I have ridden horses for years now, but my parents are still adamantly refusing to buy me a horse. It probably doesn't help that neither of them are "horse people"...or even animal people. I read every little bit of equine info that I come across, and I get straight A's - and I have my entire life (one of my averages is actually above 100). I have tried collecting information and presenting it to them, but they wouldn't even look at what I had collected, just said no. They claim that we can't afford it, and although it would be a bit of a strain on our budget (as with almost anyone), I've spent over a year analyzing costs and we can afford one. I didn't push to hard after mentioning it that first time, although I have mentioned it occasionally since then, when they tell me that I have so much more than I need (which is true). The problem is, when I try to explain to them how much of it I am willing to give up, they laugh at me and mock me as if I am making some kind of joke. I have tried in the past (for other things) to offer trading something like extra work around the house for money or a voucher for something - they say that I should do that anyway, yet again bringing up how "spoiled" I am. Any suggestions at all on how to try to convince them that I am ready are welcome, because I seem to have tried all the usual methods, and none of them have worked for me. Thanks & sorry for the long post,
Read through past threads on this subject on this board, and you'll find some useful information. This question gets asked once a week, and answering over and over again is redundant for the regulars.
I did, I searched and read all those before posting this, as I was trying to avoid the exact same thing that was already there, but pretty much everything I saw I've already tried and it didn't work. I was just wondering if anyone had any other, not as common ideas.
As an adult, the only thing I can say is maybe they really can't afford it. I know it's not what you want to hear, but with the US being on the point of a recession, the US dollar being so low, and gas prices being so high, making it in day to day life is hard.
Analyzing cost is good, but I'm sure your parents have bills, savings, investments, college funds, and just in case money situations that you may not know about.
I would suggest saving money, researching, and try to go to a college with a horse program.
I wish you the best of luck though. You sound like a very well educated person, and I think that one day your horse dreams will come true.
Thank you, I do understand what you mean, although I won't deny that I don't like it. I would like to go to a college with some kind of horse program, if I can find one that has the quality of education that I want.
Be warned though, I have another bit of info you won't like to hear...
I have a friend who just graduated a four year college with a great equine program, although she went for vet tech. She has a vet tech BS, and is having a very hard time finding a job.
Such a hard time that she's working for $8 at her old job before she graduated.
She also has come to terms with the fact that the most she could ever make with her degree is 40k a year, but what good is it if you can't find a job?
Basically, what I'm saying (as a young struggling adult), go to college for something that you can get employed with and make decent money. THEN, live the dream. Go back to school, do what you really want, have a ranch, rescue horses, have a riding program etc.
It took me a lot of college years, and wasted student loans, to figure out practical kind of out rules passion.
It really sucks, but if you play your cards right, you can have your cake and eat it too. From what little you've posted, I can tell you are a very smart girl who will excel at anything. Any choice you will make will be one that will bring you great rewards, but remember that the big ugly world doesn't turn on smiles but rather money, and lots of it.
most kids aren't aware of all the expenses parents have to deal with. As the second oldest of 6 kids there was no way my parents could afford to let me have a horse. But they never killed my dream. They said that someday I'd have a horse. My senior year in high school I got a job and saved all my money. I bought my horse and paid for all his care myself. It sure does make you appreciate it when you do it yourself. I did sell my horse when I went away to college. But I found a college where I could ride as part of the physical education requirement.
After college I found a good job and bought my first Arabian. It's hard to think that you might have to wait years but I still have horses.
I know how hard it is to convince your parents to get a horse. I begged for an entire year for my own. Perhaps you could ask the stable you ride at if they would give you free board in exchange for work like mucking stalls and giving school ponies baths. The initial cost of the horse is definitely not the most expensive thing. There's vet bills, farriers, worming, feed and hay (which at some barns is covered in board). If your parents really don't have the money for a horse perhaps sit back and wait a while. Show a lot of interest in your school horse, and ask to go out every day. Try to really study and improve in your riding (which I'm sure you already do) but it can't hurt. Still ask for work at the barn for nothing to show real commitment to your hobby. I know that my parents were worried that I might just drop it like some of my other things I used to do. If you show a real extreme interest in your passion and don't nag them they might realize that you indeed need a horse. Plus, don't forget to add that you might need a more advanced horse than your schooling horse to take you all the way in what you want to do. Try to stay happy and you could consider adopting a horse.??? Just make sure you don't blow up at them. Good luck!!!
As much as Ang and I disagree, or used to, I have to say she is right. Horses cost a lot of money, and sometimes more than the usual calculations. Something could happen and you end up dishing out thousands to save its life. Maybe your parents are afraid that something could happen, not only to the horse, but to you too. Sounds stupid, but it's plausible.
And you're lucky, Ang complimented you as she never would have me.
