A want-to-be horse/pony owner

[Tammy22]

I’m 13, don’t have a huge budget but need advice on owning a horse/pony for the first time. What’s a good monthly budget for the south east of England? I’m trying to do as much research as possible so my parents all for it. We don’t have a huge amount of money, but doing this the right was I think we would be okay. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Have you thought about finding a share pony? This can be a great step towards ownership without having the full commitment and costs. It means that you have the support from the owner which can be invaluable. Plus the price is consistent and predictable which might appeal to your parents as they will easily know if it works with their budget or not.

 

[Shay]

This is quite a good site https://www.bhs.org.uk/advice-and-information/horse-ownership/buying-a-horse

Also make contact with the district commissioner for your local pony club branch -they will know everyone and everything!

Costs in the SE ae higher - and more prone to geographical fluctuations.

You need to consider staying safe online. Just because this is a horsey forum does not make it safe. You are young and it can really help to let folk know that so they are not as brutal as they might be to an adult. But also make sure you do not respond to any private message and do not meet anyone you only know online.

I know you know this - online safety is drummed into all school age kids theses days. But it bears saying again. We can't answer precisely without your location - and you absolutely can't give that information. Start with your local pony club and work out from there.

 

[Tammy22]

That is all so true. Thank you so much. Probably going to look into a share pony. Thank you so much for all the help.

 

[Tammy22]

Thank you so much. We (me and my parents) have looked into a share pony before, though we found the perfect one but turns out she was a bit to small haven’t found another one yet, thanks for the help.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Good luck in your search for a share.

 

[FrostKitten]

Thank you so much. We (me and my parents) have looked into a share pony before, though we found the perfect one but turns out she was a bit to small haven’t found another one yet, thanks for the help.

In general, horses are pretty hard to find at the moment, increase in buying and loaning due to coronavirus I suppose. Your ideal horse/pony is out there somewhere!

 

[Tammy22]

Thank you so much ?

 

[Red-1]

You sound so much like me at 13. I did budgets etc. saved all my money, studied hard on the books. Worked part time (not sure how legal that was at 13) to save some more. Bought bits and bobs, such as a grooming kit and rope. I was the one who hung round at the riding school all day, picking poo and sweeping.

I knew I was getting somewhere when I wanted to check the budget out and wanted to visit a local livery yard to price it up correctly, and mum came with me. I knew she wouldn't waste anyone's time so I had hope.

To be fair, the pony did come when I was still 13, but it was because mum had a promotion and got a company car. She always said a pony costs as much as a car, and there it was, free car!

If you can use excel then do a spreadsheet, nothing finer for impressing parents if the pony is also going to help learning. I think you can work from 14 years, so prove that you can be consistent and earn some money.

What about a card in a tack shop for finding a share? Or a local Facebook group. It would be safer for your parents to use their profile/contact details though. I also used to go to local pony club and riding club shows to see if I could help out. I don't suppose I was much help, I kind of got to know a few faces though. I did much prefer my own pony, to be fair, but if I had found a share that would have been a stack easier.

 

[Tammy22]

thank you for the reply. Will try all the above! Thank you so much for the help

 

[Myma81]

Hey Tammy

If you still can't find a pony to loan, show your parents this website as I have found it really useful as a rough guide
https://equine-world.co.uk/info/buy...rior-to-buying-a-horse/cost-of-buying-a-horse

Good luck
Gemma