Non horsey family? :-(

[RenegadeRider]

Okay, so i have been riding since i was four (i am now sixteen) and horses are my passion in life. However, No one in my family is horsey and my father and brother are both allergic to horses. I get lessons at the weekends but i my dad outright hates the fact that i ride and is constantly trying to get me to stop horse riding. I understand that it is expensive and that he can't help the fact that he is allergic but is there any way at all that i could convince him to let me keep riding? Has any one else grown up with this problem? how to you deal with it?

 

[SusieT]

Who pays for it? IF you pay for it it is up to you what you do with your money and it's better than drugs and sleeping around (that normally convinces dads!)

 

[Shutterbug]

I am the same - my mother was terrified of horses when I was a child and my dads only connection to horses was placing a bet every weekend - my grandfather grew up with horses and was in the Household Cavalry but he died before I was born and my dad was never horsey. As a child I volunteered each Saturday at a local stables and got a lesson in return - it was really the only way I could ride as my parents couldn't afford it - I rode friends horses but my mum was so freaked at me doing that I used to lie to her - to the extent that when I broke my wrist falling from a shetland pony that belonged to friends, I lied and told her I tripped as I was so worried I would be banned from ever riding again. Different days then though, I rode in jeans and trainers and never owned a hat. Offer to do chores for money or ask them if they would be ok with you getting a part time job to fund your hobby. My parents never really took my passion seriously until I turned 30 and suddenly could afford my own - I have two now. So don't give up and don't despair, you wont be a teenager forever

 

[Midlifecrisis]

You wont be sixteen forever - bide your time and you will be able to indulge your passion when you are fully in control of your life (if we ever are fully in control lol!). Right now accept what you are able to do and smile....parents have many pressures and fears for and about our children so be patient and understanding.