I have had two horses. It's a LOT of work. Do you know the costs involved in owning a horse? Have you taken riding lessons? What do you want to do with the horse, or will you simply keep it in the yard as a pet?
Have you considered leasing a horse?
Have you considered boarding the horse, instead of keeping it at home?
Have you even been around horses on a regular basis?
well its really not your choice if u want to move or not if ur under the age of 18 you have to listen to your parents
I SO totally understand! If you've talked with them, do you think putting it down on paper and writing out everything you feel and explain your passion (in ways that maybe you can't think of because of frustration) would help? I've done that before and it was actually successful. Just an idea. Good luck, honey. Don't you just LOVE the way they smell?
Your parents don't want their life to revolve around a horse.
I always had horses when I was a kid. When I had to live on my own, of course I could no longer afford to keep them. Now I'm old and I STILL want a horse. I just know exactly the cost and commitment it takes to own one. I can't afford it if I plan on keeping my son. Perhaps your parents have faced this choice as well and chose YOU!
Your wants list keeps growing. Now you want to move too?
This is seriously starting to sound like its all about you.
If you really want one, you'll end up with one someday. I suggest for now you try to get a job working around them and learn.
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Boo - I haven't looked at a lot of them but the first few seemed just the same.
I agree with half of these answers, it's a lot of work to keep up with a horse and you should understand that. Also, when your parents decide something, that's it, no ifs, ands, or buts. You have to listen to your parents and they most likely have a reason. There is A LOT OF COST in the horse world. Leasing a horse is enough money as it is. It also takes a lot of money to pay for the tack, feed, water, shelter, exercise... Maybe some day, but not now, sorry kid. You need to appreciate what you have now and get a job, cause truthfully you want a lot but wont give anything,
As already stated, hourses are very expensive to keep. They forgot the vet and shoeing costs too. Why not get a really big dog or a boyfriend to clean up after.
Take some lessons, do some volunteering. Having a horse is a big thing. They need lots of hay and grain (prices are up because of the draught in the Midwest) they need shoes (we pay $75 a pop for our two horses) Vet bills. There is a lot of stress involved too. Checking your trailer multiple times before you haul. Walking your horses home in the dark after they escape your field. Having your horse fall in the stall and while trying to get up be cast (stuck) in the corner just barely able to get up( not without a few scratches). When your new mare forces your gelding though a three rail fence-- twice. Multiple trips to the vet looking for a lameness you can't seem to diagnose. Arthritis shots for the retiree. Having one of your horses almost sever her foot in the neighbor's barbed wire fence. Walking your pony for hours waiting for the vet to show up when she's trying to colic. You can't stop or else she might lay down and never get back up. Being seven and crying over your favorite mule as he lays out in your field because his arthritis got so bad he couldn't stand up. Your dad having tears in his eyes as he let's the vet put him down. Yea having horses is sometimes a hard life but if these things don't deter you go out there and get in contact with horse people in your area. Go help out at a therapy program or summer horse camp. Half lease a horse at a stable. Take riding lessons. If you decide you don't like riding anymore you can't just get rid of your horse. Lessons give you a way to learn about the care and riding of horses without the commitment of owning your own horse.
These are the things that your parents are concerned about. I'm not trying to tell you that you shouldn't get a horse - far from it, I encourage everyone to spend time around them - but they are a big financial burden, and while your parents are OK with the $30 or $50 a week for a riding lesson, they are probably less prepared for the costs of a horse. I would strongly recommend leasing a horse for a little while first. In fact, we originally leased our second horse, and then we bought him a couple months later. It's a good way to see if you and the horse get along, before buying.
Here's what I'd suggest:
1. Show your parents that you can handle homework and a horse. Get your homework done the moment you get home from school. Don't procrastinate! Homework is priority number one, so if you can't get that done, you can't have a horse.
2. Find out if you can clean stalls at your barn for a little cash. Sometimes a barn owner will pay kids your age to clean stalls, but you HAVE to be reliable and do it when you say you will. So you will have to be at the barn every other day, and spend at least a couple of hours depending on how many stalls you clean.
3. I still recommend asking your parents about leasing a horse, first. There are different agreements, but you can lease one so you have access to it 24/7. Then once you've shown you're responsible, they will be more open to buying a horse.
4. If you don't like where you're at, you can always find a different barn. Just talk to your parents about it.
5. Have a plan for how you will pay for the horse. What odd jobs? How will you handle the jobs, the horse, and your homework?
6. Understand your parents' concerns. The purchase price of a horse isn't a problem, it's what you'll pay throughout its life. Plus they need to find a horse that is appropriate for a 12-year-old, and whether it is a healthy, sturdy animal.
You need to look for a well-behaved horse, not just young or old. And you should tell your mom and dad everything you just told me.