When to Buy a Horse

PonyClub · 12-16-07, 05:18 PM

How much commitment would you expect to see before deciding to buy your child a horse? How many years of riding and dedicated caring for the animal would indicate a life long commitment from them?

When does the risk of them deciding they don't like it anymore fall?

magiesdream · 12-19-07, 10:54 AM

Oh, excellent questions!!! I am having similar concerns with my children!!! My oldest has had a life-long LOVE affair with horses, and would give anything to have them, yet she cannot remember to feed her cat and dog without being told to!

How can I know that she will care for her horse??? I know the initial caring will be there, but what about in 6 months, or two years? And my little one will certainly grow into the love, but will she become responsible enough for the large chore that it is? Or will I fall to the entire duty? I do not mind per se, however, if the horses are theirs???

Anyone have any recommendations?

moski · 12-19-07, 12:54 PM

Does the age of the child and the age of the horse make a difference? If the child is well matured for their age, I think not, but it makes me wonder if the age of the horse has a better reasoning than the age of the child. What if the horse is used to never being around children (anyone younger than an adult size), does that make a huge difference?

PonyClub · 12-19-07, 05:26 PM

I think from what I am told that the horse and child will grow to love each other, especially if you buy a young horse, so that is not a fear of mine. But one problem is that I am not a horse lover, and so I do not want to be saddled with all the responsibility of caring for it.

mimi31 · 02-02-08, 07:51 AM

If your child has been passionate about riding and caring for the horse for more than 2 or 3 years than I would say he or she is committed. After this amount of time I would say that there would probably be an emotional attachment and an inner desire to continue riding for a very long time.

flatback_frannie · 02-02-08, 11:59 AM

I agree, after 2-3 years of passionate interest, a child is ready for a horse, but I don't think you can expect even a teen to fully care for a horse without reminders or assistance. Having a horse will not make them responsible.

And I think the answer to the right time depends on if the parents have horses too; then it may be younger.

ridesalot · 02-28-08, 08:09 PM

I know when i was younger I needed to save my money for a horse. I did not need to pay for the whole thing but I needed to save up for over 2 years. I think my mother decided that if I saved that long I really must have wanted it.

12-16-07, 05:18 PM	When to Buy a Horse Post #1 (permalink)
PonyClub Member Join Date: 12-01-07 Posts: 25	When to Buy a Horse How much commitment would you expect to see before deciding to buy your child a horse? How many years of riding and dedicated caring for the animal would indicate a life long commitment from them? When does the risk of them deciding they don't like it anymore fall?

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12-19-07, 10:54 AM	When to Buy a Horse Post #2 (permalink)
magiesdream Member Join Date: 12-06-07 Posts: 17	Oh, excellent questions!!! I am having similar concerns with my children!!! My oldest has had a life-long LOVE affair with horses, and would give anything to have them, yet she cannot remember to feed her cat and dog without being told to! How can I know that she will care for her horse??? I know the initial caring will be there, but what about in 6 months, or two years? And my little one will certainly grow into the love, but will she become responsible enough for the large chore that it is? Or will I fall to the entire duty? I do not mind per se, however, if the horses are theirs??? Anyone have any recommendations?

12-19-07, 12:54 PM	When to Buy a Horse Post #3 (permalink)
moski Member Join Date: 12-01-07 Posts: 30	Does the age of the child and the age of the horse make a difference? If the child is well matured for their age, I think not, but it makes me wonder if the age of the horse has a better reasoning than the age of the child. What if the horse is used to never being around children (anyone younger than an adult size), does that make a huge difference?

12-19-07, 05:26 PM	When to Buy a Horse Post #4 (permalink)
PonyClub Member Join Date: 12-01-07 Posts: 25	I think from what I am told that the horse and child will grow to love each other, especially if you buy a young horse, so that is not a fear of mine. But one problem is that I am not a horse lover, and so I do not want to be saddled with all the responsibility of caring for it.

02-02-08, 07:51 AM	When to Buy a Horse Post #5 (permalink)
mimi31 Member Join Date: 02-01-08 Location: NY Posts: 50	If your child has been passionate about riding and caring for the horse for more than 2 or 3 years than I would say he or she is committed. After this amount of time I would say that there would probably be an emotional attachment and an inner desire to continue riding for a very long time.

02-02-08, 11:59 AM	When to Buy a Horse Post #6 (permalink)
flatback_frannie Member Join Date: 01-06-08 Posts: 129	I agree, after 2-3 years of passionate interest, a child is ready for a horse, but I don't think you can expect even a teen to fully care for a horse without reminders or assistance. Having a horse will not make them responsible. And I think the answer to the right time depends on if the parents have horses too; then it may be younger.

02-28-08, 08:09 PM	When to Buy a Horse Post #7 (permalink)
ridesalot Member Join Date: 02-03-08 Posts: 25	I know when i was younger I needed to save my money for a horse. I did not need to pay for the whole thing but I needed to save up for over 2 years. I think my mother decided that if I saved that long I really must have wanted it.

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When to Buy a Horse