Horsey money saving hints? (merged)

Horseyluver98

Thanks to everyone replied,my mum said she would be willing to take me up to the stables because it's a couple of blocks away,also I think it's more riding and helping,and the sharing person did say she didnt want to loan him because she doesnt want the financial side of the story and she would miss the pony.so it might be only like POCKET MONEY prices,and my Dad said we could lower my pocket money if it was cheap,but like i said,i think i wont have to pay that much,thanks for the help.x

Wine_of_the_World

Good luck with it all. You are very lucky to have your parent' support!

I can understand the owner not wanting a lot of money in exchange - if she is struggling with the time element having someone to help with the workload can save her from having to pay someone to do the chores. Just make sure you are reliable - and if you cant get down to the stables on your agreed day then make sure you phone and let her know (seems obvious, but I know of sharers fogeting in the past).

Have fun!!!

WolfSong2000

Good luck with it . I used to work at livery yards from when I was 11 until I was almost 18 (now 23). It's a great way to get experience, and if you're lucky you'll get the chance to ride different horses (depending on how generous the owners are) and I learned a lot of useful skills such as clipping, lunging, etc. It's hard, manual work, but very good fun. I didn't get my first horse on loan until I was 17, but a few years before that I shared her with the owners for a while (the horse was kept at the yard I worked at). Another bonus is you can exchange work for lessons - I did this on occasion, and it's a great, cheap way to get more riding experience .

ninky_2

Horseyluver98 wrote: »

Im only 12.:A

:eek: do your parents know you are on here messaging complete stangers?

bouncydog1

Point taken - horseyluver98 make sure you follow safe posting rules - don't answer any private mail contact - let your parents open them and do not arrange to meet anyone. Do not give any details as to where you are located and make sure that your parents view all of your posts and any replies.

My daughter has ridden since before she was 2 and only got her own horse at 12 - she has so much pleasure from her hobby and we support her all the way. I can understand why you want to be so involved with horses - they are a passion that you either have or dont!

BUT make sure that nobody takes advantage of your passion to treat you like a slave - make sure that your parents agree to any arrangements that are made regarding work and riding - it is not fair, for instance, for you to muck out and do all of the jobs every day for one hours riding a week. Make sure that your parents speak to the owner of the pony and agree what is reasonable for your age and also most importantly to fit in with your school work.

I hope that your parents are aware of the committment needed by both you and them - perhaps agree a trial period - as you might not be so keen to be helping when it is hammering with rain or hailing and you have a cold or flu. At times like that your parents might have to step in and do the jobs for you.

I hope that it all works out for you.:)

neveah

thanks everyone i am her mum and its lovely that so many people took the time to reply with kindness and really sensible advice and i was aware that she posted this thread and i have read all the replies with her too but thanks for asking her if we knew its nice to know people care so much and look out for each other on here ..once again thanks for all input ..neveah x

Fire_Fox

Horseyluver98 wrote: »

I really want a pony but I understand we cant afford one,i go horse riding twice a month and go to HAPPA(you can check the charities board and check the Horses and ponies protection association).Where I groom my adopted horse,i have been doing this for 3 years.But when I went to my local CountryWide store,i noticed an ad for a sharer,i have replied and my mum(she's on MSE)and we have to phone her this week,im very excited,I know loads and loads about horses,i read about them and stuff like that,im sure I can do this right,but i want to know,am i old enough,because Im only 12.:Aand im sensible around horses and know what to do,but am i doing the right thiong by taking 1 step towards my deperate(expensive)dream?

I think it's brilliant: when you leave school and apply for college or a job you will be able to put on your application forms that you have been taking responsibility with horses for seven years! :cool: Also fantastic that you are already working with a charity, shows a very mature attitude which will take you far in life.

lostinrates

I agree it will be great experience.

Lots of people would like help with the hard work of taking care of a horse or pony: I know I would at times! I hope this one is right, but remember if it isn't there will be others in the future.

I'd also say reading as much as you can about horse care and riding, from good and varied sources, is useful. Lots of people disagree on things, and that's fine: often there is more than one right way. When working with someone else's horse you must do it their way as long as its (safe for you and the horse) but its good to know what the alternatives are, whether its choosing food, or bedding or tack, or how to ride and train, and why you might use them.

I think sharing is actually better than owning when you are young as things change very quickly in the next few years and its great to have options.

Good luck!

ninky_2

@neveah - glad to hear you are supervising.:)

trudij

How are you getting on - found one yet??