I need to convince my mom and dad to buy me a horse. I know we can afford it. What should I do?

Question

I have a lot of horse experience- I have been around horses since I could walk- my mom's friend has always had horses. I know what it's like to take care of one since I volunteer up at a horse rescue. I have researched the costs of owning a horse and talk to other horse owners about it. I have found a great place to keep a horse- where I can work off the board. I have been qualified to train up at the horse rescue- so I have a lot of horse experience. I always do my chores and I take care of my cat and the two family dogs. I know my parents can afford it because my dad said we can- its just my mom thinks buying a horse is a waste of money- even though she said she wants one. Please help me.

Answer 1

Well, I think a lot has to do with how old YOU are and how responsible YOU are. Have you proved in the past to be a responsible kid, especially when it pertains to animals and chores? Is this horse going to be your life-long "friend" or is this just a passing fancy? Do you have proper housing/boarding for the horse? Do you live in the country or city? Are you going to contribute to the cost of this horse? Food? Vet supplies? Do you have time to spend with the horse every day? There are so many questions that have to be discussed with your parents. It's not just the money that's the main focus...it's whether or not YOU are capable of and responsible enough to have such a demanding pet. Keeping a horse is not the same as keeping a goldfish. You need to have a great deal of discussion with your parents, and totally commit to this. Where will you be when the horse is 20? Will you be able to take care of the horse then? Good luck, but think it out thoroughly and look at all aspects of taking care of a horse. Find a horseowner to give you the pros and cons.

Answer 2

Have a calm,serious talk with your parents about getting a horse. Let them know why you want a horse and ask them what their objection is to you getting a horse. I assume you are a responsible person from what you said in the question so that shouldn't be an issue. If you are school age, you will need to let your parents know that you would not let owning a horse cause your grades to drop. Parents should know that being responsible for a horse will help you in later years. It has been shown that children that have responsibilities do better in life. Let your parents know that owning & showing horses can be a wonderful time for a family to spend together. I wouldn't take anything for my memories of going to horse shows with my parents-my Dad drove until I was old enough. Now my Dad is gone but I've got those wonderful memories (and pictures) of all the fun our family had at the stables and the shows. But, most of all, don't nag them about getting a horse. There may be a reason you don't know about that is stopping them from buying you one. Owning horses has been the 2nd best thing that every happened to me (having my daughter was the BEST) and I hope that you do get a horse soon. Good Luck

Answer 3

Well they are great animals. I have had my horse since I was 14. The thing is they are one of the most expensive and Time consuming animals. You are going to have to be devoted to this animal because he or she will depend on you for everything(kind of like an infant...constant care). There is no vacation unless you pay to have some one look after the horse. It is also a bit easier if you have your own land. Nothing against stables but they need to be exercised daily. A open pasture or paddock lets them move freely. You also have to know how to handle a horse. I would ask a friend or maybe a nearby stable manager if there is anyway you could help take care of a few of the horses their before getting one. This is a major decision not one you can just jump into. Good Luck. and God Bless.

Answer 4

First you need to hve an answer for every possible reason they say you can't have one.
1.) We can't afford it (You may want to get a job to put some money on it's care.....food, lodging, vet bills, equipment and the actual cost of buying the horse itself...which is NOT cheap.)
2.) No where to keep one ( You may have to pay for it's room and board at a stable somewhere.)
3.) Not enough time to care for it. (You may have to give up all your extra cirricular activities to fed and groom and exercise the horse.)

The way I see it.....a horse is a huge and I do mean HUGE responsibility. There is MAJOR financial costs associated with taking care of a horse.Not to mention all the time involved as .If your parents don't want you to get a horse, they probably have good reasons. when you are an adult and have your own place, you can make the necesary arrangements to purchase it yourself.

Answer 5

You have to convince them more than just you have the money for it. Show them you know a lot about horses, how to take care of one (even if it would be boarded somewhere). Maybe find the specific horse you want to get and tell them why that particular horse would be perfect for you. Have them watch you ride it. Good luck!

(assuming you know about horses and how to ride, because if you don't you should learn more before getting a horse)

Answer 6

Affording the horse is the easy part. You also have to consider the cost of feed, hay, bedding, farrier, wormer, vet bills...you're looking at up to $400-$500 a month!!! However, if you are determined...I don't know how old you are, so please don't roll your eyes if it seems obvious. You'll have to prove to your parents your are a responsible kid. Keep your room clean (think of all the manure you'll be cleaning every day), help with meals (you'll be feeding your horse twice a day, and at least that much for water) and help with other chores without being reminded. Do you have at least an acre of land to keep it on? Remeber you'll be responsible for the horse in rain, snow, sleet and 100 degree weather. If you're going to board it, maybe offer to help pay for board. Horses are alot of work. Maybe try to talk them into letting you take lessons first, to be sure you really love them as much as you think you do!!

Answer 7

Wow - some of these answers are thoughtful and insightful. I had horses for a number of years, and I am an adult. It is true that the time and money you invest may go beyond what you are expecting. In the past 4 years, I have switched to Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys. These are marvelous equines who eat WAY less - take up less space - put on heavy winter coats, and give you tons in return. You can do everything with them that you can do with a horse - except ride (little kids are OK) . . . groom, train, love, show, drive, parade, costume. Consider a couple!

Answer 8

just because you think thy can afford it does not mean you will like it after the new has worn off. it is a lot of work to own a horse. like cleaning it stall everyday and making sure it has plenty of food and water everyday and brushing it training it and all the vet check ups thy need every year. just because the horse is cheep that don't mean that the other stuff you need isn't like the horse trailer, you will need to take it to the vet in case of a emer, and the food bill and water, and all the horse tack you will wont for riding, and the land were you will keep it. but if you think you can afford all of that then I guess you should just talk to them but on joke it takes a lot of money to take care of a horse so you should really think it over. so that way you or the horse is not happy in the end they need lots of love and attention if you only got one by it self.

Answer 9

You have to think about vet bills, feed and tack etc. If I were you I would do some home work on horses b-4 getting one. Talk to a vet and ask what they charge for shots. Go out and price tack for the horse and a trailer also a truck if you don't have one there are a lot of things to consider.

Answer 10

first find out if they really can afford it . then try spending time at a barn and see if u really do want a horse. if you still want a horse after cleaning ,feeding , exercising, etc. show youre parents that you can handle the responable enough to have a horse. i have 4 horses and its not all fun and games. theres hughe vet bills, shoeing and trimming cost. most of the time ur caring for it more than riding it.