Fulshear-Katy Community Guide 2025-26

Horses IN FULSHEAR, KATY AND SIMONTON by Melanie Saxton

PETS

LIVING WITH

H orses have been part of the heritage and history of the Fulshear-Katy area long before the cities were founded. Locals relied on horses to help run farms of rice, cotton, soybeans, corn, sorghum, and pecans. Ranchers raised cattle, especially Texas Longhorns, with the help of their steeds. Some kept horses for racing, rodeos, and equestrian performances, and others for trail riding and the simple pleasures of spending time on horseback. Today, despite bustling development and state-of-the art infrastructure, the region retains its “country life” sensibility. There will always be a tinge of “Western” on farms, ranches, and acreage homes. Stables and boarding facilities dot the landscape, making horse ownership a modern-day reality. Living in the Fulshear-Katy area can certainly spark interest in all things equine, especially with horse-crazy youngsters. But stepping into stirrups is not something to do on a whim. In fact, caring for horses and keeping them healthy and happy is a monumental responsibility involving year-round physical, emotional, and financial investment. IS HORSE OWNERSHIP RIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY? It’s exciting to live in an area where horses are valued as pets, competitors, and even status symbols. If and when your children indicate they want horses of their own, be prepared to enter the equine world and a whole new realm of experiences. You’ll be spending more time outdoors. You’ll be making friends with horse aficionados. And you’ll be spending money. For instance, you might experience sticker shock once you discover the dollar signs of horse ownership. Although you can’t really put a price tag on the bond you’ll have with your horse, the reality is that keeping horses comes with basic expenses, typically feed, hay, bedding, equipment, tack (saddles, bridles, reins, and stirrups), vet bills, farrier services, and contingency fees for emergencies. You’ll be spending far more if the goal is to compete or perform. Getting plugged into the horse community is well worth the effort because you can ask questions and take advice from people who know exactly what you’re experiencing as a newbie. A community of enthusiasts will likely help guide you through best practices. LEARNING THE ROPES “Before you make any big decisions, be sure and sign your kids up for horseback riding lessons, English, Western, or both,” says Layne Spitzenberger, owner of Circle Lake Ranch in Katy. Founded in 1998, the ranch offers lessons, after-school activities, and summer horse day camps. “Not only are lessons a great way to introduce horses to kids, but they also help determine if owning a horse is right for you and your family. If your child is serious and you agree to sacrifice the time, energy, and money required to add

PIN OAK CHARITY HORSE SHOW — March and April 2026; the oldest non-profit partner of Texas Children’s Hospital. DUE DILIGENCE You might be chomping at the bit to bring a horse home, but first, have it examined by an experienced, licensed equine veterinarian like those, for instance, at Katy Equine Clinic in Brookshire. Horses need to tolerate and adapt to inexperienced new riders, and pre-purchase exams can spare your family future heartache by revealing behavioral concerns as well as ailments and injuries. The vet will look for musculoskeletal and spine issues, hoof care and gait issues, respiratory issues, dental work performed or currently needed, gastroenterology and digestive concerns, cardiovascular concerns, ophthalmology issues, and x-ray, vaccination, and deworming histories as well. PASTURE PETS Some people wish to pursue a simple life with a horse…no competition or performances, just fun and relaxation. Various degrees of horse ownership can impact your budget and the amount of hands-on work required. Horses kept strictly for pleasure on your own land are generally lower maintenance, especially if their only ‘job’ is to add an extra layer of beauty to your pasture. Or, perhaps you occasionally meander trails or saddle up for the kids or grandkids. “All horses have basic physical, emotional, and mental needs that must be met in order to thrive, and fulfilling these needs can help develop a child’s caregiving character,” says Layne. “Because horses are herd animals and need socialization, it’s imperative that they interact with humans and other horses at least twice daily.” Pasture pets force kids off their devices and introduce concepts of responsibility, discipline, and time management. The needs of the horse—exercise, grooming, etc.—come first. PROFESSIONAL BOARDING At a minimum, horses need shelter from sweltering heat, pounding rain or hail, and biting cold. Barn stalls or run-in sheds must be cleaned (mucked out) and kept hazard-free. For some horse owners, boarding a horse is the best option to ensure that daily needs are met. From full-care boarding to pasture boarding or self-care boarding, the options certainly make horse ownership possible for those without acreage or those who face zoning issues. Your stable of choice (or a private barn) can become a “hangout” or “home away from home” for your family as well as your horse—the place where you want to spend your free time. Sometimes, kids can take riding lessons at the boarding stables, making the experience even more convenient for everyone.

horses to your lifestyle, then, by all means, explore the purchase options.” YOU’LL FIND DOZENS OF EXCELLENT HORSE LESSON AND SUMMER CAMP VENUES IN OUR AREA, WITH SOME LOCAL OPTIONS BELOW:

WHIPPLE TREE FARM whippletreefarm.com CIRCLE LAKE RANCH circlelakeranch.com

PALOMA TRAILS palomatrails.com CIRCLE C EQUESTRIAN ACRES

facebook.com/circle.c.equestrian.acres THE EQUESTRIAN CENTER AT TWINWOOD theequestriancenterattwinwood.com

MAGNOLIA RANCH magnoliaranch.org

CYPRESS TRAILS RANCH cypresstrailsranch.com

Families can also foster or lease horses before buying, which might help determine if the chemistry is right and the compulsion to own isn’t a passing fad. Horses can be found through word of mouth or purchased on the market. Outfits like Circle Lake Ranch will often hear through the grapevine about horses available for sale. SIGNS THAT YOUR CHILD IS READY FOR A HORSE Are your kids eager to attend county fairs, rodeos, and horse shows to learn more about horse performance and behavior? Have they expressed interest in FFA, 4-H, or other livestock organizations? Do they want to learn more about the horse culture regionally and statewide? These are great indicators that your child is ready for horse ownership. Ask if your child wants a “pet” horse or an English or Western competition horse (jumping, dressage, or barrel racing). Will your child ensure the horse is visited at least twice a day, every day? Are they old enough to take responsibility for the welfare of an animal that could live into its 30s? Even more importantly, are they emotionally mature enough to part with a horse they have outgrown in either stature or skillset? KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THESE POPULAR EVENTS AND VENUES: FORT BEND COUNTY FAIR — September 26 through October 5, 2025 KATY ISD FFA LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO — February 2026 WALLER COUNTY FAIR & RODEO — Fall of 2025 GREAT SOUTHWEST EQUESTRIAN CENTER — Year-round events

92 FULSHEAR-KATY COMMUNITY GUIDE & DIRECTORY 2025-26 ISSUE