Owning/ keeping a horse in your 20s

I'm 21 at uni in my final year and have a horse (now retired). I work part time at uni to cover my living and her costs.

Once I graduate I already have a job lined up so I'd like to buy another one in the next year or so!!!

It is do-able... My parents pay my rent at the moment.. but I will be able to once out in the real world :)
 
But I presume you will be in debt though when you leave unless your parents are kindly paying all your fees as well as your rent. If your parent had not been paying your rent could you still have afforded to keep a pony?

biggingerpony said:
I'm 21 at uni in my final year and have a horse (now retired). I work part time at uni to cover my living and her costs.

Once I graduate I already have a job lined up so I'd like to buy another one in the next year or so!!!

It is do-able... My parents pay my rent at the moment.. but I will be able to once out in the real world :)
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I'm not sure how living at home is not living independently, if you pay rent? I pay rent equal to that I would pay if I flat shared - I can't remember the last time Mum & Dad bailed me out financially! I love my parents dearly, but Dad has always been one for ensuring his children are financially independent from him as early as possible :D

If I lived with a friend in a shared house, I'd be just as independent as I would be now. Having a mortgage doesn't = independence, IMHO.
 
SO1 said:
But I presume you will be in debt though when you leave unless your parents are kindly paying all your fees as well as your rent. If your parent had not been paying your rent could you still have afforded to keep a pony?
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I'm in debt, as in Student Loan, but it comes straight out my salary @ £40/50 a month and to be honest I'm happy paying it off at that rate although goodness knows how long it will take me. I think if i waited to pay it off until I had a horse or similar expenses I would be waiting a very, very long time!
 
After years of loaning/sharing a horse with my dad I bought my very own at 23. I lived alone with no help from my parents at all (never had any help from either of them). I also bought a lorry and went out competing or hunting almost every weekend. To afford to keep myself and my horse and fund my competing I worked all the overtime I could (which included Sunday mornings, then went competing in the afternoons), rarely went out and never went on holiday. I didn't get a mortgage until I found a bloke to buy a house with (now married). It is absolutely doable, you just have to give up other things so it simply depends on how much you want it. I am so glad I did all that when I was young, brave and had the time. Now I am older, a chicken and have limited time due to my family, so glad I made the most of it.
 
People living at home often don't pay the market rate for rent, including council tax, share of eletricity bills, share of cost of food, heating, water etc even things like washing up powder and cleaning products are not often costed in to the price that most people pay their parents. The cost of living in a flatshare of the same quality as most people's parental home is normally higher than what they would pay at home. Do you really think you could have the same standard of living for the same costs as living at home if you lived in a flat share?

TBH I don't know how young people manage it without getting into debt unless they have a very well paid job or support from familiy. I actually don't think there is anything wrong with getting support from family just be honest about it as otherwise it may give people the impression that is is easy to do on an average wage and without any family help. Family help may not just be money but time they give in helping you out.

NativePonyLover said:
I'm not sure how living at home is not living independently, if you pay rent? I pay rent equal to that I would pay if I flat shared - I can't remember the last time Mum & Dad bailed me out financially! I love my parents dearly, but Dad has always been one for ensuring his children are financially independent from him as early as possible :D

If I lived with a friend in a shared house, I'd be just as independent as I would be now. Having a mortgage doesn't = independence, IMHO.
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I am 22, got my first horse aged 16, second at 19 and my most recent one last year (only one at a time though!). I live at home, although through choice rather than necessity - I prefer paying rent to my parents and it going towards their mortgage rather than paying a landlord and it going to theirs. I am saving to buy my own place, but am not worried about it as I enjoy the company of living at home.

The horse is probably more affordable when living at home, probably just because I feel secure that if something went wrong with work etc and I couldn't afford rent, my parents would just tally up the amount I owe them and let me use what cash I had to pay the livery, letting me pay them back later. And when I'm running my own business, despite having a second job to bring extra cash in, that security is nice!

I find it trickier with time than with money. Although probably not due to the horse, more because of running my own business - I don't really get days off and work long hours. I fit the horse in around it (he's grass kept so more time for riding and competing, less time mucking out), but can struggle to go out with my friends very often. It doesn't help that I grudge the money - I feel like it could either go into ym savings or on something the horse needs! I also don't really buy things for myself - clothes included. And when your mum is telling you that maybe you should go clothes shopping at some point, you know it's bad... ;)

I don't earn very much, but make it work. Biggest issue is time by far. I've had to get used to riding by floodlights, either very early or late.

ETA Yes I do think what I pay is equatable to a flat share. I pay my share of groceries, and my rent includes divvied up bills etc - incl phone, internet, elec, heating, everything. My dad is one of those who when I started working full time, sat down and worked it all out. So there's what I owe for all that, plus the actual 'rent' which he works out as a % of salary - so probably started out cheaper than the quality of the house, but has increased and increased so averages out!!! He says he doesn't want me getting comfortable here for the wrong reasons - but at the same time isn't throwing me out, and whilst I owe what I owe if I get in difficult patches he would be lenient on timeframe for paying. More than fair.
 
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I still think it is cheaper living at home as not many parents will ask their children to pay a deposit equivalent to 6 weeks rent nor charge them contract fees which are often payable if you rent from a landlord and every year if you renew your contract.
 
Laura2013 said:
Shooting Star- do you think you have eventually been able to "catch up" a bit with your friends, if you see what you mean- or are you still paying for having a horse earlier on?
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I'm in my 40s and had horses throughout my 20s. I lived in shared houses after I left uni as I couldn't afford the horses and a mortgage. I didn't buy my first house until I was in my early 30s but have never felt that I paid for having horses during my 20s and as my earnings increased I managed to catch up with my friends. We now have a lovely house with the horses at home and yes I've missed out on holidays at times (to pay for new arena and stables etc) but I'm pleased that my life has revolved around horses. In your 20s you have the time and energy to enjoy horses even if it is easier financially when you are older. Also all my friends who had horses in their 20s still have horses even though they now have children and busy lives. Many of those who gave up to afford 'better' things just never got back into it. Just enjoy yourself whilst you are young as you never know what is around the corner.
 
I'm 23 and live at home with my parents. I have owned my horse almost 4 years on DIY and have been at the same fairly well paid full time job the whole time I have owned her. I pay house keeping to my parents every month, and to be honest I am in no hurry to move out! I have a nice car and do the same things all of my friends do, I have just learnt to be very responsible with my money to cover it all without worrying (so bad in fact that I am always the butt of the joke with my friends for being miss organised). I intend to pay my car off early and then start saving for a house deposit, as it is I couldn't afford to move out on my own with the horse/car/social life I have now but I also wouldn't really like to live on my own as I like the hustle and bustle of a busy household! I would, and have, worked 2 jobs to fund everything which I don't mind at all.
My friends know how my life is with having a horse and it is easily worked around to still do the things with them that I want, I just have to manage my time! They all have different responsibilities too (kids, partners, houses) so we are all in the same boat, just with different things!
I think I have plenty of time yet for moving out so I'm going to enjoy myself whilst I can :)
 
I'd argue that I do pay the market share of rent (& having lived with my ex, I understand what market values is). I know I could certainly move out into a flat or house share & not be any worse off, financially. I've chosen not to, but I could.

I buy the majority of my own food but also milk, bread, washing up liquid and anything else that is needed for the home to save my parent's doing it. My shampoo, conditioner, perfume, make up, wine etc is certainly used by my (student) sister as well as my Mum ... As you said, I don't begrudge it, but it adds up.

I'm not really sure what an average wage for someone my age is - but I can & do manage my living costs, social life & horse & I honestly believe I'm not alone in that. Yes, it's a juggling act & sometimes something has to give if it's been a bad month (I could earn more ££ outright for my job in the city, but factor commuting and the time that would take making part livery essential rather than DIY, I'm better off working locally) - but that's life if your 25 or 45!

Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate that my parents have supported me in the past and we are close (especially Mum & I) which makes living at home nicer than a house share - but currently, I'm in a position where they don't need to support me financially.
 
Wow I don't think I realised just how fortunate I am until reading some of the other replies.

I'm 26 and have just bought a new horse after 4 years out from horses as I had neither the time nor funds to support a horse whilst I was trying to establish my career.

I got married this summer and now we're looking at buying our first house which we have been saving for for about 4 years now. We currently rent a lovely 2 bed house and horse is on part grass livery just up the road. We also put around £600 (£300 each) into savings each month to cover holidays, vet bills or anything else that crops up.

In order to afford all this we swap nights out for dinner parties where we each bring a dish, don't often drink, share one car between us and bulk buy household/food staples at the cash and carry and tbh I wouldn't have it any other way!
 
21 and have had my current horse since 17, pay for him myself on a DIY yard, parents supported me when I was younger for a short while. Lucky enough I still live at home, but not paying rent while I'm currently off sick through an accident for a while. I don't drink, go out much/shop for anything that doesn't involve the horse any other way. I work 35+ hours in one job, then have a couple of freelance jobs to help pay. Time can be difficult sometimes late at night, and organising everything around the horse (never the other way round!) Also OH is great and understands that where money goes, so we don't go out much. I don't mind not having the social life of people my age as horses are more important to me. Before I had him I had a couple of years 'off' from horses - needless to say I came crawling back!
 
I'm 24 and live with my OH. We're just about to buy our first home together (eek!) moving out of a rented apartment. I have two horses on full livery so it can be done. I'm also going to uni next year, I'm expecting it to be a stretch but we'll manage if we're careful. I feel like things are different for me than my friends because of horses. I haven't been able to afford to learn how to drive yet (although intend to start next month) and a few of my friends have progressed in their careers all ready, whereas I am only just coming into a position now where I'm able to afford uni. I don't feel like I'm missing out though, I'm just moving a bit slower than everyone, I guess because it takes longer for me to save money because I have more to pay for.
 
I haven't read all the posts but I had my horse through my 20s. I'm now 32 with a family and a big mortgage and its going to be years before I can afford a horse again. Do it now in your 20s when you can be selfish and spend your money and time how you like.

I used to eat fairly badly, had no social life and basically was at the yard, at work or on call lol. I couldn't (and wouldn't want to) live like that now. It wouldn't be fair on my oh or my daughter.

Meeting him gave me the finances to compete more as living costs were shared. But as we bought out house and expenses went up it got too hard and I had to sell my boy. Although that was to support my oh start his new business and the lump sum I got for him paid for our wedding lol.

Do it now!!! Don't wait it it might not happen!!!
 
I've had my horse since I was 13 and moved out at 20 with my oh. I pay the rent, the water and drainage, the car insurance, the livery, the horse insurance, trot band, shoeing, worming and my mobile. Oh pays council tax, phone bill, his mobile, tv license, electric, gas, food, petrol and horse's food and shaving. Then we go half on tax and mot/ servicing and his open university course fees. We manage ok but neither of us are particularly sociable and would much rather stay at home with a film or go for a run. Neither of us particularly like shopping and just go if we have to. It is do able. It just depends whether you can be inventive with left overs and learning to sew helps. Haha. We've managed almost 2 years and have just signed for another year. We've been together years though and oh doesn't drive which is why we go halves on the car. We are constantly saving for ou and we want to get another car as the colt we have is almost £200 a month on just insurance with no claims and it will be going up this year I'd imagine as we fell victim to a crash for cash. It is doable though. It's just a lot of budgeting! It will get easier when ou is finished and oh can get a job in what he wants. Will be odd as both being paid monthly though as currently I'm monthly and he's weekly! Makes food shopping and petrol a lot easier!
 
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Im 25 and have two horses at grass livery. I was very lucky to be bought my first horse by my parents when I was 13, I still have her and bought my youngster when I was a year out of uni at 22. I live with my oh in a house we own.
I dont go out as much as some of my friends, but to be honest most of them are settling down now too. I am very lucky to have the lifestyle that I do, we still struggle to save much at the moment as our house required a fair amount of work but shouldn't be too much longer until we can.
 
I got Henry just before I turned 23. I was already away from home and have never had support from parents. Barely money for herself let alone me! I was already house sharing and continued to do so until I was 30, bar a 1 year period when I first moved to Surrey and almost bankrupted myself renting a tiny flat, 6 months after I got Henry. I had 2 jobs going, my science graduate job and silver service waitressing. At age 30 I bought a house with my oh, but lived in it alone until I moved in with him 5 years later! By then I could afford to run the house and pay half the mortgage, but my social life has never been great. I don't drink much anyway, and I stopped clubbing about 21, bar the odd meet up with old friends. I do keep in touch with those friends, but they do tend to exclude you after a while, as you're always saying no, due to horsey commitments. I can't nip 200 miles for a boozy night out like I used to and I just don't want to! Would i do it again? Probably. Even though when I left my ex i lodged with strangers, but 350 all inclusive was peanuts in Surrey, so I got all student debts paid off and haven't lived off my credit card since. Despite being a student again, my only debt is the mortgage, so I'd recommend anyone wanting a bit of independence with the benefits of home to lodge. Blimey, it seems so long ago that I first got my pony. It's easy to forget how poor I was, but I suppose I didn't grow up with money, so you don't miss what you never had, lol!
 
After a rough 18 month's financially/work wise I've just had to give up horse owning for a while. I'm 26 and managed all through my teens/Uni etc. Live with OH in a rented house but between job losses/retraining etc we have been left in a sticky spot and I've had to. If all goes to plan it will only be a 12 month break but rather that than compromising on their welfare.
 
It's definitely feasible, even if you move out :) I moved out of my parents' house aged 18 (nearly 19) in 2008 and worked a 9-5 data entry job for about £14k a year. Living in the North East, and renting a studio flat, I could afford to live by myself and run my little car. I waitressed on Saturdays for an extra £35 per week which was enough to cover grass livery and all other horse costs, though my pony is cheap and easy to keep being barefoot and requiring little extra hard feed.

In my current job training to be an accountant I get a regaular payrise which is good and I'm now in a lovely house with pony at a fantastic livery yard. At the age of 23 I'm finally able to put away a bit of spare cash each month plus now that my partner has moved in with me I can save loads!

I think it partly depends on what your priorities are. I get no financial help from my parents and come from a background where we had very little money - I don't go on holidays and I keep a tight control over my finances (though I do treat myself regularly and can live very comfortably on my wage of about £23k). I don't have enough money to compete, but I never have and that's something to look forward to for the future. I hope to get a mortgage in the next few years, though property prices in the North are much more reasonable than in the South! :eek: I also don't spend much on going out - I only go out for a meal or a drink with friends occasionally but I'm not out spending a fortune on drinking and taxis etc. every week (I couldn't afford it but also don't have any desire to! :D)

Basically, I think it's perfectly feasible and totally worth it to keep my horse. I got her when I was 15 and she's in a home for life. You just have to be realistic and budget, and think about what your priorities are. Compared to the cost of rent, Council tax, car insurance, petrol etc. keeping a good-doer on DIY livery is just a drop in the ocean, and the cost is hardly anything compared to the happiness she brings me :cool:
 
I'm 27 and have 3 in total, 1 full ownership, 1 half ownership with my mother and the other in a 3 way ownership. 2 are on the road and competing regularly. I also have a mortgage and general rubbishy domestic stuff to pay for. It's a struggle balancing the pennies, even with mine being on the yard I run but the sister and I have always owned and paid for our own from about the ages of 14. It is do-able but very hard work. I spend very little on myself and clothes shop In charity shops, don't take lavish holidays (managed 3 days off this year), every meal is planned to perfection and competitions are very carefully picked to ensure the best chance possible for my horses results. I find myself requesting freezers and B&Q vouchers for birthdays and Christmas :)
 
I'm 21 and at university and have a pony. I fortunately live with my mother and pay minimal rent. I contribute to groceries etc also. I couldn't afford to move out regardless of whether I had a horse or not. When I qualify next year this may change as will be in full time work but will cross that bridge when I get to it.
 
I'm 22 and I still live with my parents. I have 3 horses that I keep at home so thankfully don't have to pay livery costs plus non of them wear shoes and 2 of them never wear rugs (very hardy natives), I don't compete either so lots of money saved there! I don't buy clothes and if I do its off eBay. When I go food shopping everythings own brand or on offer. Though I have had an awful financial year when I lost my job at the start of year while I had my youngster on expensive livery then unfortunately lost him to wobblers syndrome a few months later then my insurance company decided they weren't going to pay my thousands of pounds in vet bills! Then I had to scrap my car and save for a new one as with my job no car equals no work!
I've now got my own business so finally paying off my debts and hoping by the time I'm 24 I will move into my own place. That's if nothing bad happens again!!!!!
I also don't have a social life, haven't gone on a night out for over a year and I don't drink as can't be doing with a hangover. I do smoke though and eat A LOT of chocolate. It's the little things in life!

Omg I'm such a boring person
 
SO1 said:
But I presume you will be in debt though when you leave unless your parents are kindly paying all your fees as well as your rent. If your parent had not been paying your rent could you still have afforded to keep a pony?
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Hi... The only debt when I leave uni will be my student loan, this will be approx £20k and the equivalent of £40/50 quid paying back a month and only when I'm earning over a certain amount. Student loans are generally considered the best type of debt possible.

In answer to your other question, yes I would. I am lucky in that my mum pays rent with previous inheritance money (so it is technically mine) just she looks after it.

Even without this her total monthly costs at most is £200 which is about the same as my room costs... and I'd work extra to cover her and my rent. I cutback on other things such as going clubbing every weekend and shopping.

Wouldn't change it for the world!
 
I moved out when I was 15 and took the horse with me! Put her on livery at a college and worked at the evenings/weekends to pay for her. Had a child at 18, with his dad for 12years, always had the horses. Broke up with ex last year and livid on my own for a bit, it was very tight money wise. Now I've got myself a new partner and we are hopefully getting married next year (depends on how much the wedding comes too) got a horse on part livery, work full time and my partner owns his own house which we going to sell and it's looking likely that we will have to go into rented as we in a 2bed but need a 4bed and just can't afford the huge jump in price. But we are going to be sorting out the wedding and we are trying for a baby, we can't do it all at once so a bigger house has been moved down the list
Oh we are both 26 now :)
 
I've had horses constantly since I was 9. Once I was working at 21 (after uni) I started paying for my horse, and managed to move out at 25. I lost him when I was 28 (and he was 32), but lost my Mum a few months later and ended up taking on paying for her pony (he was mine as a kid, but she took him over). I eventually bought my youngster 3 years later as I knew the pony was on borrowed time, but paying for the two at the same time was tough going, despite both being on DIY and there being no shoes involved for either of them.

I have a nice (but small) house, and an ok car, yes I could have fancy things and go away on more holidays etc, but it's a way of life for me.
 
I'm 24, don't live at home and moved out at 21ish, got my first horse on loan in my last year of uni, and have just bought my own, well I bought half of her the other half was a graduation present from mum.

I live with my partner, he's also just finished uni, ponio is kept at a small private yard not far from my house. Monies tight, but definitely livable, and pony wants for nothing. It's doable, but means that I won't be spending every Friday and Saturday in the pub like others my age.
 
It all depends on your priorities. I'm 24, I live in caravan and I have a very old car. However I have a job I really enjoy with a wonderful boss, my dogs sleeps under my desk and I can see my pony out of the window.
 
I'm 21 and have had pacer on loan for 5 years then bought my own in June (still have pacer too). I manage to work and pay for them, and also have a social life. I don't really compete them but still manage to ride, work 9-5 and go out at the weekends! Don't see how people struggle to manage it all haha
 
I'm just shy of 23, moved out at 16 and took horse with me (Luckily very hardy native type). Dad hasn't paid a penny towards me since I turned 16.

I work 40-50 hour weeks, live with OH in rented accommodation. I very rarely go out, rarely go on holiday, don't drink or smoke, don't go clothes shopping (and when I do it's TK Maxx, charity shops, sports direct or when sales are on etc!).
 
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