He's not a pet, he's an investment

...no really, Honey.

That's how I originally presented Armani to my husband. That was the day I called my husband from the road, on his birthday, "Hi Honey, Happy Birthday. Can you meet me at the barn? Bring carrots. I bought a horse. " I tried to convince my husband that since he was inexpensive and rather green, that we'd train and show him and I could resell him in a year. "He's an investment."

Of course any horse person knows that horses are bottomless money pits. If money did grow on trees, horses would eat it. My non-horsey husband knew better than to believe me too. I've never let go of any pet I've had. But it's become my standard way of presenting horse related expenses. My saddle that cost 2x my original budget will "hold its value!". Registering Armani with the ATA will "increase his value". Going to dressage shows makes Armani a "marketable show horse". And I told my husband I need a truck and trailer for showing convenience. My instructor will start training Armani once a week this fall. That's just "investing in his training".

"Uh huh, sure. You won't ever sell him. You do what you want." my husband says, "You always do anyway." And he is right of course, on both counts.

So far my investment strategy is working really well, don't you agree? Think I'll be able to retire early?