I work a TON in the summers/winters to accumulate money and then during the semester I work 3 days a week or so at the barn and in exchange I get my lessons free and half price board (in an UL rider's barn). I jam all of my classes into 2 days a week so I can spend time at the barn on the rest of the days. I still find that I have time for a social life, but certainly not as much of one as most students here I'd say. I go out 1 or 2 nights per week and that's fine with me as I have little interest in going out to bars and that sort of thing. I got my partying out of my system my first 2 years (when I had easier classes and didn't need to study so much) and now I'm focusing more on my riding and on graduating. If your riding is important to you then you'll find a way to make it work. If you aren't so serious then I think you might find it a burden to have your horse along with you.

[maxxtrot]

i have had several college student board with me, it seems to work.
good luck

[technopony]

It depends on your major, I think. I'm a pre-vet student in an extremely demanding program, and my life consists of horse + school. That's about it. I don't party on the weekends and go out to the bars on Thursday nights, which I'm fine with - I would much rather have my horse! Especially if you aren't competing regularly or trying to qualify for something like YR, I really think its doable. I keep my horse 40 minutes from campus, ride 6 days a week and end up going most every day to deal with the little things like blankets, meds, farrier appointments, etc. Also, I miss my horse if I don't see her for one day!

The only thing is that to be as involved as I am with my horse, I not only gave up a social life but also involvement in campus life. This year, I was a member/director of several on-campus clubs and associations, including running the small 8 horse riding lesson program at my college. When things like farrier appointments would pop up, sometimes I had to miss meetings at school. It was pretty hard to fit in all the extras around my horse, so I'm cutting way back on those activities next year.

[cemcem]

I had a horse with me my freshman and sophomore years, 2 with me my junior year and 3 with me this past year...all boarded on campus.

I loved having them with me and I definitely would do it again...but I suppose it only really worked for me because I was in a major that wasn't SUPER intense, AND I literally have no social life...but I'm quite okay with that. My horses, literally, ARE my life.

If you are going into a more difficult major and you like to be social, maybe it isn't going to be right for you. You could always try for a semester.

For me, it was the best. Nothing like walking into the barn after another stressful day, to see three heads sticking out of the stalls nickering at me.

However, since I was at a campus dominated by equine people, if something came up with one of my horses (it frequently did...my horses have not had the best of luck over the years) my professors completely understood.

[hearthorse]

I wasn't allowed to bring my horse to school with me my freshman year, but after my parents realized the begging would never end and that they were paying board whether at home or school they gave in and I brought her my 2nd year. I went to NC State and there were lots of barns near by but ALOT more expensive than at home. The deal was they would pay what they were use to paying at home and I would have to make up the difference. The first few barns I was at I worked at the barn in the mornings before class a few days a week to get a discount on my board. It was hard but worth it to me. Im one of those people who can't "live" without my horse so I was willing to do whatever it took. Yeah my school suffered a little, well my attendance did! haha, on a pretty day I would sometimes choose barn over class but..... I turned out just fine! My parents always said we have 3 in college, 2 kids and a horse! I wouldn't have changed it!

[BestHorses]

I was one of those people who grew up with horses and had never lived without them. I didn't take my horse to school freshman year per my parents. I brought him up sophomore year.

I enjoyed having my horse at school, but overall I found it difficult. It was the first time I'd ever boarded because I grew up on a farm. The barn didn't have eventers or a trainer and I don't think I will ever like boarding. I had to work more hours to pay for everything. But the more I worked the less time I had to go to the barn!

I tried to do a few events but without anyone to help it was really hard for me. I was in a different area and didn't know the events, so on the way to one I got so lost I had to scratch because I was too late. Another event was running so late I still hadn't done stadium at 5 pm. I had to leave without finishing so I could study. I vividly remember getting up for one event at 2 am and my roommates were still up from the night before! For me college and horses did not mesh. After that year I took the horse home and stayed for the summer semester and graduated in 3 years.

[KSevnter]

I'm a Junior in High School and am planning my future (ah! scary!) and I was wondering if anyone who did (or didn't) bring their horse to school would let me know if they thought it was a good or a bad idea in terms of work load with school + horse. Thanks!

It is definitely doable as long as you put the academics first you will be fine. Horses and competitions will be there forever but you only get one shot at college. I brought my horse freshman year and competed throughout all four years doing several CCIs. I found it easier than riding in high school because the schedule is much more flexible, same goes for studying. I also felt like my social life didn't suffer either, but I lived with nonhorsey roommates and I did the normal college thing when I could, Thursday nights included.

Everyone is different, but I really didn't have any trouble making the transition. I went into college understanding that I was going to be a professional in something other than horses and my future depended on my grades not my placing at the last horse trial I was in.

[poltroon]

I had to sell my horse at the end of my freshman year. I was devastated.

It was a very smart thing to do.

College is only 4 years of your life, and it's an experience you will never be able to have again. College is different from high school because it's not just about going to classes and doing homework and taking tests, it's about meeting people and about opportunities to try out new things in life, and reinvent yourself, and getting to know more about the larger world in ways that you cannot when you have responsibilities to anyone other than yourself.

At college, socializing isn't necessarily about 'partying' but also about meeting people from different backgrounds, about finding out what people do at their work or lab, about making connections to professors who can help you and guide you.

You have the opportunity for internships, which can be local or abroad or at another university, giving you the chance for an intensive experience that you will not be able to do later.

To some extent, it matters what your interests are and what university you will attend, but seriously consider whether you will be able to be true to both yourself and your horse if you try to do all this at once. I was incredibly sad when my horse was sold, and I thought maybe I'd never have another, but because I was able to concentrate on my college experience, I ended up having a lot more control over my life and my financial situation, and in my 20's I was able to buy a very nice horse and do lots of showing and clinics and get great riding experience that would have been lost to me if I had continued darting between school and the barn on a daily basis during college, not doing either one especially well. And the horse was better off in a home where he got regular attention.

Your mileage may vary, of course.

[CatchMeIfUCan]

I'm with poltroon. I'm a sophomore Biochemistry major at University of Wisconsin-Madison. I got my first horse 6 years ago (I have been riding since I was 7 though) off the track. He is my baby, my best friend, and my once-in-a-lifetime horse. He is currently for sale and will hopefully go by the end of the summer.

You only have one chance at college in your life. It is an ENTIRELY different experience than anything you will have in your life. It is about reinventing yourself, networking, making lifetime friends, and deciding the path you will blaze in life. If you are taking time to study and are paying over $20,000 a year to go to college, you need to get the most out of it. Internships, research labs, etc are all at your fingertips and it is absolutely crucial to make the most out of those opportunities especially if the market doesn't shape up. Horses will always be there waiting for you. My school has a riding team and a great lesson barn so I can go out and get lessons once or twice a month on school horses if I want to.

I am lucky because my mom is allowing me to keep all of his sale money ($30,000) instead of paying her back for all the money she has put in over the years (although I currently pay his expenses). The money will be waiting after college (or grad school!) for me to buy a nice horse and care for it. As much as it breaks my heart to sell him, it is absolutely the best thing to do for both of us.

[Dramapony_misty]

I say leave the horse at home. A. for all of the reasons stated above (ie. getting the most "social" expansion experience out of those 4-years, focusing on studies, etc) and B. if you're going to a school with a strong equine program, you will not lack barn or riding time. I rode on 2 riding teams(= 4 practices/wk) , took lessons 2x week (was part of the course), and had a manatory 1 hr work session /wk. It was nuts.
C. by having not having your horse there, you will HAVE to ride a variety of other horses. This is a great experience and helped me tremedously since I've always had my own horse or pony at home so I missed out on the whole "lesson barn" experience.

I was lucky that my horse got to stay home and I wasn't forced to sell her.

[fordtraktor]

Wow, I don't agree at all that the best thing for college is leaving the horse behind. It may be -- none of us know you well enough to know whether that would be better or not.

Me, I would have been miserable forced to do the social thing. I was still involved in plenty of school activities, but never went out regularly. It is just not my style and I would not be happy doing it.

Internships, etc. are not the be all, end all. I never did any kind of college-related internship, and it was FINE. I did work hard to excel at school, tested very high on grad school tests, and had a heck of an interesting story about my work with horses during college to write about on application essays. I made sure my applications for school and jobs showed that I was an extremely hard worker that excelled at the things I focused on. That is what professional schools and employers look for, not whether you made copies at some government office one summer.

In short, you have to figure out for yourself what you want to do. Don't let anyone tell you that there is one "right" way to do it. If you want to make the horses work during college, you can. If you want a broader, more typical college experience, you can. There is no shame in either one. Do what you think will make you happy and suit your long-term goals.

[kdow]

I kind of agree with the suggestion to, if practical, go for the first term/quarter WITHOUT the horse just to get the feel of things.

A lot of colleges put on a bunch of 'welcome to college life' activities at the beginning of freshman year that settle down as you get into the school year, so you might find yourself with a lot of stuff to do at first, in addition to getting a handle on classes and finding out how your study skills hold up to college. (I know a couple of pretty bright kids who discovered first term of freshman year that their study skills were a lot worse than they thought, even though they'd done very well in high school.)

It'll also let you check out the area around the college for boarding places, and get a good idea of how difficult it would actually be to get to the various options. (If it's possible by public transportation, what the roads are like at different times of year, that sort of thing.)

It does also depend a lot, I think, on the degree you think you're likely to be doing. (I say think because these things do often change while you're in college. :) ) Some degrees do demand a lot in the way of internships and out-of-classroom activities to really be competitive in the job market after college - if you're pretty certain about what you want to major in, you could contact someone in the department once you're accepted and talk to them about that kind of thing.

[case solved]

It's a really personal decision but it's definitely doable, you just have to be willing to make some sacrifices. I took my horse to school with me and I think I would have gone absolutely crazy if I hadn't. He's my sanity. I did decide that I wasn't going to compete during the school year and I think that was really helpful, but I still carry 15 hours, work 20 hours/wk, and ride 6 days per week. It's just about finding a balance for your life and my horse was part of that balance for me. I'm still able to have a social life and go out on the weekends. If you're like a lot of dedicated riders I think you might find it easier than having your horse during high school. Just take some time to think about it, but if you want to make it work I'm sure you can!!

[boppin along]

I agree with the person who said there will always be horses and eventing. But the college experience is only there when you are young . and to experience it to the maxwhen you are with your peers in age.
I too grew up on a horse farm and was on my first horse at 3, eventing in mini's at 6 and competeing my whole life up to the highest levels and sucessfully.
I teach riding to kids, I ride others horses and I am SO ready to go to a new adventure of college this fall, without horses!
My tuition is so steep, 30,000 that I had better get the best grades so I can graduate in 4 years. My major is pre med, or maybe pre vet so there will always be horses in my life when I get out and I know my parents will always have horses in their lives so that is my answer and I can't WAIT!!!!!

[Wonders12]

I tell all the incoming freshman that they really need to do some soul searching on this topic. None of us can answer this question for you.

Are you willing to get up early on Saturday morning to be at the barn even if your roommates (or you) have been out, about, slamming doors, etc until 4 or 5 am? Will you get that paper done early so you have the time to go out and ride on that week when every class has 20 different things due? Are you willing to give up that Thursday night, or that day in class because you're horse is sick?

If you still think it is for you, I would wait until at least October to bring him (or her) up. You're in a new environment where everything will be different. It's enough work to move in, get used to college, deal with roommates, and meet new people without worrying about your horse in a new environment. (This also gives you a chance to scope out barns better.)

My final suggestion would be to get involved with a horse club in college. If they don't have one, start one. I did my freshman year and am so glad I did. They "get it" but your roommates won't. My horse went lame and they were the first people I called to vent/be upset. When I was in a car accident and couldn't get out to the barn, 2 checked on my horse every day and another drove me out there twice a week. Having that support system makes all the difference.

One more thing: be completely honest with your Professors. If you have a vet appt right before class, shoot them an e-mail just in case it runs late. Also, go to office hours (do that anyways) because they'll be a lot more understanding if they know you.

Good luck!

[kdow]

One more thing: be completely honest with your Professors. If you have a vet appt right before class, shoot them an e-mail just in case it runs late. Also, go to office hours (do that anyways) because they'll be a lot more understanding if they know you.

Agree with this 100% - I have a health problem (migraines) and I've found professors to be very understanding on the odd day when I have to miss a class or leave early, because I spoke to them about it right at the start and made arrangements for how I'd get any notes/assignments I missed, and how I'd hand stuff in if it was due on a day I missed. Plus I try to participate actively in class when I AM there, so that they know I'm an otherwise good student and not just making excuses. :)

(And trust me, they'll notice if you're just making excuses - I have a friend who is a professor, and she had one student who claimed the same grandmother died three times in one year.)

[Wonders12]

and she had one student who claimed the same grandmother died three times in one year.

I hate people like this! My first semester of college my grandma did actually die. She had cancer and was very sick for several months so I missed 2 days of class due to a "You better come home NOW" phone call and since I had to fly I wasn't able to go between classes. Then when she did pass, I had to miss 2 additional days (It was a 3 day per week class) and the professor nearly failed me.

She said it's stated in the syllabus that you can only miss 3 days, no exceptions. So students that lie about that stuff really make me mad. Because then those of us who do actually have "family emergencies" are punished for it! :mad:

P.S. Most professors aren't this mean. They're human, too.

[canadianbacon]

Wow, I'd love to know what schools everyone went to where the profs knew who you were, never mind actually noticed and cared that you came to class! The univeristy I went to took your tuition and that was that...

Horses and college can mix really really well, or like oil and water. It depends on you and your goals. I agree with those that said to wait a while before bringing your horse with you, even if it's just a few weeks to let yourself get settled in. Things that you think might take and hour can turn into all day affairs, like picking up books at the bookstore or any of the other orientation week things. I didn't have a horse, but I did find a barn to ride at because that is the only thing that kept me sane! If it is important to you, you will find a way to make it work :yes:

Best of luck!

[private-tender]

Thanks for all the input guys! I really appreciate it! And if I do take him, it most definitely won't be until after Winter Break of my Freshman year :)

[Albion]

Agree with this 100% - I have a health problem (migraines) and I've found professors to be very understanding on the odd day when I have to miss a class or leave early, because I spoke to them about it right at the start and made arrangements for how I'd get any notes/assignments I missed, and how I'd hand stuff in if it was due on a day I missed. Plus I try to participate actively in class when I AM there, so that they know I'm an otherwise good student and not just making excuses. :)

(And trust me, they'll notice if you're just making excuses - I have a friend who is a professor, and she had one student who claimed the same grandmother died three times in one year.)

Ok, there is a BIG difference between a documented medical problem & a (non-emergency) vet appt. I'd accept a documented medical emergency with an animal as an excused absence (I get that stuff happens & needs to be dealt with immediately!), but a routine whatever that you could've scheduled some other time? No way - if you've still got your one 'freebie' day to miss, fine, if not, points are coming off. I don't care if you come to my office hours - the point is to be IN CLASS and you are getting graded on your participation in class. Again, medical/family issues are another ball of wax - but routine issues (like 'Oh, I have to work at the same time as class & I'm going to be late 20 minutes every day') either need to be dealt with so there isn't a conflict or you need to find another class.

I agree with the suggestions to leave the horse at home for at least a semester to settle in. Having watched freshmen stumble through their first collegiate experiences (and having had to teach them while they were doing so!), it's a LOT to get used to unless you're at an exceptionally undemanding school - and even then. Give yourself plenty of time to get YOURSELF settled in at school before adding an equine into the mix.

[kdow]

Ok, there is a BIG difference between a documented medical problem & a (non-emergency) vet appt. I'd accept a documented medical emergency with an animal as an excused absence (I get that stuff happens & needs to be dealt with immediately!), but a routine whatever that you could've scheduled some other time? No way - if you've still got your one 'freebie' day to miss, fine, if not, points are coming off.

Oh, yes, I agree. Scheduling something which doesn't HAVE to be at that time doesn't excuse you from attending the class. Just like you wouldn't schedule a hair cut or a routine doctor's appointment during a class time.

But my point was if you explain to the prof at the beginning of term "hey, just so you know, I have a horse I'm responsible for, there's no one else to handle things, so if an emergency comes up I might miss class. Do I need a note from the vet if that happens? Do you want me to contact you if I know I'm not going to be able to make it?" then it's generally better received and less suspicious than if you suddenly have a major issue that happens to coincide with a project/exam/quiz/assignment being due. (And you know with horses, it'd be the WORST possible time that something would happen. 'cause they're like that.)

It shows that you're aware of your responsibilities to the class and are trying to manage your other responsibilities, and that you respect the prof enough that you don't want him or her to think you're just brushing off the class.

(I know someone in one of the other classes at my school now who missed a major assignment because he 'went away for the weekend' and was trying to convince the professors he should be allowed to do it with no penalty. And this was an assignment where there's assigned times to use the necessary equipment, too, so he expected them to somehow magically free up time when it was assigned to someone else for his use, just because he decided he needed to go skiing or whatever instead of using his assigned time.)

[poltroon]

Wow, I don't agree at all that the best thing for college is leaving the horse behind. It may be -- none of us know you well enough to know whether that would be better or not.

Me, I would have been miserable forced to do the social thing. I was still involved in plenty of school activities, but never went out regularly. It is just not my style and I would not be happy doing it.

Internships, etc. are not the be all, end all. I never did any kind of college-related internship, and it was FINE. I did work hard to excel at school, tested very high on grad school tests, and had a heck of an interesting story about my work with horses during college to write about on application essays. I made sure my applications for school and jobs showed that I was an extremely hard worker that excelled at the things I focused on. That is what professional schools and employers look for, not whether you made copies at some government office one summer.

What an internship is, does, of course, vary.

I spent a summer at an observatory, taking data and doing independent research along with another student from Portugal. My cousin went to Africa to work on clean water systems. I learned to ice skate and to play soccer and to juggle, all skills that serve me well as a mom and community member. I traveled all over the western United States on various occasions. And I still had my horse knowledge when I came back.

Being a college student gives you options of all kinds that are not compatible with the regular responsibility of horsekeeping. I am still kicking myself for not realizing all the things I could have done before I ran out of time.

And when I talk about social stuff, I really do mean the importance of getting to know other people, asking them questions, and making connections to find new experience. And I didn't drink: among other things, I figured every drink I didn't have was $5 I could add to my horse savings account. :)

College is about more than becoming more marketable - it's also about learning how to learn, which includes a lot more than what will be on the test.

[WorthTheWait95]

Maybe I'm the odd one out here but my horse was MORE important to me the first few weeks of college then at any other time. I went out of state and having a familiar face with me made all the difference. My horse arrived the day after I moved into the dorm and I'll never, ever forget walking into the barn and seeing his head hanging over the stall door. I've never been so relieved in my entire life!! It made all the difference in the world to me to be able to escape all the 'newness' of college by seeing and riding my horse. I don't think I would have had a 4.0 or made as many friends without him there that semester. I would have been way too stressed out and fried.