Good persuasions for getting a horse?

This is a question for everyone, especially parents. My dad and I are further discussing me getting my own horse after my lease on Major is done (in August after show season). I'll say what I'm already planning on saying and you guys can help me out with any additions.

I've made up a budget, and it's around $140 a month, providing I do at least 4 hours of barn work for my instructor per week. (as she's said I can work off board) I've been riding for seven years, showing for a three and my lease horse was pretty green when I first got him... so I'm experienced with that. I did most of his training.

I also have a part-time job this summer and will be making $600 over the course of 6 weeks. I'm planning on applying at local stores and seeing if I can pick up a few shifts (just a couple hours really a week). If I can manage that, my dad's only real expense will be the horse. (the one I'm interested in is $4000)

I'm planning on leasing the horse out during university, so he'll receive the income from that.

My mom (my parents are divorced) has said she'll pay for my lesson each week, so my dad (who has, by far, the least expenses out of the two of them) and I will be splitting the rest. I'm also sure that I could do some work for him if I need to. Currently, we're paying $265 a month for board and a good $160+ for lessons.

Plus, I really think there's a whole new dimension to riding when you actually own the horse.

I don't really have anything to help you, but I just want to say how lucky you are! I am 18 and I have been taking lessons since I was 10. I was never allowed my own horse, my mum, being a single mother, could never afford it.

Now I am working my a** off for my B.H.S exams, and maybe, in the distant future I might own my own horse.

Congratulations on being a lucky one

I am pretty lucky, I'll admit.. but I'm trying not to count my chickens before they hatch. I'm just really hoping that my dad sees how hard I'd be willing to work for it, because I'll be honest and say that I don't have a huge work ethic for much else. He's also the one who went and bought an old '67 Mustang so I mean, he might as well buy the real thing! (well.. Thoroughbred but I'd take a horse over a car any day of the week)

Coming from a parent:

Sounds like you need to come up with $450 per month....right?

So far, Mom has offered to pay for lessons. $40 per week = $160

And I think you said you've figured out a way to work off the board ($265)

Leaving $25 to $75 per month for farrier, vax, etc - which you've said you'll be able to cover by working part-time.


Sounds like you've got it covered.

Is your Dad willing to cover the purchase costs? And what about fees for new tack, showing - stuff like that?

If he's willing and able to fund the big stuff - I think you're golden. If he's not willing (or cannot afford it right now)....I don't think there's much more you can do in your position to close the gap.

Looks like it's going to be up to your Dad...

I worked out a deal with my parents before I was allowed a horse. If I got my learner's and driver's license, plus kept up a part time job, they would cover the initial cost of the horse. Then from there, I would have to help pay for upkeep [board, farrier, etc.].

It sounds like you have a pretty good argument going so far c: Good luck!

I just need around $150/month, as I intend on working off most of the board. I factored in a board price where I've worked 4 hours each week, as well as vaccinations, deworming and farrier. Lessons are $20 for boarders (group) and I'll likely stick with a group lesson as the girl I ride with is at the same skill level.

And yes, he has to pay for the horse.. I'm going to be buying everything else. I'm planning on using some tack from my lease horse for awhile (we bought a large amount of things for him) and then eventually buying new things (such as new smbs). The only things I'll be getting at the start are turnout sheets, maybe a halter (I might just use the leather one instead) and little things. I think that my instructor would help me look for a cheap saddle and in the mean time, let me borrow one as long as I clean and condition it.

I won't be showing anymore after this year so that's a big sum of money saved. I'll just be riding for fun, which is another reason for a still green mare. Training Major kept me busy and kept me engaged and it was a rewarding experience, so I want to try it again and this time, it'll be my own horse. :)

I don't think it's a matter of money (my dad makes a fairly good living right now and really hasn't much other expenses)... but it's a matter of him wanting to spend his money on a horse. I'm hoping that I have enough points to sway him because this would mean the world to me.

When are you leaving for college? If I was your parent, I would be hesitant to buy you a horse if you are leaving for college and won't use said horse. Do you have someone in mind to lease him already? Are you ok with other people riding and using and potentially "messing up" the training you have put on your horse? Is it possible for you to bring the horse to college with you?

And yes, I should be getting my license in 7 months. I'm taking Driver's Ed this summer which allows you to go for the test earlier and I got my permit earlier this month. :) I told my mom I'd even go on the scooter if I had to.

I'm getting $600 over the course of the next six weeks, and by judging my online estimations (ie: placing everything I need.. aside from a saddle which I'll buy used.. in a cart online), I'll have plenty plus I'll have some for a few more months of farrier visits and such.

My dad's only real major expense would be the initial purchase of $4000.

I still have two years left before I head to university.. and I'll probably only go a couple hours away in reality. I don't mind someone else using her, and I'll definitely screen people beforehand. I probably could take the horse with me if I needed to.

Totally from a parenting perspective:
When my kids originally wanted a horse they had to go through "tests" for horse ownership,
some were geared towards responsibility....ask yourself "have I "honestly" shown them how responsible I am."

Interest remains no matter what the conditions,.....have I been happy & willing to go to the barn even when its uncomfortably cold or hot, etc (have my parents seen the intensity of my interest no matter what)

What happens when my friends want me to do something instead of go to the barn...have my parents seen me choose the barn over my friends?

Be honest with yourself & them because unless they are uninvolved they already know the answers to the above.
Sounds like you have done a great job thinking about finances