Decisions....

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Milla

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I am currently loaning a 5yo Dales mare at my local riding stables and many times the owner has asked if I would like to buy her, which of course I would. Although, I am about to start my A levels by going into year 12 and we do not have a great money supply, despite my efforts of saving up for my whole life! I know horses are expensive creatures which require a lot of time also, but I love 'my' pony so much and would love to own her (after my loan is up she is likely to go into the school, and I hate to see my work go to waste, and I do not think she is suited to this role anyway, she is more of a single rider horse andd isn't keen on change)
My decision is whether to buy her, and maybe sell her in a few years time (maybe if i go away to uni) which I would find incredibly difficult to do, or to see her go into the school and waste away as a riding school horse, when i'm sure she would do quite a lot. I just do not know whether I would have the time to care for her with my school work and whether we would have enough money to care for her for a few years. She is such a lovely pony and I will love her whatever happens, I've always dreamed of my own pony and I really do wish she could be mine !
Any advice and help on what decision to make would be extremely helpful! Thanks :)
 
I haven't got as far as uni yet...have no idea what to do when i'm older..haha, but thankyou, it is an idea. if i do buy her i think i would loan her out or sell her in a few years, likely to be when i go to uni, if i go.
If only I could be lucky on winning the lottery! :P
 
hun i understand your dilemia but please stop and think you love the horse yes no doubt but my daughter as walked away from a horse she- and i - adored . 5 months ago i walked away from my lad - i stll turn him out in mornings and long long story - could you sell the horse later . will you have the money if not to keep all questions daughter faced - hard i know and we had so many tears but walk away - give that last hug then say " i love you" yourr memories will stay hun trust me and i havea good shoulder if you want to pm someone who understands xxxx
 
I think if you want her enough you may find a way to buy her BUT will you find a way to keep her?

If you are not lucky enough to have adult support then I think you should wait.
The future is never certain and if you go to uni you may loan her, share her, keep her or sell her - all are reasonable options. However they have a way of worming into your life so you will move heaven and earth to keep them.

The worst thing is trying to keep a horse with not enough money. You can save money on lots of things but not vets bills, insurance, adequate hay/feed and good shelter/rugs and, if needed, stabling. It is harsh but you need a back up, be it a credit card that is your absolute "emergency only" fall back, parents, savings or something to pay those unexpected bills. Whatever you think this horse will cost you - double it and add some - they always cost more than you plan/hope.

Sorry if I sound harsh. Our daughter was lucky enough to have us as a back up - and still does in a dire emergency, but she went without clothes, nights out, free time and boyfriends to keep her horses. She had a weekend job from the age of 12 and worked through college and uni to provide for them. I still suplimented her money to ensure their welfare.

I hope you get your dream - but don't let it turn into a nightmare. Plan well and take advice from people you know and trust.:) Good luck.
 
Thanks for all the advice-
I know she would have a permanent stable on her current yard whatever happened, and i'm sure the yard owner would take her back at any time if need. There has been a few liveries through the years who have struggled with their horses so I know the problems and what can happen with horses when you least expect it. I am devoted to the horses and am at the yard more than I am at home! Several years riding has shown me that these horses should be thought about before making a decision, which is one reason I made this post. :) mainly to gain advice from helpful people like everyone who is helping me. I am sure my parents would support me financially at some point, as long as I chip in myself too, which if i buy the pony, I am determined to get a job! (was planning on this anyway soon enough) Even this loan has made me realise, I have been paying for my bedding with money I had saved up, been to the yard almost everyday(only not been down when illness struck) and missed out on times with my friends and shopping trips as I have been wary of money and thought of the horse first. My Mum is the one who has made me think about buying the pony in the first place, I had always brushed off any hope of ever owning her as I didn't want to dream and get my hopes up, but my mum has made me think we could actually make this possible, I think she has grown to love the pony as much, if not more, than I have! But whatever happens, I will always love her and take care of her as if she is mine whenever I get the chance.
 
TBH - You are going to enter possibly the most challenging part of your education - Your A Level's. Now depending upon what subjects you intend to study you will need to be devoted to your studies (esp if science/maths) as they are difficult and most students find the jump from GCSE to A level difficult to cope with. To succeed at A level you need to be dedicated.

Im not saying dont have her - I had 3 Showjumpers during my studies but i had my family to rely on when i need to study. If you Can juggle both and do justice to both then go for her.
 
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