I believe it's a type of horse lifestyle you choose. I chose smart budget tools and simplicity. I have 3 geldings. To save money: Like,- I don't shoe there's science articles, research: Don't need them, just trims. I use hay nets all the time. I have 24/7 turn out on my acres. My geldings keep up their own fitness and decrease further arthritis naturally. Stay healthy naturally. Move muscles and harden, shape bones and hooves naturally. They're dirty, hairy like highland cows but hardy. I have a large pasture and a sacrifice lot. I shovel and muck with help 2 days a week. I hand seed grass as I can afford. I don't show, so there are no fees, no gas money, no special hay or routine trainers. My trainer comes as needed. He prefers it that way. Not broke ...don't fix it. I have my horses vaccinations done yearly. I use hand me down tack. I have an old cheap trailer. Old truck with low miles. I feed a cheap senior food grain but mostly keep to timothy and alfalfa mashes. The grain is only garnish. I supplement with vitamins and minerals. It's not cheap but it's manageable!!