@hollie @Rheall adding onto the competition that's not a black hole thing, maybe if you place well and get prizes you can afford better shampoo that visually looks nicer. Like start the game with a garden hose and the cheapest human shampoo and end with your custom crafted SkinSoSoft blend or Mane and Tail bubble bath ;)

Upgrading stall mats and mucking tools is often unacknowledged. Random health issues you gotta ask a vet about. Wash, brush, and hoof cleaning minigame. Maybe randomized trails

@hollie @Rheall having a horse is actually quite frustrating and a learning experience so there should be the highs of like actually connecting with the "virtual pet" over a good scratch or being excited to see you or obeying more, and the lows of a snake scare or bucking or external/internal accident/condition. Having the best gear and prettiest well behaved horse should be a reward for all this work, not default.

My mom bought a horse who literally ate fries and drank Coke and was insane lol

@Rheall @wilbr The horse I had when I was a kid was sassy as hell, I was ten years old and everyone kept telling me I was in charge and I was like are you freaking kidding me? She is definitely in charge. But she liked me and we were friends, so it worked.

My friend Stephanie came over one day and was all, "I'll show her who's boss," and I said sure, you do that, and watched Ginger buck her off four times before she gave up. (That friend is now a decorated female Army drill sergeant!).