How can I keep my patience and jealousy about not having a horse?

Question

I have been begging to have my own horse for a long time and how can I convince my parents for one when they are having a hard time with their money on bills? I did try to convince them to lease one but they said no. Now I am saving up for one but it seems to take a long time. I have ridden for almost 2 years and cant help it. How can I try to find one that wont cost so much?

Answer 1

look on the internet they are allways giving away free horses away

Answer 2

It is difficult, but horses are a huge financial responsibility. If your family feels they won't be able to afford it, they're probably right. The best thing you can do is be active at whatever barn you attend right now. Interact with the horses, get permission to help feed/water them, maybe even clean stalls and help get indoor horses in and out of the pastures (also a good way to make money). That way, you are involved with the horses more than just the riding. Even if you don't technically own them, you get to know them better.

Also, keep saving! Remember that, the more money you put aside, the better care you can afford for your horse in the future. You're not being deprived now: you're making sure you're set for the future!

Answer 3

I know how hard it is, I suffered through seeing my favorite horse up for sale and people coming out and riding her for a while. My trainer took her down from sale, but then last summer she had someone show her and was advertising that she was going to sell her at the end of the show season. I was devistated, but at the end, my parents ended up buying her for me. I rode for four years or so before I got a horse. We board her outside to help lower the cost, and I pay for alot of my equipment.

I would say to try to present the situation in a mature way, but if that doesn't work, just wait. Try to get as much experience as possible around horses - the more horses you ride, the better you'll get. A downside to having your own horse is that you get so used to riding one horse, you have flaws and riding another horse can expose your weaknesses.

Things will work out in the end - I know it's hard, I cried myself to sleep for many days about this horse when she was up for sale, since I had been riding her for around four years. Stay strong and try to keep positive, you'll get a horse someday.

Answer 4

I am in the same situation bud! But unlike you I have only ridden two times-lol. Anyway..... I have loved horses sense I was two and always wanted one. But, first of all, consider how much land you have. Theeen start looking for cheep but good horses. The best horse for a cheap price you could get is one from a rescue sanctuary thing. ( Sorry, I don't specificly know what it's called ) And look for a shaggyish horse. When you find one, if it's a resonable price buy it ,if you have convinsed your parents obviously! Don't be fooled. If you take care of it and exersise it..........it won't start looking to shaggy. good luck!

Answer 5

I can remember being in that situation - it's not a lot of fun .What you need to do is to dig in and start helping out at the stables - don't just be a weekend rider - be a weekend helper. Helpers very often get free rides and you will also gain loads of practical experience. Riding schools tend to be a hub of activity - people with their own horses will visit them and you could land a proper paying job as a result or you could be asked to help a friend of theirs out and that could lead to anything.

Keep saving and quit bugging your parents - if they don't have the money to do it then constantly harping about it is just going to annoy them and make them feel bad.

I have been there and done that - scrounged for rides and spent days shovelling. Helped out by exercising a horse for someone and got given the horse.

Work hard and don't give up on your dreams - they can come true.

Answer 6

i waited years before i got mine.

use the time to work at livery yards/riding shools in exchange for free rides and use the time to get as much experience in horse ownership as you can, it will also help make it more clearer for you on the upkeep of a horse, feeding, chores, vets costs, what they need and when, help you recognize illnesses and how to deal with them until the vet arrives, and also give you more of an idea on what sort of horse you would like when the time comes for you to have your own. it's good that you feel confident enough to have your own, but you can never stop learning.

i've been riding 18 years and still learning!

xx

Answer 7

hun, you just have to wait it out. ive been riding since i was 3...so for almost 13 years now and im not getting my first horse for another two months.

Answer 8

The only way to convince them is to go get a job and earn enough money on a steady basis to pay for a horse.  I always wanted one as a kid my self and The boarding of a horse alone is out of this world.  Not to mention the vet and feed bills along with the shoeing.  Not even thinking of all of these things you also will run into needing a horse trailer and a truck to tow it.  When you have all those things taken care of on your own I am sure that your parents will reconsider your sincerity in wanting a horse.  Right now everyone is struggling just to make ends meet let alone pay for unnecessary extras.  Remember your parents are thinking about your future and more then likely want you to go to college and that costs big bucks.  Try over a Hundred thousand a year.  Consider yourself lucky that you get to go riding horses there are plenty of kids that do not get to go out and do even that.  Good luck to you and your bid for a horse.

Answer 9

If your parents can't afford to get you a horse (and pay for it's upkeep) then there's really nothing you can do to convince them.  It would be best if you could avoid bringing it up at all because I am sure they're well aware that you'd love to have a horse, and if money was no issue, they'd love to get one for you.  But, if they're having trouble paying the basic bills, there's no way there's money available for you to have a horse.  Don't make them feel guilty about it if they really can't afford it.  You're lucky to be getting riding lessons.  It's not the initial purchase price of the horse that you have to think about, but the cost to board it, vet, farrier, tack, etc.

Instead, see if you can do some work at the stables you ride at in exchange for more frequent riding - either more lessons, or just some practice time on your own.  This will cost your parents nothing except maybe some extra gas to drive you to/from the barn.

To keep your patience, you can remind yourself of the positives of taking lessons:  you get to ride a variety of horses (probably) instead of only one, which will help to increase your skills.  You are probably riding a much better trained and patient horse than you could afford to buy.  Then of course, it costs much less.  Keep saving and working towards your goal and you will eventually have it.