Letter to parents- potential pony

firstly, I admire your determination and how well you have written the letter; it is very well researched.

everyone else has pretty much covered what I would have said; it is a lovely letter and it does really break everything down for your parents money wise, but again, I am sorry to say please don't get your hopes up. It is a huge commitment to ask of them in the form of money, but also in time, stress and many other ways. You need to understand just how much it will effect the rest of your family you having a pony and competing.

as others have pointed out, there are a few things that would probably cost more on your list of costs. I.e. my saddles were £800 and were the cheapest ones that would fit my horses....as for bedding, my three horses are disgustingly messy...and need the whole bed changing almost on a daily basis if they stay in...! Also farriery, one of my horses needs shoeing every 4 weeks rather than the average 6 week rule for shoeing, and you need to think about possible shoe losses etc etc which can add up quite a lot.

As for your goals...that is a massive goal to reach in 2 years...I myself, when I was younger, had mad dreams about affiliated showjumping; I had a schoolmaster when I was 14 who took me to 1m10 (which took me 5 years to get to rather than my aim of reaching 1m20 within 2-3years.......) and then I got a different couple of horses who I aimed to reach 1m20 with after my schoolmaster was retired...one of these had ridiculous vet bills due to a ligament rupture and so I never got to 1m20 on him, and another horse ended up being a dirty stopper and so I unfortunately lost my confidence completely... Now at the age of 21 I am battling with bringing my confidence back and have only just started doing 95cm courses of showjumps again..... So in all...an aim of 1m20 tracks in 2-3years has led me to, seven years later, be tottering round small courses with shreds of confidence!! In a way I think it was the worst decision I ever did to have such big aims in such a short space of time...it adds too much pressure, and often ends up taking the fun out of competing - which is why you're supposed to do it all right? enjoyment? So if I were you I would aim for something different, that was possibly more likely to be achieved. Your aims of Pony Trials in just 2 years would mean you would need daily training, and more likely a £20,000 schoolmaster international pony.... It may also be worth explaining to your parents that you understand it may not always go to plan with horses - like in my case, unfortunately it all didn't go to plan and I never did as well as I thought/wanted, but as soon as I stopped worrying about doing well/reaching high levels, I have actually started doing much better and getting more placings than I ever did, and I am progressing through the heights quicker than I did with my schoolmaster!! Plus, I actually have FUN :)

Sorry to put a downer on your post OP...but it is best for you to come up with a plan B in case your parents see a different side to your request.

Let us know how you get on :) As I said, it is a very well written letter, and shows your maturity, determination and passion. Hopefully your parents see this :)
 
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soberedup said:
But i will say that hand on heart it is impossible to get to pony trials unless you have a full time horsey mother that knows and understand the whole game& is helping you/training you/advising you every day. The kids that get to pony trials have been competing in top comps since they were 5 yrs old - they start of in showing ( working hunter ponies) and pony club comps. They don't do that unless they have the knowledgeable experienced parents behind them, supporting them - the parents are leading their careers from age 5 to 21 ( then the kid often gives up!)
Pony trials is unrealistic. Aim for pony club comps to begin with.
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Just for the record, this is largely rubbish :D

OP that is a fantastic letter, well done :) Who knows whether it will get you what you are hoping for, and if it does, who knows how close you will get to achieving your dreams in the short term, but I applaud you for taking this first step - you have showed determination, maturity and commitment and I really hope they get rewarded.

If it doesn't go the way you hope, with the attributes you have already shown you will find a plan B I am sure :)
 
I agree with all comments about the passion shown by op. I also agree with the hefty dose of realism offered by many. Here are a few further observations
- I have never come across anyone who went into ponies/horses and bought all possible kit for eventing straight off. The costs are ferocious. It makes much more sense to buy stuff as and when it is needed.
- The costs are all to be funded out of 'spare' disposable income by parents who although in professional jobs are essentially on 'zero hours' type contracts. So their work might dry up...and I don't suppose they'll feel like going into debt on this project.
- The letter does not address the risks of the enterprise, and how to mitigate them. As many have said, the risks are enormous.

The op sounds like a bright girl. I was a bright child, desperate for a pony when I was 9 or 10,and one of the most motivating things my mother ever said to me was 'We can't afford a pony and we don't know anything about them. You'll just have to wait till you are older and get a good job and pay for a pony yourself.'

That is indeed exactly what I did. I swopped childhood passion for concentrating on education and getting a good career started. But the germ of the passion remained, and after a few years of proper lessons I bought my first horse in my early 30s.....and since then have enjoyed my riding and low-level competing and plan to keep on doing so. I would never have been a good enough rider for serious competition anyway, and isn't happiness about achievable goals?

So op, as other have said, come up with a more achievable alternative that your parents might be able to support, and then I wish you the very best.
 
I haven't read all the replies as I got to this one and had to agree. You've obviously put a lot of thought into your letter.

Jo_x said:
I havn't followed your other threads, so I don't know your situation fully, but you need to bear in mind that money isnt the only reservation your parents will have. Having a horse, and especially competing at the levels you want to do, requires a huge time commitment from your parents as well as you and will have a big impact on the rest of your family.
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^^ This. Finances aside, this is going to be a big commitment for your parents. I see you've added a trailer to your list, so I presume you are expecting your parents to take you to competitions. If they don't have a suitable car for towing, they will also have to get one of those. We started off towing with a normal car, it's fine on roads but not much use if you're going across wet fields. And you're asking your parents to give up a lot of their weekends to sit in a car in a field.

I don't mean to be harsh, but when I was a similar age to you, I dreamed of becoming an event rider. I too was told I have a natural seat. That doesn't mean I would make it to serious competition level, no matter how much I dreamed of it. No offence, but your parents might not be so convinced that you'll make it to the top if your credentials are a single ODE and enjoying watching Burghley etc. I think you'd be better off lowering your standards and saying you want to compete at Pony Club level.

I do think your time scales are a bit optimistic- it could take a long time to find the horse of your dreams (especially if you are after one to take you to junior championship levels for £6k. You could find one for that price that has the potential, but you'll have to put in a lot of work with it to get it to that level. Your statement that this horse will be worth more in 2015 is only true if (a) it improves its competition record and (b) it stays sound.

£300 for a saddle for riding at a high level is peanuts, I'm afraid. Like with your horse, you'd be very lucky to find what you want at that price. You'd need at least a dressage saddle and a jumping saddle, so even if you did manage to find them for that price, that's already £600. You'd need a saddle fitter to fit them. And check the fit. A badly fitting saddle can do a lot of damage.

You don't factor in vets bills for anything except routine jabs. You never know what will happen. My horse was walking back from the arena the other day and just fell over on his knees and cut them open. He didn't need the vet, but accidents can happen that stupidly. Even if it's covered by insurance, your parents might have to pay out first and then be reimbursed.

Also- look at the reputation for the insurer you have chosen. I asked on here about who to insure with, and was told that cheaper isn't always the best. Certain insurers try to avoid paying out at any cost.

What happens when you are ill? I mean so ill you can't get out of bed. Will your parents be happy to go out to your horse? I'm even skeptical about the sharer. 2-3 times a week leaves you 3-2 times a week to ride. And if I was riding at the level you are aiming at, I'm not sure I'd want anyone else riding it. If I did, I think someone of the right standard would be hard to find. I understand that you are trying to show your parents that costs can be reduced, but you run the risk of being unhappy at having a sharer, and then presto! Suddenly your parents are paying an extra £100+ a month.

I admire your determination, but I think you've set your initial standards too high. I think you might be better looking for a loan first, so you can take it to some local/Pony Club shows. If you can start winning things then your parents will be more convinced you can make it up the ladder :) Please don't think I'm trying to poop on your dreams, but I remember being a bit like you not so many centuries ago!
 
As others have said well done for writing a well researched letter, it is not easy asking for things especially not this big! I was lucky enough that my parents got me a pony when I was your age and even luckier that it was so long ago full livery was £45 per week!!!! BUT my parents are not horsey. You will find this may present real problems. Strangely I was joking about this on Tuesday with my instructor who has known me since I got my first pony. He said he had never know parents be less involved than mine. I was not at a standard yard (professional SJ yard) and was 1 of only 2 children and did not get to compete until I could jump senior affiliated. You cannot rely on someone else's mother to take you to shows. It is not just about the time, which she is already giving to her daughter, but it is a huge responsibility. Especially taking someone else's daughter eventing where the risks are higher. Have you spoken to the mother? Would you be happy having a pony without competing regularly? I am currently selling my horse as I don't have my own transport and I am not happy being unable to compete. I hope to get enough to buy a trailer and a new youngster so next year I can compete.

I think your costs are fair some may be higher, some lower. The equipment section is a bit scary to read. Some of those items I would consider luxuries and you certainly won't need it all at once. It might seem less daunting if you par it down to the essentials to start with. For £6000 you will get a really nice pony, but it is very unlikely you will get one that can take you to pony trials in 2 years. An older
pony might, but will most likely devalue over the time and may require more specialist care.

Don't be put off either, you don't have to compete in pony trials to make it. A good grounding at pony club with a decent pony could set you up for a future career in eventing. BE is not the BE all and end all (like what I did there).

Lastly I know you are only 13, but you do not mention any way that you could contribute financially. Do you currently get pocket money that could go towards it. Have you looked into if there are any yards that might offer a discount if you helped out, even just at weekends. I worked every weekend and some nights from the age of 13-18 in exchange for lessons and rides. I also saved my pocket money and did odd jobs etc to pay for things for my horse. My parents got me the essentials saddle, bridle, a couple of rugs, girth and saddlecloth, but every thing else I paid for myself. You have 7 sets of boots on you list!

I hope this doesn't sound too negative. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
 
Hey OP! Everyone has already said it all really!

What a great idea to write your parents a letter, explaining everything. They will hopefully see how serious you are about the whole thing. Some of your calculations are pretty far off, but to be honest maybe it doesn't matter if it at least gets your parents thinking about it and adding it up and actually considering it as a possibility.

I just wanted to say, be careful with setting your aims so high. If I'm honest, it's not realistically achievable especially with the timescales and the time you are able to dedicate weekly (weekends + 2-3 evenings a week really isn't enough) I used to compete at a reasonably high level show jumping when I worked at a yard abroad and I rode several horses a day and had a lesson daily. It's a lot of work. But ..... The other thing I wanted to add is that by putting this much pressure on yourself to achieve, you could end up sucking all the fun out of it. Your pony is your teammate and friend, you don't want to be so focused on moving forward competitively that you lose sight of the fun of riding and spending time with your pony. Just a thought .....

I think you would get a lot more out of it if you bought a nice pony (and you can get a very nice pony for £6k) to have fun with at the pony club, lessons, local stuff etc and take the time now to lay the foundation for learning to be a really fantastic rider and horsewoman. It's a lot to ask of your parents to be driving you here there and everywhere.

I don't drive because of medical reasons, so my husband drives me and my horses everywhere. My dad is also very supportive both with his time and financially. I've just begun competing again this year after a long break due to injury (me not the horse!) and I've taken it very slowly and quietly, but really I'd forgotten how much time and energy is required to regularly compete. It's a lot of prep, it's a lot of training, it's a lot of driving not to mention the day of the show all the running about and then the waiting around when you arrive. I'm so lucky to have my hubby and dad, neither are horsey but they want to support me and are both wonderful but ..... I do often feel terribly guilty for taking time away from them that they could be using to follow their own interests.

I really don't want to spoil anything for you, but you're asking a lot of your parents. If they say yes, that's brilliant! But don't feel too disappointed if they say no, or suggest a compromise. It's a huge commitment and responsibility for them to be taking on.

Please let us know how you get on! I remember getting my first pony at about your age, it was so exciting!
 
Well done for writing such a well thought out letter, Im sure it will help your parents to appreciate how strongly you feel about this..the only thing I would say is that I think you have been quite optimistic with the costs involved!! I did a pretty similar thing when I was your age and trust me the costs are never ending..there are also a couple of little details you've missed slightly, like flu and tet jabs, if a pony/horse is competing at FEI level events so PTs, they have to have them every 6 months. My jump saddle was £2k and my dressage saddle a grand..paid for both of them myself.
With regards to time...my dad is actually an exec jet captain so does exactly the same job as your dad! I currently have a lovely big fit shiny event horse stood in the field doing nothing because Dad has been away pretty much all this month so hasn't been around to take me eventing! I have to tell you it is absolutely heartbreaking seeing your lovely fit horse 'all dressed up with nowhere to go'! And is actually pretty demoralising eventually. I have also learned the lesson that you should never rely n people to take you anywhere...regardless of what they say!
I also think the time scale is possibly a little bit optimistic! Riding at PT level takes a hell of a lot of work and training and you need a real bond with the pony, I know you said the fences at Weston all looked v do-able but you have to remember this is because at that point there was no talk of you actually having to jump them!! I've walked Somerford CIC** track and thought it all looked very jump able...because I don't actually have to get on the horse and jump it!
I really do wish you the best of luck though and hope it all works out well for you, I would suggest maybe look at taking a year as a Wrorking Pupil for someone when you leave school? I did this and it was a fabulous experience, rode a few 4* horses, rode some breakers, had training with some of the best people in the world etc. It does make you appreciate though the amount of time and effort it takes to keep the show on the road though! Even width my one eventer I have missed out on doing a lot of things with my friends because I can't afford it or because I have to do the horse or because Im eventing etc. when I was a working pupil a 13 hour day with 40 mins for lunch was a good day...a lot of the time in the evening I was literally too tired to even string a sentence together! Having said all that though it is a fantastic sport to be involved in, most of my closest friends I have made through eventing and I have had some really really great times that balance out the moments when it all goes t*ts up and you literally never want to look at the horse again!!
 
soberedup said:
Amazing letter, very well researched!!

But i will say that hand on heart it is impossible to get to pony trials unless you have a full time horsey mother that knows and understand the whole game& is helping you/training you/advising you every day. The kids that get to pony trials have been competing in top comps since they were 5 yrs old - they start of in showing ( working hunter ponies) and pony club comps. They don't do that unless they have the knowledgeable experienced parents behind them, supporting them - the parents are leading their careers from age 5 to 21 ( then the kid often gives up!)
Pony trials is unrealistic. Aim for pony club comps to begin with.
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I disagree . There are a small but significant number of people out there who repect the enthusiasm and deication of young riders. And who are prepared to put their ponies and horses out there to help them. We all grow old and eventualy we cant ride . But to watch an enthusiastic youngster with potential on our horses is wonderfull. Dear OP I understan you are 13 , at 13 I wanted to ride NH (no not natural horsmanship, National Hunt). No chance, but with a great deal of helpn from friends I eventualy managed to fulfill my dreams by point to pointing. I am so gratefull to so many people who helped me ,even though it was a complete no hoper. Remember, the kid who have it all laid out for them ,are not hungry enough for success. This is your advantage.
 
Op I agree with all of the comments in here, and u have commented before and may have come across as very negative. However that it probably because I stopped following my dream as my dad in particular did not understand horses and actively discouraged me from riding.

I worked for a dressage judge and rider who trained with Carl Hester. I used to go with her to lessons at his yard and comps etc.

I applied to do Physio to become a vet Physio and nearly didn't get in (because if my physics a level grade). My boss offered me a job with accommodation if I didn't get in while I resist my exams, like a year out. I would have taken it but I did get a place at uni in the end and dad insisted I go.

I'm not saying its wrong to go to uni, but I regret not taking an opportunity based on the opinions of my dad, who a couple of months later left my mum for his secretary and whose opinion matters to me not a jot now.

This is a very rambley way of saying, you know your dream, make sure you follow your dreams whether your parents support you or not. Read Mary King's biography. There's a lady who got to the top through hard graft!!!

Also I'd recommend The Dressage Chronicles books. They're novels but give you an idea if the hard work involved in the competitive horse world and are fun to read too!!

You will probably need plan b and c and d and e!!! Just keep trying if its your dream. You only get one life, don't have regrets!!!
 
Haven't given it to them yet I'm still deciding on a few things. I've updated the equipment list and still not sure whether to sit with them whilst they read it or give it to them before I go out so they can just read it over time!
 
Lots of excellent advice in this thread. Only one comment from me: the first part of the letter goes into great detail about how you can reduce livery costs down to £15 per week, which sounds not too bad, then you get walloped between the eyes with a grand total of nearly thirty thousand pounds! It's a massive sum anyway, but it looks even worse after the start of the letter.

Personally I'd also present them with a plan B for a pony kept on DIY, with which you can do Pony Club and just have some fun. It's much more realistic, it shows to your parents that you're realistic, and the total cost will be peanuts in comparison, so you can explain that if the £30,000 is too much, a 2K pony and basic livery and activities would only cost "X".

Just out of interest, if your parents said no to eventing and a swanky pony, would you be happy if they agreed to fund a cheaper pony (and 2K is a very decent budget) and basic running costs for you to do pony club on and just have some fun with?
 
I think if they said no I'd either look at a cheaper pony that was welsh maybe but if I got one to produce I would look at a horse that was maybe a 15.2 Connemara X so I could then have a lot more time to produce it
 
Sez1, I've just looked over your last thread to get some more background - you gave your dad's salary on that. If you take off tax, he takes home less than £50,000 a year, and you cannot count on your mum's income as a supply teacher.

I'm going to be absolutely blunt: it isn't fair to ask your father to give up almost 20% of his take home pay every year to fund this, and even if you ask, there's no way your parents will be able to agree to it.

I'm really sorry to be so harsh, but you need another way forward - think about a cheap pony, help pay for livery by working at the yards at weekends, get as much experience as possible and work your way up.
 
Here we go: some Plan B costs :)

Pony - budget 2K, that should get you something very nice
Basic tack and start up equipment - 1k
Livery - 2500 a year
Hay and bedding - you have your local hay costs, but look at something like wood pellets for bedding (cheaper) - or even think about grass livery if you can get it?
The feed you quote is much more realistic if you're talking about lower level stuff :)
Shoes, etc all stay much the same - but you might get away with just fronts or even unshod.
Explain that extra clothing, bits of kit etc are all things you'll ask for for Christmas and birthdays.
Find out if you can help at your yard to cover either part of the livery cost, or perhaps even earn yourself free lessons? That would be a massive saving, and it shows you're willing to chip in.
Forget transport for the meantime - local shows might well be hackable, and if not shared lifts are much cheaper (half fuel and a bottle of wine for your driver!)

Honestly, honestly, honestly - I think you will have just as much fun - if not more - doing it this way :)
 
Theocat said:
Sez1, I've just looked over your last thread to get some more background - you gave your dad's salary on that. If you take off tax, he takes home less than £50,000 a year, and you cannot count on your mum's income as a supply teacher.

I'm going to be absolutely blunt: it isn't fair to ask your father to give up almost 20% of his take home pay every year to fund this, and even if you ask, there's no way your parents will be able to agree to it.

I'm really sorry to be so harsh, but you need another way forward - think about a cheap pony, help pay for livery by working at the yards at weekends, get as much experience as possible and work your way up.
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basically this ^^^



take the cost of the eventing OFF the sheet and go with basic pony..........



i did do the same at your age and finally got my own at 15....i worked to pay for mine too once i hit 16,


that may go down better :)
 
It does sound much cheaper that way. Is insurance not necessary then?
I just really wanted to do BE especially PTs. You get a lot of recognition and they're all so close and have made such good friends. It would be a really good start to riding and could help get sponsors and stuff.
 
insurance is a must...!!!! mine cost me on average £30 a month for a general riding horse....

just cut the eventing stuff off the letter and to be honest they (and we) will take you more seriously..... sorry to be blunt but if my daughter came to me with that letter it woudl be a flat no.... (because of cost and unrealistic expectations!)


just go with livery costs/insurance and forget competing until you actually get a horse....! :) then gradually sugest competing once you have a horse (not before!)
 
Yes, but you can get much cheaper insurance - mine has 4k vets bills and death / theft / straying and it's twenty something pounds a month.

You can still have the friends :) and you'd actually get stacks of helpful experience if you also volunteer to groom for them at events, etc. Forget sponsorship; that doesn't come until you're winning well and often!

Pony Club events are great fun, and both Pony Club and Riding Clubs offer opportunities to aim for teams and ride regionally and nationally.
 
I'm sorry if this sounds harsh but you are starting to sound like a storyline from pullen-Thompson novel now. I havent seen how much experience you have but if you have done most of your riding at a riding school you will still have a lot to do, sponsors arent necessarily going to come and seek you out. You seem so fixated on this pony teams thing. Why don't you get a pony to enjoy first. Sorry for being blunt but this thread is frustrating me!
Ps a few people have asked where you are, they may have some good opportunities for you.
 
BWa said:
I'm sorry if this sounds harsh but you are starting to sound like a storyline from pullen-Thompson novel now. I havent seen how much experience you have but if you have done most of your riding at a riding school you will still have a lot to do, sponsors arent necessarily going to come and seek you out. You seem so fixated on this pony teams thing. Why don't you get a pony to enjoy first. Sorry for being blunt but this thread is frustrating me!
Ps a few people have asked where you are, they may have some good opportunities for you.
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haha same :D

hence why i was so blunt before...!!!

just focus on getting the pony.............that in itself is most peoples biggest issue!! even as an adult paying for it - its tough!!!
 
You make friends with ponies no matter what. Al has never done pony trials, rarely does BE, has no special results or big successes to her name and the likelihood of her getting sponsored atm is almost zero. She still has the most amazing bunch of good friends from her years in the PC, she's got an owner (well, two!) and is doing well for herself. The best thing about PC is your friends all live near you. You can meet up and go for hacks or schooling sessions together and see each other on a regular basis.

You don't need to do YR stuff, or PT stuff to be a success IMO. It's one route there sure, but in all honesty one reserved for the rich. I know loads of people say it's not, but 'rich' is a pretty relevant term. To my family, anyone who can afford to do PTs is rich- most PT riders will spend thousands on entries each year, let alone training and everything else!

Your letter is really good, and well thought out. I really hope it convinces your parents you're serious and dedicated to riding and you've put a lot of effort into working out the feasibility of it.
 
Good for you for taking this so seriously and doing all this work. I'm sure your parents will be impressed. :)

Can I ask though, what do you plan to bring to the party? Do you currently have any income? Are you planning to offer to do more at home to offset the time they will have to spend on your hobby? Have you looked into ways you might be able to raise money or trade off services for your horse costs? What will you offer to do without to contribute?

You are asking your parents for a LOT of money. More than many people on here make in a year. More than they have, judging by their jobs, sitting unused in a bank account somewhere. Why should they buy you a pony and spend all that money? Because they love you, obviously, but if they had that to spend wouldn't they already be spending it? What will your family be doing without so that you can have what you want?

I don't mean to be harsh but you are being commendably grown up about this and these are the kinds of things grown ups need to consider. I think it's very respectful of you to approach this in an organised, adult manner but please be prepared to carry that respect a bit further if your parents say they are doing their best as it is and, alas, as much as they want to help you, we don't always get what we want in life.

There are ways to be involved with horses and impress people with your skills that don't cost nearly as much as getting your parents to buy you a pony. If it's not to be, oh well. Work within your limitations. There are always limitations in horses (in life!) - it's not a bad lesson to learn.

Good luck!
 
Sorry I am going to be very negative here and I really feel for your parents. You have shown that you can google to research stuff but I really doubt how much real knowledge or true understanding you have about the things you have put in your letter. I am not certain if it is that you are really clueless and truly naive or just that the desire to follow your dream in blinding you.

In this day and age - who worms as often as you are quoting? Have you not done research on wormers and worm resistance etc??? and why on earth would you get insurance from E&L, if you had researched them properly?

I was a responsible child who like you was determined with non horsey parents. I worked at a local yard and got brilliant instruction and opportunities to compete etc... I really think it is so unfair and immature of you to expect your parents to bankrole it all!

If you are that committed and dedicated and prepared to put in hard work with you being such a 'good natural rider' then I would look at helping out at yards in return for rides/lessons/competition experiences. Get a real equestrian education by practical experience and see where that takes you.

Your time frame for achieving your goals are also unrealistic but I am sure that with some good old common sense, some growing up and stop being so self centred (although you may call it being determined), there will be a way forward for you without mortgaging your parents!

I really hope your parents have the common sense to turn you down as when you are older, I think you will thank them for that.

Moderate your aspirations, put in some hard work and you will get a lot of fun out of horses/ponies and they will teach you a lot of life lessons.

Good luck and sorry I sound such a negative OAP!
 
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Jnhuk said:
Sorry I am going to be very negative here and I really feel for your parents. You have shown that you can google to research stuff but I really doubt how much real knowledge or true understanding you have about the things you have put in your letter. I am not certain if it is that you are really clueless and truly naive or just that the desire to follow your dream in blinding you.

In this day and age - who worms as often as you are quoting? Have you not done research on wormers and worm resistance etc??? and why on earth would you get insurance from E&L, if you had researched them properly?

I was a responsible child who like you was determined with non horsey parents. I worked at a local yard and got brilliant instruction and opportunities to compete etc... I really think it is so unfair and immature of you to expect your parents to bankrole it all!

If you are that committed and dedicated and prepared to put in hard work with you being such a 'good natural rider' then I would look at helping out at yards in return for rides/lessons/competition experiences. Get a real equestrian education by practical experience and see where that takes you.

Your time frame for achieving your goals are also unrealistic but I am sure that with some good old common sense, some growing up and stop being so self centred (although you may call it being determined), there will be a way forward for you without mortgaging your parents!

I really hope your parents have the common sense to turn you down as when you are older, I think you will thank them for that.

Moderate your aspirations, put in some hard work and you will get a lot of fun out of horses/ponies and they will teach you a lot of life lessons.

Good luck and sorry I sound such a negative OAP!
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^^^^
I guess this is exactly the reason why this letter has sat on my computer for months and months and months. I've been a coward and I truly am really feeling rubbish about myself. Deep down I know my parents don't want to do this for me but they haven't said that to me. That's why I haven't given it to them because I always think that by not giving it to them there is still a hope.
I'm crying writing this an I know you'll all think I'm immature now. But I spend so long finding out about these pony trial riders, their ponies and how it all works. Even Felicity Collins and pPippa Gloag who compete in pony trials have said I'm really obsessed and probably know more about it that them. I'm just so angry with everything and don't know how I'm going to eat anywhere with riding if I'm going to feel this way an I don't even have a horse yet
 
You don't need to be doing pony trials to be getting somewhere with riding. Why not aim for a nice pony you can compete with and learn how it all works? If you ride well enough and have the right attitude people will notice you and you might even be offered a sit on something that can teach you a bit more from time to time.
 
Two things. . .

Of course you're immature! You're 13! :D I'm not being mean - we were all young once - but it goes with the territory. Luckily, time fixes that. (For most people, anyway. ;) )

Secondly, I highly doubt that your parents don't WANT to do this for you, judging by the information we've seen, they CAN'T. At least not without everyone giving up anything but the bare essentials. That is really not a fair thing to say!!

And I'll bet everyone here has said something like it to their parents, who have replied with some variation of, 'Oh well, thems the breaks.' Your parents' job is to teach you about life and right now you are learning that life is not always about what we want and that, frankly, jealousy gets you nowhere but miserable. One of the most useful things I learned at your age was that there are people in the world with real problems and I'm not one of them. Sometimes I still struggle to remember this! :D
 
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