Horses for the money challenged?

Question

'm fairly experienced around horses and I really just want to ride, but owing is out of the questions due to money and time. Even rental stables have gotten outrageous in Southern California! English lessons woould be great but I'm having a hard time finding affordable, adult-type places to ride and learn. Any budget friendly advice for this starved horse lover?

Answer 1

You're in the same boat as me. My friend was poor and she bought a horse and she says it was the biggest mistake she ever made. She kept telling me that until you actually get your own land, the best option is leasing. Think about it. You ride as much as you want and you never have to worry about paying for vet visits or the farrier or new tack. Since lessons in my area run about $60 for 45 minutes, this definitely makes sense. And I've yet to find a stable that actually does the whole "work for your lessons" dealie. (They gotta make money if they want to stay in business.) If no one has advertised a horse for lease, put up your own sign. Most horse owners don't even think about it. Even if you just offer to pay like $25 a ride, that's still an extra $25 plus their horse is being exercised so that means one less trip out to the barn. Go for the more down to earth Western barns. Most dressage and English riders I've met are pretty uppity and would be less likely to make such a bargain. (I'm just stating a fact from my own experience.)

Answer 2

Well, save up your money or see if you have an friends that own horses and would be willing to help you learn or ride them. Leasing is also another great alternative to owning. If you can take a lesson once a week or maybe everyother week that is also good. Work at a stable to work off lessons. Barter. Clean Stalls twice a week in exchange for a lesson. See how you can make your lesson cheaper. Most barns will find something for you to do and if you love horses that much or have that much of a desire to ride it is well worth your time!

Good Luck!
Remember: Your not the only one who can't afford horse stuff!

Answer 3

keep looking around. i can imagin how exspensive english riding could be in california. look around for some old timer guy that would like u to come and ride his horses for him. look in feed stores ( if there r feed stores in california i live in iowa so i wouldnt know ) for adds about taking lessons. leasing a horse is fun. if u went to a stable and asked about working off ur leasing fee. by feeding at night or in the morning or cleaning stalls or something. i got free bord for my horse by feeding all the horse 5 nights a week. dont give up just because things r exspensive. horses r so much fun.

Answer 4

Try searching on the internet english riding stables in or near southern california, I found loads in my part of the country when I was thinking about switching barns.

Answer 5

well where in so cal are you?? I can give you a very reputable trainer in Lake View Terrace which is about 30-40 mins northwest of Los Angeles. email me at [e-mail] if you'd like more info. This is a trainer i was with for many many years and she is very reasonable priced, maybe even a little on the cheaper side also.

Answer 6

Try working at a stable in exchange for lessons and saddle time.

Answer 7

i wouldnt buy a horse if you can not affored it horses are very expensive they need grain and hay and water buckets and medicine and treats and lime for there stall wen u clean it and picks and a saddle which are very expensive and a bit and bridle andyou need much more so i think i would hold off on getting a horse for a while

Answer 8

read up on it and buy u an old or retired english and kind of let him teach u 2.and stick with western its a lot better.