I'll see to his need for play and exercise,
and Love him, for that is the bind that ties.
I'll teach him and I promise to learn
His trust in me, I'll take time to earn.

He'll not be just a toy that I can afford,
that I forget, except to pay board.
I'll see to his needs day in and day out,
not leaving him in his stall to sulk and pout.

I know that I own him but he too owns me,
I'm responsible to keep him happy and healthy.
He is not a burden, but a lifelong friend.
Not one I'll abandon when his life nears its end.

It was my choice, not his, to have a  horse
From that choice his life should be better, not worse.
I'll not ship him off when he's too old to ride,
finding excuses and reasons behind which to hide.

Like marriage it was meant to last, not end in divorce.
For that divorce often means the death of the horse.
It is more like a child, the purchase a birth,
a being to care for, a life that has worth.

I acknowledge this commitment with honor and pride,
I'll care for this horse, he's not just something to ride.
If the day ever comes, when my promise I cant fullfill,
I'll see that he is placed with someone who will.