Help convince parents to get a horse!?

Question

I need help convincing my parents to get em a horse. I have already considered all costs. I would be able to work off board at the stable, and they cover the costs of feed, hay, water, shavings. I would be able to pay for the yearly vet visits and teeth floating. I am certified in trimming of horse hooves, so that takes off $35 every other month. I have over $500 saved in case of an emergency, and I will always deposit into my savings when I am paid. The intial purchase price of the horse I want is $1200. And this price is a great price for this horse. He is amzingly trained and willing to please. I have bonded so much with him. I want some ideas on how to convince my parents to get him. I know they have enough money, because they have said so, but they won't tell me why I can't get a horse. My dad said to talk with my mom and go by what she says, and everything will work out. I don't get this! Please help!!

I have pretty much all of the necessites, saddle bridle, halter, lead, training equipment, grooming kit, saddle pad, riding boots, helmet, half chaps, all of that cool stuff, so i don't have to buy anything. And amazingly enough, the saddle, bridle, blanket bit, and all my stuff fit Orion- the horse I want.
Also, I have been riding for 13 years, and volunteering at a horse rescue for three. I have worked at barns before, so I know how it is to take care of a horse. I am the only volunteer at the horse rescue that comes up in the rain, sleet, and snow to see Orion. I am dedicated as people on here have been doubting. I just need ways to convince my parents please!

I am in high school, and i took an apprenticeship from a farrier, so im partially certified.

Answer 1

Passion for horses is an extremely hard emotion for non-horse lovers to understand. It's hard to explain the piece of soul horses occupy, and control inside some people. They become to us like the air you breathe or the ground you walk upon. How could we ever imagine life without them? Having been a horse addict for 40 years, I understand your dilemma, I too came from non-horse people. Explain to your parents not only the responsibilities, but the work ethics that horse ownership will be instilling in you. Your parents may be concerned because of the risks and dangers involved in riding. Offer to take all safety precautions and wear protective equipment. Explain to them how important their help and support is to you on this issue. Also remind them of an old saying I've always heard " When a child is on a horse, they're not on a couch,on a street corner, or in a detention center." You sound as if your heart and mind are in the right place. Good luck to you, you'll be in my prayers.

Answer 2

I had lessons for about 3 years before I got my first horse. I reccommed that you do that so at least you are experienced, and even then try and get an older horse that is push-button etc. Get to know good horsie people who will be able to help you find a horse when the time comes. Right now you're probably all like "AHH I WANNA HORSE" But if you actually have never had proper lessons or experience, don't get one right away. Like I said, I had lessons for 3 years before I got my first pony to share with my sister. That didn't work out, so I ended up getting my own pony after that :P A lot has happened since then, and here I am having ridden for about 10 years and Ive gone through about 5 or so horses. :)

Answer 3

A horse is not only a huge responsibility now, but for a very long time. My old guy is 36 and i've had him 21 years. Where will you be in 10 years? I'm on your side. You sound like you were born for a horse, but your sales pitch to your folks needs to included a plan for him or her for the long term. Where will it go if there is an illness or injury? What if you advance in skills and your horse doesn't? Will you be willing to sell or are you going to have 2 or just a pasture ornament that you visit when you are home from school. I had to answer these questions and more before I got my first and only horse. I was 25. Good luck. If your folks aren't horse people you just may have to wait until you are on your own. Don't blame them,
it's a hard passion to share with non-lovers who have everything else on their minds but your
overwhelmong love. Again, good luck.

Answer 4

I agree with Mulefly and Character. Non-Horse people just don't always get it. But also your young and Yes, believe me though you have bonded with Orion, you must take into consideration what happens when you go to College? How your/his skills will grow or not. How long is you friendship going to be two years or twenty? I personally can't afford to own a horse myself. But I have bonded with three different horses in my eleven years of riding and being around them.It does hurt when you can't be around them anymore but you can move on eventually. Try considering leasing maybe that would help show how dedicated you really are or see if the owners will let you make payments on Orion. Keep the faith and with your dedication you will have a horse someday, and you never know who or when it could be. Good luck. ~_^ Delhya

Answer 5

i can see how desperately you want this horse. it is not about the money. it is about being calm and showing them that you are mature enough to accept their decision EVEN IF it means missing out on THIS horse. Sounds tough I know. Believe me, stomping your foot and saying I WANT THIS HORSE is the way NOT to get him. You sound like you have put in some effort, learning about hoof trimming for instance and you are willing to work. Are your parents happy with the people at the stables? Have you approached them and is the work a certainty? Will it interfere with your schooling? i think you are displaying the right attitude. Ask your mum calmly what her concerns are and then take some time to think those over. Above all else, dont nag. ask her when would be a good time for the 2 of you to sit down and talk it over. Try to find solution to her concerns. Like a time table if it is a homework issue. Maybe transport to and fro is a problem. Maybe you wont get what you want and if you want to next year, you have to accept it with good grace this time.

Answer 6

There may be many reasons why your parents say no.
I had to wait till I was earning my own money to buy my first horse, so I know how frustrating it can be.
Is there a possibility your parents have spoken to the people at the horse rescue and they have said that Orion is not suitable for you.
Is there the thought that you may "discover boys" and forget about Orion (I know, highly unlikely, but it does happen).
You will just have to ask your mum why she thinks it is a bad idea. And, as others have said, talk with her calmly and no foot stomping and pouting.

Good luck, but you may have to wait until you are earning your own money and live away from home before you get your horse.

Answer 7

Let them know that even if you buy the horse, you won't let any of your other responsibilities slide. Like good grades in school. Sit down with them and ask them calmly without getting worked up if you can discuss this with them. Don't get emotional, stay calm and lay out your points in a logical way. Ask them what they think, and why they think that way.

Also try to think up different reasons why they may not want you to have the horse and then your counters in advance. Be prepared when you discuss this matter with them.

We're afraid you'll allow your grades to slide. I will continue to work hard in school and give my school work all my attention. Even be prepared to negotiate. If I allow my grades to slide, then we can sell the horse.

We're afraid you'll get hurt. Think up a nice counter for that... And so on.

Answer 8

If what you said up there doesn't convince them to get the horse, I don't know what will. Try telling them about how much character a big responsibility like that will build, and play up on how much other kids are sitting around on their a@##$ all day doing nothing. Other than that, just hang in there.

Answer 9

It sure would have been a good idea to say your age, as far as if you are responsible, or can handle this .It would have also been good to know how you are certified in trimming of horse hooves.......meaning you had to go to school to learn this.....You need to discuss this further with both your parents in the same room, ratiionally...no yelling or arguing..........They know you best......And they know if you are capable of handling this...You will need to accept and respect their answer...........It will happen when the time is right and you prove yourself......good luck

Answer 10

I can't tell you how much I know what your going through. My parents finally let my get a horse last Christmas. I would say tell them how much more responsible you will be and find a stable with inexpensive board. Be on your best behaviour and then BEG!