How do you know when you are ready to own a horse?

Question

i ride once a week, I know i don't know a lot now but i am still learning. I have rode for 2.5 years and ride english. I am only 11, tack up my own horse, but have trouble with the bridle, canter, trot and walk, i mmight jump soon.

Answer 1

You probably aren't ready to own a horse until you are more independent with simple tasks. You should be able to groom, tack (bridle, saddle, and girth), bathe, simple groundwork such as longing or preforming tasks such as turning on the forehand, wrap a horse's legs, and much more--completely by yourself.

If you can only walk, trot, and canter that will be okay if you buy a well trained pony. But your lessons will be very important and you may want to take a couple private lessons to learn to work better with your horse and to start to learn to jump. But when you ride by yourself you definitely shouldn't jump yet and unless you feel 100% cconfident at the canter only walk/trot.

Keep learning over the next couple of years, but you will need to know more about horse care that you don't learn at lessons. Go to camp, join 4h, go to shows (the show prep is a great learning experience too), read books/magazines, and whatever you have to do to learn more about horses.

Answer 2

Owning a horse is a huge responsibility. This is an animal that needs a lot of daily care and needs to be exercised on a regular basis. You need to have the time to devote to a horse and with school, that is not always easy.

Then there is the expense. Even under the best of cirumstances, a horse is not cheap to keep. If you are boarding the horse at a local stable, fees can run several hundred dollars a month depending on where you live (I'm in NYC and boarding fees here average $600 per month). That will usually cover the basics like feed, a certain amount of hay, stall cleaning and turn out. Extra services will cost more. You also need to factor in vet care and farrier care (horses need to be shod/trimmed every 6-8 weeks).

It's a big decision but if you really enjoy riding and are willing and able to put in the time and effort for one, then it can be one of the most rewarding experiences. Just really think it over and talk about it with your parents. Even if you can't do it right now, it's a great goal to work towards.

Good luck!

Answer 3

You would be ready to own a horse when you can groom and feed the horse yourself without help, as well as being able to pay for the horse's care. Find ways to earn some money and save it, and take riding lessons for several more years. Learn about horses and their care. There is a lot involved in having and caring for a horse--it's NOT like having a cat or dog. Since you are only 11 years old, you have a long time to wait before you would be old enough and big enough to get a horse of your own, but you can start preparing now by following my suggestions.

Answer 4

Hi I know how you feel. Show your parents that you can have your own horse or pony. I also suggest you work really hard at riding and improving and taking care of horses. If they know you can take care of it and be safe they might let you get one. Explain to them what you would do and how happy you would be if you had a horse. Also think of where it was going to stay. Take control, look for horses on line and pick a few that you like. It will be easier for your parents if you did the work of finding one and getting a price on how much it costs if you show your parents you are organized , prepared, and ready I guarantee that they will think about it. I did the same thing and what do you know my dad is looking into it! I really hope this helps! From one 11 year old to another, best wishes your friend

Answer 5

When I was 11 - I wanted my own horse too .... When I was 17, I received my first horse - I could not only ride her, but pay for her, care for her and work with her... I ended up spending long hours in the barn, and a few less hours with my friends at times... I would suggest some more time learning about the horses you're riding, doing lots of reading and talking to people about having your own horse. It's a BIG responsibility....

Answer 6

because of your age you should talk to your trainer and see if you can find a well behaved pony to lease for a year or so. That way, you get the experience of owning your own horse, a horse that is more your size, and if something happens that you can no longer take care of it, or you out grow the horse, you aren't stuck paying board while trying to sell a horse. Horses are a lot of work, but they are also very rewarding, I was 14 when I got my first horse (I saved for about 4 years to be able to get her) I outgrew her within a couple of years, fortunately I have several younger siblings that I was able to pass her down to. I knew what I was getting into though because I had worked at a local barn ever since I was 8 doing barn chores in exchange for my lessons.
Now at 22 I have a TB rescue mare that I am working on getting to the point of anyone can ride her as well.

Answer 7

You sound like you're able within the expertise field. Are you the one one being ready to pay for the pony? Are your mum and dad ready to pay for the pony in case your process does not paintings? Here my is notion, I could endorse leasing a horse. That manner the landlord is in charge for vet paintings. You are in charge for the protection. You can discover a first-rate horse that's very good knowledgeable with out paying the horses fee. You can journey the horses every time you wish, trailer it, exhibit it, and many others. however subsequently the landlord is the one who offers with the stuff if some thing is going incorrect. If you're not ready to have a horse you then wont have got to pay for the pony anymore for the reason that the landlord will. You should not have the predicament of promoting. The normal hire fee for a horse is 250, however oftentimes you simplest have got to pay the board. Many homeowners wish their horse ridden for the reason that they do not have the time so they're joyful not to cost whatever except the board, and even the price of the hay. Sometimes you'll be able to do a hire-to-possess which could also be the fine factor for you. I am now not towards you having a horse. I acquired my first horse whilst I used to be eight years ancient and my mother used to be a unmarried guardian. She controlled to continually handle the pony with out hindering it. Even even though she used to be low on price range she could discover some way. Good success to you, and I desire you discover some thing suitable for what you want.

Answer 8

Remeber that if you buy a horse, people arne't taking care of it for you and they need to be cared for! You're going to be mucking stalls, feeding 2-3 times a day or bringing your horse in and out of pastures, careing for injuries and illnesses, taking good care of your tack and cleaning it.

You alos have to remember how much money a horse costs. Tack, brushes, meds., vet, farrier, teeth floating, riding apparell.

If you're having trouble with bridle cantering, walking and trotting I would say you sound like youare NOT ready for a horse. (no offence but its the truth)

A horse isn't something you can just dump on someone in your family. You have to work for it and work hard.I would wait a few more years hun.

Answer 9

I suggest you wait until you are very comfortable tacking on your own. Work on your jumping for a couple months. Then I suggest that you lease a horse. This will let you know if you are ready for the responsiblity with out the up front cost of the horse. If the lease goes well for a year or so go ahead and start looking for your first horse.

Answer 10

It is your choice. But honestly, I would get a horse when you can start putting the bridle on. And if you have trouble with the walk, trot, canter, i wouldnt buy a horse. It just takes practice. Maybe wait till your 12 or 13. Just be financialy ready to take on a horse. That is peoples biggest mistake!