So, this coming spring, my mom said I might be able to take lessons. The place I want to take lessons at costs $40 per lesson (private). I want to take either dressage or jumping lessons (I'm not sure which I want to do yet, and I'd like to focus on one only), and eventually I'd like to lease a horse and compete. The problem I have is that my family doesn't have much money, and I'm not old enough to get a job yet. I am extremely passionate about doing this. It's something I've always wanted to do, but I just have no idea how we're going to be able to pay for it. I mean, the lessons, I would only be able to do about 2 times a month, and that wouldn't get me very far as far as competing goes. Should I see if I can work at the barn for free lessons? I am 13 now, but by spring I'll be 14. I don't know what else I should do. Suggestions/input would be awesome! Thanks!
Sorry for the double post, but I'd also like to add that I have not ridden english before. I don't know if I should just join jumping or dressage lessons, or if I should see if they have general english lessons for me to learn the basics of english riding first?
Personally, I would start with dressage. Jumping is just dressage with obstacles, so if you've got a good dressage foundation jumping will be an easy transition.
Okay I'll do that. But I'm still not sure of how I'm going to pay for enough lessons to get me on the road to competing. Let's not forget how much it'll cost to lease.
Once a week, if you can afford it. I am also not sure why you need private lessons? Group can be fun, and you also learn there, for less $$, altho others may disagree. I have always loved group lessons. Privates when I was concentrating on a particular issue I was having trouble with.
Okay. I thought it would be better for me to do private lessons so I could focus a little more with the trainer. But maybe I will look into group or semi-private lessons. It would be a good idea.
With group lessons you can also see what others are doing and when the instructor points something out to them its a good way to do a "self-check" on you and your horse. And maybe to start with you could find a less expensive place then move up as you get better.
Besides, you'll meet some new friends.
when i had my first horse i was 9 or 10 and i would work to get my board reduced.when i started riding again these past couple of years i would work at the barn to get lessons and be able to compete.
Do you think they'd allow me to work at the barn at the age of 14? I'm thinking they would because I'm not working to get a real pay check, or even cash...I guess the only way to know for sure is to ask.
Is there a riding group where your from? When I started riding I was in Pony club and it was great! I hear 4H is good and you can get tips and make friends and that will help you learn a ton and talking to people can get you good deals on lessons and going on group outings with horses! It will also teach you other stuff like feeding, parts of the horse, etc. ... I'd recommend group lessons! Way more fun!
try putting an ad up on Craigslist (or a similar website). Explain that you'd love to take lessons but can't afford it right now so you're willing to work (mucking stalls, grooming/tacking, exercising etc) in exchange for a weekly lesson. It worked for me
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