HGG Community Forums

kgstable · Dec 31, 2019 8:00 PM

So recently I've started a new job as a waitress at a sports bar and I've been making really good tips and along with my babysitting job I have been making way more money then I thought I would.
Making this amount of money just makes me want to convince myself to buy a horse again. I used to own one about 5 years ago and I miss it, I miss the bond and the peace I have when riding and I miss the feeling of owning my own horse.
Here's the boy I used to own :x
https://imgur.com/a/csyqmhg
But I know that even after I pay for bills, emergency funds, and school, next fall I have to start paying for an apartment and I just couldn't own a horse for less than a year and then sell it, it wouldn't be fair to them or me.
But I long to own a horse again. My soul NEEDS it, I've been waiting for so long to own one again.
I've even been sneakily looking online at horses for sale, looking for a young horse to start or even a rescue to take in. But that just makes me even sadder. :(
It's been almost a year since I've jumped or done any sort of English riding and that what I love to do. I've helped a girl train her barrel horse but it's not the event my heart is in. The next best thing I think is taking lessons, but the barns around here don't go upper level. I've passed the beginning and intermediate levels in jumping and I feel like the only way to move forward is by buying my own horse but I can't. I've defintely debated about taking lessons anyway just to ride and stay tuned up in my skills, but then again should I spend money on not moving up in my sport? My long term boyfriend has told me when we settle down together he'll make sure I get a horse and as much as I appreciate that I'm having a hard time waiting.
So I guess I just need some uplifting or some encouragement so that I don't feel so depressed about not being able to have time or money for a horse right now. And ways to help cope with having to wait so long.

LenasHollywood · Dec 31, 2019 8:14 PM

It seems like you’re already aware of your budgetary concerns, and the expenses that come with owning a horse. I used to clean stalls for four horses in exchange for being able to ride them anytime I wanted. Something like that or even a paid lease that would be less expensive than owning may be ideal for you if you can find the right opportunity.

Foxhntr26 · Dec 31, 2019 8:39 PM

You could also try talking to the people working at your local tack store or area trainers about catch riding if you are that experienced. They may know someone who is pregnant, just had a baby, just went to school, is coming back from an injury, etc that needs their horse worked. It would be a much less expensive way to get riding time in and create a bond that could last a while. I know I sent my main show horse to my trainers for 4 months towards the end of my pregnancy and right after I had my daughter so that she could use her in her lesson program and ride her for me but even after I brought her back home I ended up being too sick for about 6 months and I did a partial lease on her to one of my students. It worked out for everyone and my mare will still get super happy every time she sees my student / friend Hannah. Even a paid lease would be cheaper than owning.

SilverCreekFarm · Dec 31, 2019 9:00 PM

I agree with the above comments, a lease is a good way to "have" a horse without having the 20-25 year commitment of owning one. After my old horses passed away, I was saving for years to be able to afford another one. And I saved probably 3-4 times more than I needed to buy/vet check/transport a new horse, and it was good that I did as my job situation changed 6 months after i bought my new gelding. Then another 6 months later he required surgery for something that didn't show up on the vet check, and I was out another $3k. Other expenses that definitely add up are feed and agistment. We have had a huge drought in australia this year, and so not only have we had no rain so far in our "wet" season, all of the feed and hay prices have skyrocketed because it is taking so much extra care to grow grains and hay.
So if you think you have enough money to buy a horse, save that much again and then if anything happens you won't be forced to sell it or go into debt. :))

SaberK · Dec 31, 2019 10:06 PM

Check into leasing. I've often seen where an owner doesn't have time and posts their horse for lease. Sometimes they'll do a part lease and sometimes it's full.

kgstable · Dec 31, 2019 10:42 PM

I definitely have thought of leasing some horses, but around here most of them are on-site leases that require you to pay for boarding. If I owned a horse or found someone willing to let their horse off the property I have a friend who would be willing to pasture board horses for free just because she has the land.
I've also tried catch riding too, I had luck at one barn who offered to let me ride her 6 horses any time as long as I kept her 2 barns clean 4 days a week. I really enjoyed it but then she turned out to be dishonest so I stopped working for her and haven't been able to find anything else since. Maybe it's time I push it a bit more.

TerreDesAnges · Jan 1, 2020 7:02 AM

Lessons can ALWAYS help you even if you feel you've progressed beyond the level of training offered. You don't have to keep going higher to make progress in jumping! You may be able to find a trainer who is willing to let you collaborate in creating more technically difficult exercises or work on your position/strength/finesse at the levels at which they and their schoolies are capable. If you can find a local trainer who can give longe lessons, you can GREATLY improve your seat, balance, strength, and feel. Even working on precise figures and smooth, seamless transitions in a walk/trot lesson can benefit your riding ability.

LenasHollywood · Jan 1, 2020 7:35 AM

I agree with Terre! Or consider taking lessons in a related discipline. My mare and I started out in reining, and are now getting ready to compete in mounted shooting. The flying lead changes and the fact that spinning is easy for both of us are fantastic for mounted shooting, so I’m hoping that’s an edge most competitors won’t have. You may learn something or a different way of thinking about something from a different discipline that just approaching one discipline directly never could’ve taught you.

paradoxphoenix · Jan 1, 2020 12:48 PM

Investing in lessons IS advancing in your sport. :) It means that you’ll be an even better rider by the time you’re ready to have your own horse again. Take the time to find a high quality place that will help you level up.

Owning a horse is wonderful (at times lol), but honestly the financial burden of it has burned me out big time. I don’t ever want to part with my mare, but I can’t help but think about how much easier my life could be without the financial stress. Right now I work off her board, but that comes with it’s own problems, too.

The happy horse loving side of my wants to tell you to just do it. Get a horse and love it. But the tired burned out part of me says don’t do it. Find good, challenging lessons. Enjoy horses without commitment and stress.

doorbell · Jan 1, 2020 12:59 PM

I didn't read anyone else's answers but I hear ya!
I work at a riding school and I can ride their horses whenever I want, but nothing is like having your own horse. What I suggest is to start a savings pan, so you can buy the horse of your dreams when you are in the position to keep the horse long term. Start a dream horse wall on Pinterest or somewhere and put money away in a special long term account every week. Watch the numbers build up. Imagine how amazing a horse you will be able to buy each time you put money in there. It will be worth it! Plus you can save some extra for your perfect saddle and bridle. Then your horse will be super comfy when you ride.

kgstable · Jan 2, 2020 10:10 PM

Thank you everybody! I have loved all of the answers, I'm still a bit sad about the situation. I feel like there something stopping me at every turn even when it comes to leasing and lessons. (I've been to a bunch of barns around that say they'll get me to the level I want and I'll stick with them for a while but then I look back and I'm still at the same level)
Anyway, I'm trying my hardest to find peace that I'll have to just wait. HAJ helps me get my horse fix for now :)

Members log in here:
Username:
Password:
By hitting the above you signify that you agree with our rules and conditions.
Forgot your password?

HGG Community Forums

Join our discord server!

Howdy, Stranger!

Categories

In this Discussion

Who's Online (2)

Join our discord server!

Ammit will be on vacation Sept. 12 through Sept. 14

Enlarge Your Pastures