Career and horses - how?

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xspiralx

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I'm starting to wonder if I am being totally unrealistic in thinking its possible to have a demanding but not overly well paid job, a horse, and a reasonable standard of living, and I'd really love to hear how other people manage it.

I got a job in London 3 months ago, and now live in High Wycombe with my OH. I work 9 - 6, so I leave home at 7.30pm and I get back about 7.30pm, and I earn enough to support myself but not enough at the moment to support my own horse - let alone on part livery which I would need due to the hours I work.

I had a great share horse, but circumstances changed and so that's just come to an end. I've been looking for another, but everything I've found seem to want a hefty chunk of money, with very restrictive terms.

As much as I love riding, I'm not really a happy hacker. I'm more than happy to put a lot of hard work in on schooling, but I do like to have a goal to work towards, and to be able to go out and do things; even if its just a bit of unaff competing, or fun rides or something. I'm happy to contribute, but I just don't have £150 odd a month spare, particularly for a horse I can't actually do much with.

So I'm wondering if I should resign myself to being horseless until I get a job that pays me enough to buy and keep my own on part livery - or whether anyone else is in a similar position and manages to juggle it all - and if so, how?

[disclaimer - this post isn't intended as a moan or a complaint towards anyone looking for a sharer. I know my situation is extremely difficult and really not horse-friendly, and I am pretty much resigned to it, but I get a bit depressed without horses and I am honestly interested to know how other people manage - if there is a way that I am missing!]
 
I think it depends on what sort of a saver/spender you are. When I first thought about getting my horse I had saved up enough money to buy but then that wiped me out. I was speaking to some friends who had horses about the financial concerns and they said 'no matter how little money you have each month you ALWAYS manage to find the money to pay for your horse from somewhere, it's a bit like having kids'. I have found this is v true. Now if you're the sort of person who has to have a certain amount of savings in your bank as a 'just in case' then may be you should wait a bit longer. Personally I save up and then go on a spending spree and wipe myself out which I know may not be the best option for every one.

Does that make sense?
 
When I was younger and just starting out in life with my OH, I didn't really ride or go near horses for a few years - we were moving about, trying different things, just not settled.

Once we were a bit settled I started riding for a lovely lady who didn't have enough time for her horse. I didn't have to pay anything, she paid for everything and just rode when she had time - which wasn't often. It was like having my own horse for free - although of course I did have to go along with her ideas for feeding, stable management etc. I think there are busy, well off people out there who don't need a financial contribution so much as a time commitment.
 
LMuirEDT - Yes I am very cautious with my money. I can't stand debt, and would panic if I didn't have a cushion.

I'd love to have a horse, but not so much that I'd be prepared to be totally skint because of one.

Arabelle - I've been lucky so far to always find situations like this - unfortunately I don't have any contacts in this area and just haven't had any luck so far. Something may turn up still of course, but until then I guess I will just have to get used to being horseless!
 
One thing you could try is contacting local competition yards. After I had my twins my mare was still out on loan, I'd gotten back into the saddle at a riding stables, but didn't want to be paying for lessons, and not getting anything out of it, except schooling their horse for them!!! So I happened to come across a local eventer who said on competition days (nearly every weekend!!) she was off with some horses, but others were still at home, I was welcome to come and exercise them, saved her the time she'd need to spend doing it, didn't cost me anything, and I got to ride decent horses. It was a win win situation. And tied me over until the loan period of my mare expired and I was able to have my horse back.
 
Can't you find a sharer who doesn't want money?
For example, I've got three horses, three jobs, enough money to keep them, but not really enough spare time to work them. I used to 'share' my Tb mare when I was a student years ago, but again didn't charge the sharer - they did me a favour by working her. I'd like to do the same now, and I'm sure there are other people like me out there...
S :D
 
I cut out all luxuries. Forget the latte on the train, the sandwich from Starbucks, the odd glass of wine of an evening. It soon adds up...

Oh and we only have one car now too...
 
Keep looking. There WILL be a sharer/loan situation that is acceptable.

People's situations change all the time. They lose jobs/husbands or get pregnant etc.

Why not advertise locally for terms that suit you and see what comes?

I understand your pain - I can't be without horses in my life either. It's like being a flea without a dog!
 
Thanks for all the replies - yes I've always been lucky in the past to find horses to ride for free and there is no reason that something similar won't turn up - just need to be patient and open minded I guess!

Mind you, I can't wait until I can be an owner again - there's nothing like having a horse of your own.
 
just a thought and no idea if its plausible for you, but have you considered leaving the south east? Here in yorkshire I work flexi time with a half hour commute and my median salary pays for my rent and livery for two horses, and competing. X
 
Another idea - might not be feasible - could you find a cheaper place to rent, which would give some spare cash towards part livery?

Or time saving... depending on where your office is, could you relocate somewhere that would cut down some of your commuting time? 30 min less each way would make a huge difference.
 
All my money goes on my horses. I buy clothes about once a year and have a haircut once a year too! I rarely drink and i dont smoke. As Inky said, it all adds up.

I agree with others though, if you look around a free/minimal contribution horse will come up looking for a rider. You could always advertise locally?
 
xspiralx said:
Thanks for all the replies - yes I've always been lucky in the past to find horses to ride for free and there is no reason that something similar won't turn up - just need to be patient and open minded I guess!

Mind you, I can't wait until I can be an owner again - there's nothing like having a horse of your own.
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you're pretty much in the same situation as me. I had 2 share horses which were sold, and I looked for a share, and they all wanted so much I might as well have bought!
I asm being overly cautious as I want to buy when I have enough money and not be panicking about vet bills etc
Good luck - I've luckily got a lovely YO who lets me play ponies with her horses and allows me to ride one of her horses
 
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