alexis

I thought this would be a good article, for those wanting to get a horse, for themselves or their children, maybe to start training early for competitions, this way you know what you are getting into. When my Aunt had gotten her horse, she liked the idea of it, but I think her granddaughter who was living there at the time, talked her into it abit more.

Should you get a horse for your kids? Here are some criteria by which parents can decide if horse ownership is right for them.

Your son or daughter has been begging for a horse ever since he or she saw The Black Stallion. You have temporarily satisfied their demand with riding lessons and now junior is asking again. “Can I have a horse of my own?” Should you do it?

Knowledge and Competency
Under no circumstances should you buy a horse for a child that does not know how to ride or care for a horse. Your child must have riding lessons for at least a year and some experience in horse care before even thinking about owning a horse. Ask the riding instructor if they think your child is ready. Most will give you an honest answer despite the fact that some trainers also earn their living from selling horses.

Money
The first thing to consider is finances. The initial expense can be anywhere from free to over a million dollars. If you want a safe and sturdy mount for your child, you can assume the price will be in the $2000 range. Look around carefully. You may find an older horse that someone is willing to give to a good home. This may sound like a good deal. However, just like older people, older animals tend to need a lot of medical care. It’s not hard to reach $2000 in vet bills with an older horse. If it is to be your child’s first horse, be careful about spending too much money until you see just how serious a rider you have in the family. A good person to consult would be your child’s riding instructor.

Don’t forget the expense of equipment as well. Your horse will need a saddle, bridle, grooming equipment, and possibly a blanket in the winter. Get some help putting together a list of what you will need and how much it will cost. Be sure to check out a used tack store. A new saddle can cost $100 to $3000. You will most likely spend around $500 for a quality new saddle.

The basic upkeep- feed, shoes, worming, shots, etc. can be anywhere from $100 to over $400 a month. If you are serious about acquiring a horse for the apple of your eye, then check the budget. Can you afford to shell out $300 or so a month in expenses? If not, don’t give up yet. There are other options. Instead of owning a horse outright, consider leasing one. Lease agreements vary from place to place. But generally they entail paying half the board on a horse and nothing else.

There are several advantages to leasing as opposed to owning a horse. You pay only half the board and may not be responsible for veterinary bills depending on what kind of lease agreement you have. There is also the advantage that if your child is sharing the horse with someone else, that person will help keep the horse exercised as well. In any event, I would highly recommend leasing a horse for a few months before buying one. This gives you a trial run without the problem of having to sell a horse later should owning a horse be too much responsibility for your child.

Responsibility
Is your child old enough to take care of the horse? If you are contemplating buying a horse for a child less than thirteen years of age, be aware that you will be taking care of the horse. Some parents don’t mind this responsibility and like learning about horses. They might even take some lessons and learn to ride. Others are buying the horse for their child and want nothing to do with daily horse care.

If your child is old enough, are they also responsible enough? Be realistic when you ask yourself this question. Does your child actively take care of the household pets? Or do you walk the dog and scoop the yard? If he or she has not demonstrated responsibility with a dog or cat, then investing in a horse may not be a great idea.

Access
Will your child have easy access to the horse? Can the horse be boarded nearby or will you be responsible for carting your budding equestrian to and from the stable several times a week. Be aware that once a week is not enough exercise for most horses. If your child will not have access to the horse several times a week (preferably every day), then perhaps a lease is a better idea for you.

Owning a horse can be a great learning experience or a financial disaster. Consider everything carefully before making the investment.

Source

Harvest Fantasy

I knew it was complicated into getting your first horse, but not this complicated. Yeah there's finances and having a home for the horse, but as for everything else, it's a bit of a to me.

UmYes?

Wow, I never knew how complicated it would be to get a horse! I mean it's just... Wow. And personally I think that for access the horse should be kept in a barn but can go out the door to a big fenced in field. What I mean is that the barn should be nearby your house.
Sincerely,
UmYes?

SpunkyFunky

well, its very clear that horse-riding is one of the most expensive sports on the world... thats how it is. and an own horse is really expensive. i know a lot of people who got bills for vet more than 1000 €. so if i hear something like that i am always happy that i dont have my own horse

UmYes?

If I woned a horse, it would be very hard for me. What I mean by that is, I wouldn't be able to keep up with the horse. I like to do things slow, and I have a short attention span. So I wouldn't be able to do much with a horse for a longer period of time.
-UmYes?

Speed Demon

Horse ownership depends on a lot of things. Financing,space, and the attitudes of both parents and children. Personally, I think it should all be looked at on a case by case basis depending on the situation.

Turbo Stallion

As others have already stated, it all depends on the situation your dealing with. Horse owning isn't for everyone unfortunately. Many people who want horses can't own them for one reason or another.

Gizmo

My daughter got a horse, but before she had one we were borrowing one and she was working at the stable after school and in the weekends. She is currently working at the stables, which gives us a discount, but which is great for the kids, as they learn to work with horses and how to handle them.

My daughther is very attached and dedicated to her horse, so we have not regretted the decision to buy her a horse.

But beaware it is not cheap to have a horse, that is for sure, so make sure you do not break your budget...

Zorse

One of my sons wants horses and I wish I could accommodate him. We don't have the facilities or the cash. Thankfully he understands. Even our property is very low lying and I think for parts of the year it would be too wet to provide proper pasture.

HairyHorse

It is good to see the costs laid out like that. I think most people realise that it will be an expensive endeavour, but still they do not realise just how expensive till it comes and bites them in the bum when the animal gets sick or something.

dappled_rider

ah, I really appreciate it! My dd has started in on the harping about owning her own horse, and she hasn't even started lessons yet AND our neighbor lets us ride her horses as long as we help with caring for them and watch them when she goes out of town (which is the perfect arrangement in my opinion!)