Horseback riding cost?

Question

I was just brought to tears at how jealous I am of my friends who can afford to horseback ride. And it wouldn't bother me if it wasn't true that ever since I was three I wanted to ride, but unfortunately it is true. I am 14 I can't really get a job. I want to so bad but my parents arn't going to pay 40 dollars for a half an hour lesson.. So IDK! I am just so confused why it seems just me, I can't ride, and thats seriously all I've really wanted to do and it's eating away at me because I am not even just saying this, since I was three a horse was my favorite animal and its so hard seeing other people being able to do it and I can't... This is more of a ramble than anything else but still.. :( I dont know what to do

Answer 1

i wouldnt waIT,

riding is great and fun

my sister doesnt pay for her lessons because she helps around at the stable. (im to young 2 )

Talk to the stable owner and see if you can do some chores to get free lessons

Answer 2

You should try to find a place that would trade you rides for cleaning stalls, doing turnout, feeding, etc. Helping out around the barn is a nice way to be around horses and possibly get some free rides out of it. It's a fun summer job, especially if the barn shows. Being a groom at shows is lots of fun, but it's also pretty hard work. If you really want to ride as bad as you say, don't be afraid to get a little dirty and sweaty for it. A hard day working around the barn is all worth it when it comes time for your ride at the end of the day.

Answer 3

Maybe a barn in your area would offer a working student position. This way you could learn more than just riding. So many people are good riders but have no clue on how to actually care for the animal that they love.

Just call around and also check your local horse magazines or papers.

There are many barns in my area that offer these situations and it lowers the out of pocket expense.

Good luck and keep trying.

Answer 4

I know EXACTLY where you are coming from.

Your parents won't pay for you to ride but will they bring you to a barn? Do you live close enough to a facility to bike?

Many trainers with facilities work out working student programs, where you clean stalls, feed, or bring in horses to earn riding lessons and riding time. Even if you have to work for two weeks to take one lesson that would be worth it. And definitely talk to your parents and tell them you want to take lessons, are there extra chores you can do to maybe earn some extra allowance to go.

You are VERY smart not to ride a horse you aren't comfortable with. Some horses (like mine) will take advantage of someone not knowing how to ride by not working very hard. Other horses will take advantage by dumping someone.

Answer 5

off the top of my head, i can name a couple things you could do...

1. babysit/ pet-sit

2. lawn care / shovel snow

3. look into a working student position at a local equine facility

there's always a way to get involved with horses...despite the cost.  it will, however, depend on what your parents say, what you're willing to do, and what is readily availible to you.  talk to your parents about some options, see what they say, then go from there.

the wonderful thing about working for what you want...you will enjoy it all that much more!

Answer 6

my parents couldn't pay for lessons either.

i went around and talked to barn owners and made a deal. i worked on saturday and sunday (7AM-7PM) and recieved one hour free ride on sunday.

although, in the end, the barn owner was taking advantage of me after 3 years b/c I did more work than the people who got paid to work there and they got to ride whenever they wanted....oh well, if u want the experience, thats what i would suggest!

good luck!

Answer 7

I know how you feel, I always had the desire to own a horse, and i believe i was 15 when i got my first horse. He's a lot of work. As for you, i recommend looking at local barns. Ask the owners if you can volunteer for a little in order to be able to ride one of their CALMER horses. Most people will work things out. I don't know about getting lesssons though.. those can be pricey, but if you get to ride a horse, your dream will be coming true AND you'll gain experience as well.

Good luck hun

Answer 8

for some people riding just comes naturral-like it did to me- but you should ask your friends to teach you and let you come over for a trail ride or something!

Answer 9

Dont be discouraged everyone is in a hard time with money and most peope can not pay more for other luxuries. Look around for cheaper lessons. Me and my BFF ride for about 20 dollars a lesson. Which is pretty good. Good Luck on your search for your dream barn.

Answer 10

Look for somewhere cheaper to get lessons - that seems like very expensive for a half hour.

Be prepared to give up other things to get your lessons - discuss it with your parents, if it means not going to the cinema or whatever are you willing to do that ? Do you have pocket money or an allowance - can you use that ?

Just because they appear to have the money - don't take it for granted, it could just be that they are very good at balancing it out so they are never actually short - there may be little to none left over at the end of the week for all you know.

Ask at the stables - they may be willing to let you help out in return for a reduction in the cost or even ( if you are very lucky) let you ride free in return for work.

At 14 you can do stuff like cleaning cars and mowing grass.

If it is so important to you then you will find a way.

Edit - Okay so now I'm confused, you ask this but according to your other questions you own and compete a white Arab "brat" named Angel. WTF ?

Answer 11

ok, google cheapper riding places in your area. check your local paper. fitz joy isnt terrible i think, i hadd a birthday party their.

Answer 12

It's true, horse riding is very expensive.

Don't be sad though. When you are old enough, get a job, and save up. You can get a horse, and take a lesson whenever you have enough money. You can always ride your horse without a lesson.

Don't feel bad!

Edit: Even if her horse is a brat (many are) its still a horse to ride. If I didn't have another horse to ride, I would ride anything.

You don't have a horse now, and unless you win the lottery you have to wait. When you have to be patient for something, it means more.

If your too impatient to wait to be able to get a job, or you won't do some small jobs now, then I guess you won't be doing any horse riding.

To answer your question:

Your waiting to be able to earn enough money to ride. Only you can get the money.