Help getting a horse?!

[DuckLover179]

Okay, I did the math, and it turns out I get $220 every month!

I'm just spending it all on me expensive turtle... And some other pets (2 Rabbits, 2 Dogs, 3 Cats, 2 Ducks, 1 Turtle, and 1 Fish...

) Well we are planning on rehoming the turtle (Probably to a preschool), and that will save me a LOT more money, since we buy the other pets food in bulk. That being said, I can have enough for boarding soon, and then I'll start saving for the horse... Then I won't be terrified to ask, cause my dad did say "If you get enough money for it, then we won't stop you", I know he only said that because he didn't think I'd get the money... But the jokes on him

I volunteer right now, but it's so far away, that we haven't gone in FOREVER! carolinagirl58, I'm a teenager, but not old enough to get a job... So, what I'm doing is selling rabbit diapers that I make, for $20-$30 each, and I can make a LOT that way! In the mean time, when I go over to my friends house, we drive over to her horse, and muck the stalls, feed, water, etc. So it keeps me busy

I'm so happy now!!! Thanks guys!

 

[carolinagirl58]

It sounds like you have a good long term plan worked out. Stick with it and keep saving. you will be there in no time!

 

[Celtic Hill]

I would really suggest going to a Riding Stable and taking lessons with the money you have saved. This way you can learn how to ride and handle horses. It's great you know how to do the chores, but I havn't seen anything about you knowing how to ride, ect. So that should be your first step, take lessons, and then you never know, it might be able to turn into a lease situation.

 

[Bec]

Just please don't get a horse ( a First horse) with any medical problems or any other problems for that matter. I loved my horse dearly and had him for 19 wonderful years BUT he was a cribber, a hard keeper and he colicked every year for the first 12 years I had him. What may seem like a minor issue may end up being much more later down the road. The amount of money I spend in vet and dental bills was outrageous over the years and most would have probably just either put him down for convenience or got rid of him. I am a dedicated horse owner so for me, as long as there was hope, I never stopped trying for him. I lost him December 21, 2010. And again, I loved him and miss him terribly BUT my next horse will have NO issues!
Now, My "free" thoroughbred has fused ankles and arthritis from racing for 12 years. I was told that with supplements he would be fine, but he can only handle light, occasional riding now at 20 years old. Please please please be picky and don't settle for anything other than sound, sane and healthy!!! Most people giving away a horse are giving it away for a good reason and just remember, people are liars and will say anything to get rid of their animal.

 

[welsummerchicks]

That is a sad but true fact. Don't believe anything a seller tells you. Have a trainer and a veterinarian go over the horse with a fine toothed comb.

 

[carolinagirl58]

Quote:
I agree! You want to know what a huge problem with horses are? When they are lame or old or otherwise unsound and can't be ridden anymore, you have only a couple of choices. If it was your beloved family dog, the problem is easy...he just lives out the rest of his life on your sofa. Dogs only live 16 years (give or take a few depending on the breed) and you can take a dog to the vet in the family car so it's not that expensive to care for an old dog. with a horse, your choices are keep a VERY expensive pet that can't be ridden in your pasture for the next 20 years, take him to an auction where a lame horse is usually bought by the slaughter house, or advertise it on craig's list free to good home. And then fudge the facts a little so some unsuspecting person comes along to adopt him. then this lame or unsound horse is not your problem anymore. Even if someone offers to GIVE you a free horse, spend the money getting a vet to check him. Free is NOT free if the horse has a health issue.

 

[hunterjumper999]

I'd ask your parents if you can pay for boarding ( or work out a deal where you barter board and your parents back you up on the driving ect to and from it), pay for supplies you need AND save up the money for horse on your own if they will pay to have a vet look at the horse before you commit to it. That's my .2 . Most parents would not as you say humor the kids but if yours will let you go thru with this ask if they will contribute the one pre purchase exam. Doesnt need to be fancy just to make sure you are getting a sound animal. In the mean time why dont you call up that rescue you said you volunteered with and see if they will let you ride for more help!

 

[Sierra pachie bars]

A free horse isn't always free. I have taken several, and I put money into them. Most have been neglected and need a lot in terms of care.
Shots , teeth, feet. I did however get one free by the time I put money in him , he's turning out to be the best horse. He is sweet, trustworthy, just a big puppy dog. But he is not sound , and I decided he's worth keeping but he does require vet care and bute if i do trail ride him. Best to take it easy. Make sure you are getting the right horse for you. And remember free isn't always a good thing.

 

[patandchickens]

Don't get a horse if you can only afford it by wheeling and dealing for free or super-low board. Those options often evaporate unexpectedly, and these days it is reeeealllll hard to get rid of a horse on short notice. You want to be able to comfortably afford board rates at *some number* of local places, so that you have options.

You know what? Owning a horse is great but it really stunts your growth as a horseman in many ways. You will learn MUCH MUCH more if you keep taking lessons and helping other people out at their stables and so forth. Then when you can comfortably afford a horse at some future point you will be in a much better position to have good safe things-not-going-wrong fun with that horse

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[welsummerchicks]

What I've done with lower level dressage horses is find them a decent home - which can take a long, long time, but is worth it. I spent 18 months finding a home for one lower level horse. During that time my riding was on hold. So what. That's what it takes, that's the thing to do. And it was not like I was giving up pleasure riding for that time, I was riding very intensively and it really HURT to give it up for 18 months. But if that's what it takes to give an animal a good home then so be it. And even at that, if you hear the new owner is not caring right for them you have to be ready to go get them and have space in your barn to bring them back and find them another home.

As for the horse trained to upper levels of dressage, no. If an upper level horse of mine is disabled by injury or wear and tear, and can't be ridden, such a horse will never, ever go out of my sight or control. Otherwise someone will be saying, 'Oh he's not lame', and riding the tar out of him, lame or not and making his retirement a misery. There is no way on heaven or earth. I have seen it WAY too many times. I will never ever do it.

You've gotten an awful lot of good advice here, OP. Especially what Pat said is very, very important - you'll be a much better horsewoman or horseman if you don't buy a horse at this point. Work in as many barns as you can, ride as many horses as you can, take lessons, read, watch videos and dvd's, find out what kind of riding you want to do...and have a lot of fun.