The author, a journalism major, reflects on their struggles with math and finds solace in the quirky logic of “horse math,” a concept that resonates with horse owners. This unique form of reasoning often defies conventional financial sense, where expenses like breeding fees and vet bills are overlooked in favor of emotional and aesthetic considerations. For instance, the decision to breed a mare to a more expensive stallion is justified by the potential for a desirable color outcome, illustrating how passion can skew financial decisions.

Horse math extends beyond breeding to encompass the value of gear and time spent at the barn. The author humorously explains how time estimates are often exaggerated among horse owners, with “just 10 minutes” translating to a half-hour or more. Additionally, the terminology used to describe horse ownership can be misleading, as phrases like “a couple of horses” or “a few” often imply a larger number than one might expect.

Ultimately, the author concludes that horse math is a playful yet complex way of navigating the financial realities of horse ownership, where the joy of riding and the thrill of competition often outweigh practical considerations. The piece encapsulates the idea that, in the world of horses, many problems can be humorously resolved with the simple addition of “just one more horse.”