I had to wait until I was 40 and had the time and money. I was promised a horse when I was young but it never materialised. Maybe just as well as I wouldn't have known how to look after it. Hopefully I am now more experienced.
29 when I finally bought a horse (Doris) who was big enough for me to ride. She's still not rideable though. This year I am going to send her away to be properly backed.
I had a shared pony from when I was about 11, then at 13 (I think!) I got my first pony, but I grew at a ridiculous rate so got my current cob when I was 14.
My mum bought our mare last June/July after having her on loan for five years, and I was 25 at the time, who we share, and I bought my very own shiney, lovable, fuzzy sec D yesterday after having him on loan for four months... so 26!
I had my first share horse when I was about 13, which was a 15.2 cob, and had him until I was 20, and took on my first full loan horse (an 18.2 shire ) when I was 17/18 and had him on loan for about two years.
I was 20 when i loaned my 1st horse, it was a 16.2 4 1/2 year old nutcase who was nasty!
and then i bought my own 1st horse when i was nearly 21, and then my third in december of that year, and then bought a 3 more primaraly to get them out of terrible homes, and then re home them (all in show homes and spoilt rotten! ) and then my last for the time being which is my show pony and im now 22...
addictive sport! think its save to say im a horseaholic