Need comfort/help. Might have to give up my horse due to finances.

Many colleges have opportunities for students to do part time work on campus. I worked in the chemistry lab while I was in school.

So, I was the first student to go to college in my family. My little brothers followed. For me, I couldn't have a job in HIGH SCHOOL unless it was summers--until senior year-- and in college my parents cringed at the idea of working a part-time job! This is because in their mind, education WAS a full-time job that was only compromised by distractions like work. Work means less time to study, do your homework, get involved in research or your area of interest... And not that this is untrue! But to give you perspective, I did work a part-time on campus job in college, and now both of my brothers in college have part-time jobs on the side. ;) It's do-able if you're willing to work hard and balance your priorities.

Now, I didn't own a horse in college, so I can see how panicking about working enough part-time hours to cover board might interfere with your classes. But, can't you get an on-campus job [to solve the car problem and the "focus on school" problem all at once]? Most on-campus jobs (IME) are essentially jobs where you can work and study at the same time (library monitors, gym monitors, etc). I was literally paid to sit in a hall and monitor the racquetball courts & rock wall while doing my math homework. One summer I also worked in a research lab which paid quite well.

The second thing I will say is that yes, college is harder than highschool. I was an easy 4.0 in high school and found myself challenged when I went to college; I had to work harder to earn those grades. It does take more time and effort.

When all else fails... I agree with finding a "free lease" for your horse, where the leasee pays cost of board, feed, vet, farrier (etc) until the lease contract is up. This will likely be your best bet.

Just a few other thoughts... does your college have an equestrian team? A friend of mine and I were on the college equestrian team and she received a discount for boarding her horse at the barn that hosted our team. You might even be able to set something up where they use your horse for team lessons, etc, to pay part of the cost of board.

A horse is so much responsibility and involvement that I cannot imagine owning one during my freshman year of college. You have a new lifestyle, new friends and social experiences, your education... college is a fun, life-changing experience! It might be to your benefit to go into college with "no strings attached" and no financial obligations to tie you down from a night out with your friends or an all-nighter at the library.

I think I might have an idea of where your parents are coming from, not that I agree. Many people dropout or flunk out of college in their first year. They are really overwhelmed with the amount of freedom they have and they can easily get in over their head with responsibilities. Many colleges don't even allow freshmen to have cars on campus. I'm not saying this could happen to you, but it may be along the lines of what they are thinking.

With that being said, it seems to me you have many options. Maybe ask your parents if you could get a job after your first semester in school if you get good grades and prove you can handle it. I would start saving money now for a car and when the time comes pay cash for it. You can get a decent car that runs well as long as you maintain it for under $2,000. Don't buy it until you have shown you can handle the school load and are ready for a job. This would also show responsibility.

What are you majoring in? Approach your parents about finding a job in the field you want to go into. For example if you are in to business and marketing, you could get a student job in your school's alumni office. Not only would you make money, but you would learn a lot and be building a resume. I was a veterinary med major before I switched to teaching, and I got a cool job(internship) at a vet clinic. It was really fun and I learned a lot.

Lease your horse. He sounds like one I would be willing to lease for my child. It will keep him in shape since you won't have that much time to spend with him and you have the satisfaction of still owning him.

I think your parents are just worried that you will have too much on your plate. College is stressful enough without having conflict with your parents, so try to see why they are against the job thing and then show them you are capable of handling it by starting out doing it their way.

Hope this helps a bit and good luck!

I don't find it odd that they don't want you to work, at least for the first semester. They are paying for it. If you are distracted from studies - then what do they get for their investment? Good performance, but not as good as it would have been if you hadn't of been working? How many hours at what wage is a car and gas to just get to a job going to cost you? Like other posters have said, there are plenty of part time jobs on campus.

As to your horse. I am guessing the university is near your home? IMO any parent that gets their child a horse is 100% responsible for its care until their child graduates from college and/or has the means - unless the kid goes out of state or loses interest. That, to me, is just a "given".

It does stink you will have to get rid of your horse. But it's awsome that your parrents are paying your way through college. There are so many people out there that would love to go to college, but can't afford it.(...Me), and once your out of collge, "become a adult", and find a good job, you will be able to afford (hopefully) what you want in life. Good Luck!

That sounds really tough and you don't have many options.

I think, if you really like the horse, try to lease him out to someone and work on your parents meanwhile, or get him back when you finish college.

Thanks so much everyone, it's good to hear he sounds marketable for a lease. I think that's what I will go for! That way, as sad as it will be to "turn over" care I'll still techinally own my boy. The best solution out of the rough (albeit common) problem.
Also wanted to comment and say I am blessed to have my parents pay for college, but am also seeking out as man scholarships as possible to try and lessen the burden, I guess the way I see it I'm independent in a lot, why not that too.
If anyone is in Missouri and interested in a lease let me know! ;)
Thanks again.
Oh and whoever asked what I'm majoring in--biology. So I guess there would be lab work but I'm not sure if that would apply to freshman. Guess we will have to wait as see, who knows!
And my college is approx. 2 hours from my home now (in state) and 1 hour from my horse.
I'm going to miss him, and especially showing this summer (was looking forward to one more season a lot) but growing up happens...
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Have you looked into FAFSA?
I'm paying for college with no help from my parents (I'm kind of the opposite of you - they're paying for food, house, etc etc, not paying for the animals/college/gas/etc) but with the help of FAFSA I'm getting by ok. Sure, I live a very low-key lifestyle (no partying, spending $$ on non-necessities, etc) but I'm doing ok.

After FAFSA pays for classes, there's not a whole lot leftover (maybeeee $400) but combine that with $35 a week from giving riding lessons on my mare (she "helps out" by basically paying for herself), and I'm able to scrape by.

I know some people think FAFSA is just loans and they don't want to do that - understandable - but it's not all loans. Depending on your circumstances you can get a whole lot in grants. For instance, I have a grant that pays $800 per term (each term is around $3000, at my university) and it's a grant - I never need to pay it back. The rest of the money I get is loans which is less than ideal, but you don't have to accept the loans unless you want them. FAFSA will offer loans along with grants (if you qualify for a grant) and you can just accept the grant if you want/need it. :)

Give it a look, it might make things easier for you!

Praying for you! But remeber, whats most important? The horse. So when your standard of care slips, its time to let go. However, another option is to lease or partially lease out your horse. As well as that, cut back on shows and lessons to save money, and learn to trim your own hooves. If you do have to sell, wrote up a contract saying that you get first buy-back option.

I teach in a small community college. Most of my students have no help from their parents. A lot of them drop out from trying to struggle with work, home life, and school. It is a real privilege to have somebody pay for your college.

One thing to suggest to your parents; riding your horse will keep you away from the temptations that college life can present such as partying, crazy social life, etc.

On the other hand, this is one time in your life that you have the opportunity to have a freedom that will never be found in any other setting. There is something magical about being totally immersed in college campus life. You will build friendships and have fun with other intellectual people without having any responsibilities beyond academics and keeping your dorm room clean.