So
You Want A Horse?!
How to convince your parents you're worthy.
By: Susan Dudasik
republished with
permission of HorsePower
All you’ve
ever wanted was a horse, but no matter how many times you’ve
asked or how good you’ve been, your folks still say “NO!”
So instead of throwing a tantrum and stomping around, perhaps it’s
time to change your strategy. Horse ownership is a big responsibility
and expense. One of the best ways to convince your folks that you’re
ready for a horse is by your actions. It may take a year or longer
to convince them, but if you really want a horse, the effort will
pay off.
Be A Sponge
So, where do you start? First, you need to do your homework. That
means reading books, searching the internet, studying videos and watching
others ride and work with horses. Learn as much as you can from everyone
you can. Just because you want to ride jumpers doesn’t mean you
shouldn’t learn about Western riding, or vice versa. The more
you know, the better your chances are of getting to actually work
with someone’s horses.
Buckle Down
Also, keep up your school grades. It’s amazing how many horse-related
jobs there are today, from magazine editors to equine lawyers, veterinarians
and trainers, but all of them require a good education, especially
in math, writing, communications and business. Even if you want to
be a trainer or run a stable, today’s successful horse professional
must be able to keep expense records, know how to promote their business
in print and on the internet and have good business skills. So school
isn’t a waste of time – it’s a step closer to your
goal.
Join the Club
Check your school and community library for horse-related books or
the local feed or tack shops for free equine publications which usually
have ads for various stables and clubs as well as a calendar of events.
They’re a great source for learning about your local equine community.
Clinics and expos are growing in popularity and many feature local
and national trainers as well as commercial booths for equine products
and local riding clubs. They are an excellent place to take your folks
so they too can learn more about horses and meet other “horse
parents”.
Often riding clubs or stables have programs for horseless youngsters.
Call your County Extension Agent for information about horseless 4-H
clubs or ask if they have a Model Horse project which uses plastic
horses. There may also be independent model horse clubs in your area
which are really fun, since they teach members about tack, breeds,
horse care and actually have model horse shows.
Pitch In
Many communities have therapeutic riding programs where youngsters,
usually 12 and older, can volunteer their services and receive hands-on
horse experience. Participating in a program like this is a major
responsibility, since others are counting on you to be on time and
responsible. It’s also a good way to show your folks that you’re
really serious and can be counted on, which is a big thing with parents.
They want to be sure you’re dedicated and responsible enough
that you won’t neglect stall cleaning because you would rather
be going to the movies with your friends. Horses are a big responsibility
and a lot of work.
Do The Math
Along with learning all you can about horses, you need to prepare
for the expense of horse ownership. The cost of buying a horse is
small compared to its daily up-keep. He needs feed, water and a place
to live. There will be blacksmith and vet bills and expenses if you
want to show. You’ll need tack, grooming and stall cleaning tools
as well as emergency medical supplies. These things add up. A bottle
of fly spray alone can cost between $10 and $17 dollars.
So if you want to prove to your folks that you’re serious about
a horse, you’d better start finding ways to pay for him. Ask
them to help you open a horse savings account and deposit a part of
your allowance and all of your birthday and holiday money. Then find
ways to earn extra. See if you can do extra chores around the house
or for your neighbors. Recycle cans and newspapers. Start a dog-walking
service or take a baby sitter’s course and baby-sit. Rake yards,
wash cars, water plants, weed gardens or stack wood. There are lots
of ways to make money; you just have to work at it.
If you’ve done your homework and worked hard to earn money, but
your folks are still hesitant, perhaps they will let you invest in
riding lessons or a summer horse camp. But whatever you do, don’t
give up. There are many horse lovers who had to wait till they were
in their 20s, 40s or even 60s for their first horse. But they kept
learning and saving while never losing sight of their dream. Neither
should you.
Archives
