News: ‘Chocolatier spends $45,000 a year on a horse he doesn’t ride’

That’s the headline from a story in The Globe and Mail about one wealthy entrepreneur’s equine indulgence.

Willem Hellema, owner of Williams Chocolate Ltd., says he enjoys watching his horse compete although he has no desire to climb in the saddle himself.

Willem’s Friesian stallion, Morris, competes in dressage at the Prix St. Georges level with trainer Karin Davis of Ontario.

“You don’t do it for the money. This is the only hobby I’ve got, and you’ve got to waste your money on something,” he told the publication.

The $45,000 figure includes board, training, competing, veterinary costs, shoeing and other assorted expenses including acupuncture, chiropractic treatments and tack.

Willem’s line of novelty chocolates includes chocolates shaped like a horse.

Read the full story here.