First, I'm not a "horse partner" and the apartment just isn't built for it either.
I've never been an 'owner' of a horse but I'
https://survivalblog.com/equestrian-survival-for-bugging-out-recon-rescue-projection-of-force-or-hunting-part-4-by-r-m/ve known several and called at least one a real friend. Don't assume that everyone who has a horse Should have a horse...
Horses are
very (emphasis) intelligent, understand human spoken languages and are able to make decisions when working along side a human. If they like you... so don't cross a horse if you want their help.
My opinion is that horses are roughly twice as smart as dogs and cats and all three animals are self aware, just on different levels. For instance, a horse will understand that the field you are asking them to plow will yield food for them later. Dogs and cats? not so much, but dogs and cats will guard you and be friends.
You must decide if you can work with a horse in your group, because they are completely able to contribute and understand. If you're not a "horse person" then please just avoid horses, they will pick up on your ambivalence and won't work well with you either. That was not a joke.
But from a prepping standpoint, horses have some serious advantages but carry an obligation in return.
I'll follow this multi-part article and update this post as more parts are released
Part 1)
https://survivalblog.com/equestrian-survival-for-bugging-out-recon-rescue-projection-of-force-or-hunting-part-1-by-r-m/Part 2)
https://survivalblog.com/equestrian-survival-for-bugging-out-recon-rescue-projection-of-force-or-hunting-part-2-by-r-m/Part 3)
https://survivalblog.com/equestrian-survival-for-bugging-out-recon-rescue-projection-of-force-or-hunting-part-3-by-r-m/Part 4)
https://survivalblog.com/equestrian-survival-for-bugging-out-recon-rescue-projection-of-force-or-hunting-part-4-by-r-m/[edit] This link is to a letter from a reader of the main article. It specifically addresses (and DOES NOT RECCMMEND) the use of Saddle Soap on any leather product. It also contains a recommendation for a leather treatment which can be purchased in most leather outlets.
https://survivalblog.com/letter-re-equestrian-survival-part-4/DO READ the letter for the reason why Saddle Soap is NOT recommended. I think it makes sense... Saddle Soap is NOT a leather treatment and will, in fact, cause leather to deteriorate in a fairly short time.