Should I Lease or buy?

Question

I have been riding for the last 4 years, and have 3 years left in 4-H. My last 3 years of 4-H have been stressful and hectic with all of the "horseless horse groups" I have been in. (Having 6 kids per horse, leaving no time to 'warm up' before shows, and having problems with the teachers favoring one kid and giving them more time with the horse). After this final fair, my parents have decided to make my last 3 years of 4-H (and High school) a worthwhile experience before I go off to college. This next October I will turn 16, and get a job to help with finances. My plan is to have my parents pay for the lease or board, while I pay for the extras. Here's where my problem comes in. I have been pondering this for the longest time but can't decide weather to lease or buy a horse. My situation in perspective, which one would be best for me?

Thanks :]

Answer 1

my friend found a horse that was lease-to-own... basically she leased him for a couple months before they decided if they wanted to buy him or not... you may want to find someone who is willing to do that and then you can lease the first year and decide if buying is worthwhile for the other two. also, if you do buy and your parents are going to make you sell the horse before college [as my parents are saying i have to either sell my mare or bring her with me, idk if youre in that situation] then you will be able to put the money towards college if you have to pay for that [as i have to.. lol]

Answer 2

Lease unless you can take the horse to college

Answer 3

I know it seems like forever away, but i would wait till you are done college to buy a horse. It will help you focus on school better and pay expenses too. I would just lease a horse for now. It will be pretty much just like owning one if you are the only one who leases. That way you can get a good idea as to whether you are ready to own a horse just yet!

I know it seems like no fun but i would wait if I were in your shoes.

Hope I helped

Nicole! :D

Answer 4

I would recomend buying, that way you aren't just throwing away your money

Answer 5

i would lease for awhile then buy a horse

Answer 6

What do you plan to do once you graduate and go to college? Are you going for a horse program? Would you be able to take your horse with you and afford to board him somewhere? It's so common to see horses for sale because the kids "lost interest" or "went to college/don't have time"...when I went to college, I went for Equine Industries Mgmt. and was able to bring my horse with me and board him at a farm nearby. But I must tell you, it was expensive and a lot of work; had a full school load and 2 part-time jobs...so this would be some stuff to consider. Leasing might be your better option, based on what you plan to do come college time.

Answer 7

Lease then buy. See if your really ready! Congrats by the way I just got my horse about a month ago (first one!!!) and worked my butt off for the past 4 years too!!!

Answer 8

lease...this way you still have the option of buying and when you go off to college it can be extremely hard to get rid of a horse...and its bad for the horse to keep it if you cant ride it often

Answer 9

Lots of horses for sale have owners that have an option to lease the horse for a "trial period", then buy. Some even let you lease the horse, paying a certain amount each month, until you've paid your way into buying it.

Leasing is a great option for first-time horse buyers because it gives them the responsibility of a horse, without some of the pressures. You also get to know the horse very well and make sure you're ready to pay for it fully. Buying is the next step.

I strongly suggest leasing first. It's the best way to learn how to own a horse. Even if you think riding at 4-H and shows and stuff is almost like owning a horse, it's really not. Lease first! :)

Answer 10

It realy depends.  They  both have pros and cons.  Buying you are completly responsable for everything.  Which can be a pro and a con.  You never know what could happen. Then what happens when you go off to college, do you plan on selling the horse then, it can be hard to let go then.    Leasing is a good way to start, it shows you what the responsablities of taking care of a horse with out actullay owning it. The con is you don't own the horse, it could get sold, the owner could move the horse to an othe barn, or decide not to lease the horse out any more.  

Answer 11

cant go wrong with buying then it will be your if you lease you will have to give it back wasting money.

Answer 12

to get used to having a horse i think you should lease first like for a couple of months then buy a more advanced horse. thats what i did

Answer 13

I would definitely say lease. It wouldn't be fair to the horse to get ridden a lot for two or three years and then just put aside as you went on with your education. I commuted an hour there and back to school my first year just so I could spend more time with my horse, and I'm coming home every Friday-Sunday to see him this year. I am totally committed to this and will never choose to stay on campus instead of seeing my horse. Leasing provides you with more money to save up for a horse in the future as well as some leniency if you go to college far away or don't have as much time to be with your horse anymore.

Answer 14

I suggest if you are planning to bond with this animal for any events to buy. You can always sale later if you find yourself in a situation that you need to move. Animals form bonds and even if you are not at home for a while, You have a family that will love your horse and take care of it properly.

Answer 15

If you are going to go off to colledge and not be able to keep your horse then i would say lease if not you definetely have enough experience to buy good luck

Answer 16

I think a lease is the best option. With most leases you can have the option to buy later. If you lease a horse that is out of your price range to buy you'll have a better horse to compete on now. Additionally - if you haven't had a horse of your own before its totally possible you will outgrow (not just size wise but ambition / ability) the first horse. You don't want to be stuck with a plug you love when you need to upgrade for something more athletic.

Look for a lease with a possible buy option. Get in a few years on your "own" horse and then you'll know what you're really looking for.

Also - I'm going into my third year of college. Trust me your grades will suffer if you have a horse on campus that you try to keep up with and train. I didn't bring my horse and my best friend brought her barrel mare. Keeping her horse in shape to compete in college rodeo ended up giving her a C average in her classes.

Answer 17

lease because u never know if something is gonna happen and u might have to move quick! and a lease is easier to handle then buying

Answer 18

Owning a horse is a lot more than just money. You have to know basically all there is to know about horse care, b/c you dont know whats going to be thrown at you.

I highly suggest leasing, b/c it's like owning, but you wont have all of the worries put on your back.