Who else can't quite afford a horse?!

[CrazyMare]

Well, I think I am about the same age (24) and I have the opposite in everything to you...

I have three horses, but I work my backside off - 54 hours at work this week....

Admitely my girls are absolute superstars, and spend their time bringing home impressive rossettes or building their reputations up, and polish their halo's at night.

I still live with my parents, I need to earn more and I need to pay off my CC....! I drive an old Focus with over 100k on the clock. OH lives in a shared house. He earns 15k more than me, but we can't live together until I can get a payrise.

 

[Devonshire dumpling]

I am not tally! I'm The Grinch.

(Last minute xmas shopping taking toll... I will apologise for grinchiness in advance... ... I'll go now before I upset anyone else)

Hapy Xmas DD xx

Haven't upset me,just thought ohhhhhhhhh the grincher is in a mood! HAHA Merry Christmas my sweet! XX

 

[imaginegenerous]

I have the mortgage and the job which everybody else thinks is good but I can only just afford it (mortgage) and the job is soooo stressful - the weekly riding lesson is the only thing that keeps me sane. Maybe one day when I've paid off a bit more debt I can have a horse. I guess it's swings and roundabouts really, grass often looks greener on the other side but isn't always the case.

 

[SeasonalSituation]

I can't.

I used to be able to, and had my glorious boy for several months, until a relationship breakdown means I had little money at the end of the month left for rent, never mind a horse. I took the sensible route though, I had people say I could have got £1500 - £3000 for him, but that would have meant waiting around for a sale. I didn't want that, because I knew if anything happened I couldn't have a hopes chance of being able to cover it. So when a friend offered to buy him off me, I just gave him to her. (she's a good friend, and has a foal that she dotes upon, I literally could not have found him a better home)

So now, I've been horseless for a few weeks and it's killing me. I'm trying my hardest to find any horse to ride, although obviously money is extremely tight for me at the moment, and with no transport I can't get further then walkign distance/public transport. I've just got my fingers crossed tight that something will come up soon.

But then I'm 19, got my own house, two pups, and a full time job.

 

[Spotsrock]

Op what area are u? And how patient/experienced a rider?

 

[Captain Bridget]

I can't afford my own. I've been lucky that I've had two shares, one of which was a free share, my parents paid for weekly lessons from the age of 9 - 16 or so, and then for me to go to equine college.

But I know for a fact I won't have enough money for a horse for quite some time, of course I'm only 21 so there is time but I get the feeling I'll always be paying for so much that I'm not going to be able to afford a horse..

I'm not even having lessons due to lack of funds right now. So I am thoroughly horseless. D=

 

[applecart14]

I would suggest a share or loan horse. Depending on your level of experience there are organisations that supply loan ex racehorses this link is an example of many
http://www.google.co.uk/#sclient=ps....,cf.osb&fp=fdbb1973225cdd66&biw=1302&bih=679

 

[BlairandAzria]

Penguin_Toes where are you in the country?! I, and clearly others are looking for reliable help at the moment. Let us know some details, someone here may be able to give you the horsey fix youre looking for!

 

[applecart14]

Thanks for your lovely replies! I will think about a share, I've done this before quite successfully. I just felt a bit ranty really!

And your right - the day I can afford one, and I get the stable ready and buy a headcollar and some bickets etc. will be SO sweet!

Merry Christmas everyone! x

Dont let go of your dreams. Don't ever let anyone steal them from you. Dreams are what keep us going xx



Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow

James Mercer Langston Hughes

 

[SeasonalSituation]

I'm in Leeds if anyone knows anything

 

[Mythical]

I'm in a similar boat. Been asking for a pony since I was 6; I turn 29 in three weeks and I'm still waiting!

Despite working hard, and landing myself in a graduate career, which I love and in theory pays good money, I still live with my parents and don't even have a car! (although I feel the need to point out that I DO drive)

I keep myself sane by having at least one riding lesson a week, sometimes two. Once I can ride well enough to be a help, rather than a burden, I'll look for a share, but in all honesty, my own horse is not something I aspire to at the moment - my parents' "it's a big responsibility" speech was rather effective!

 

[rockysmum]

I'm in Leeds if anyone knows anything

I do but you dont have a car

 

[tazzle]

I know its frustrating ...... for years I looked after other people horses or helped out at riding schools just to be with horses never mind ride them ( took the "school sour" ones for walks in hand etc to give them a "holiday") volunteered at RDA and with equine rescues... then loaned / shared for years .... till just a smidgeon before 40 years old with children older........ I at last had a horse all of my own.

Some people never do get the dream..... some really have to work hard and wait till they can afford it ( time as well as money). NOt much to say really other than keep working at it

 

[brighthair]

In August last year I wrote this on here
"
Just a thought for today really. If you had horses most of your life, and something happened, and you no longer had one, and couldn't afford one what would you do?
Would you give up or ride at a riding school or other??
Bit mardy today, it's coming up to the day my boy was PTS 8 years ago, I can't believe how long it's been
Originally I gave up, but I started again and realised how much I missed it. It's a bit of an odd thing though as even though I love it, sometimes being with horses kind of reminds me of what I lost, and it's a bit heartbreaking

I'm having so many people say to me, oh just buy a horse, but I've sat down and worked out and worked out and I can't do it. It wouldn't be fair on the horse, and I would want to have enough to not be scraping around, and also to know if any emergencies came up I could afford them
I do buy stuff that I could cut back on (clothes, make up etc) but even taking away all that, I can't do it
I'm actually finding it really upsetting at the moment when people are saying oh just buy one, as I would love to, but I can't, and as I am paying off some debts, not for a very long time!

I guess my thoughts are do I just give it up as a bad job? or carry on fighting for something that I haven't got, and can't have? Ok that just made me cry. I think I have realised I need to get some help somewhere, it can't be normal to still cry over him, and I wish I hadn't taken for granted what I had when I had him, and all my horses before him"
.............
last month this photo was taken and I celebrated my one year share anniversary

 

[Ali27]

I gave up horses at the age of 18 when I went to uni as couldn't afford it and my parents aren't horsey! I then got married and had my daughter so money was tight! We then got my daughter her first pony when she was 7 and I got a horse at the age of 30 as I was fed up of running alongside her on hacks. I'm glad we waited to get the horses until we were financially secure! Too many people get horses when they can't quite afford it and then they cut back on stuff like bedding, shoes, vet visits etc! Looking for a share sounds like a good option for you and your time of horse ownership will come one day

 

[Kat]

Don't worry, you'll get there in the end. My oh and I bought our first horse this year. I'd got 30 years riding experience, he'd got 12. We are both in our 30s.

 

[Penguin_Toes]

Hello everyone! I'm amazed so many are in the same boat on here, sometimes I feel like I don't belong on here at all - I always feel the same in tack shops too - like a bit of a fraud!

I'm based in North Yorkshire, I think I'm an ok rider, I ride a fairly sharp five year old TB in my lessons, and also ride a young warmblood for a local lady occasionally. I wouldn't say I was great, but I'm happy to give any horse a go. My jumping is very rusty though!

If anyone local does need help I'd love to hear from you - I have a car etc.

 

[applecart14]

Try this link then Penguin Toes. And happy hunting hun xxxx

 

[Nudibranch]

I suppose I have been lucky; I kept my childhood pony all through my teens and 20's (and still have her) and had my first "proper" horse after uni, I also managed to buy a car and get a mortgage too. But that was pre-2008 and I think that made a huge difference. I wouldn't like to be starting out now. When my big horse was PTS I had to wait a couple of years to replace her as I'd broken off an engagement, moved house, etc, etc and couldn't quite run to another one. But luckily "new" OH has a great job and he even bought me my beautiful new colt, so things are definitely on the up.

What I don't understand is that on every yard I've been on, there seem to be a multitude of people on benefits who have horses. I'm not saying they shouldn't, but I just don't understand how they afford them. And having been ripped off by a benefit-cheating, thieving scumbag of a tenant recently, I really don't have much sympathy for those who seem to be able to use their benefits for whatever they feel like rather than living expenses.

 

[Zimzim]

You will get there one day!!!

I was always envious of my friends who's parents bought them ponies etc and my parents simply couldnt afford for me to get one. I helped out at local riding schools, had lessons (from the age of 4!) and rode alot of my friends horses.

I started working when I hit my teens and luckily found a horse to loan, then I eventually saved up every penny to buy small ponies to break in and sell, over time by doing this I managed to afford the horse Ive always wanted as a child and hope to have a good competition career with him.

I'm 26, me and my partner bought our house 2.5 years ago, we have 2 cars, a dog and 2 horses, and believe me if you want it then you will get it!!! We have sacrificed going out, getting new clothes etc etc to fund our hobbies, but end of the day its worth it

 

[Toffee44]

Im the opposite. I have always had horses which I have bought. Mum helped me when needed (mainly hay, shoes etc)

I moved out in Feb and now have come to realisation that I cant really afford this lifestyle. I am lucky that my old girl is kept in a field which is over the road and we dont really pay for it and mum pays her hay/ feed as shes the family pony. OH cob is out on loan now and I can't sell my current mare so making do money wise.

I could keep her in the field but I would never ride as I know nobody round here and I hate hacking on my own. For first time in 12yrs come spring I prob wont have a horse to ride.

 

[luckyhorseshoe]

If you really want it you will do it. There are many people that can't really afford it bit do because they give up on other things. For me I rent a small place, don't buy clothes, or socialise that much. Basically I have a horse and not a lot else! And there a lot of people like me!

 

[noodle_]

What??? ONLY £90 left over a month??? ROFLMAO!!!!

You are soooo lucky!!! You have a house, getting married, a JOB and you are angry at your mum n dad for NOT getting you a pony??

Seriously?

I say, take stock my dear, of what you DO have in this life. Your pony will one day come but you can't belittle the riches that you have achieved in order to moan about not having a blinking HORSE!!

I don't want to be the one to remind you that millions have nothing.... nevermind a horse. Yet, there are people with nothing because of the horses. Which would you rather be???

Keep begging for those lessons and experiences with horses because you never know, WHEN (I assume you will) you have your own, all of it will be invaluable.

Lots of love,

The Grinch.

this ^



harsh as this sounds...... id GIVE my horse away to have a decent job!!!.....

fancy a swap anytime lemme know!!....

i love my horse to bits but they are not the be all.....!


ets i do love my horse! and the little princess may have to give up her nice warm stable next year and go on grass livery once im working full time!! I cannot afford £200 amonth + just for my stable/hay and continue with my education

 

[Gorgeous George]

Don't give up, but you may have to wait a bit! I wanted a horse since I was about 6, and every Birthday and Christmas I used to get secretly upset because I didn't get the big suprise I always dreamt of

I ended up waiting till I was 37 before I could afford my own, and you may not believe me now, but it was so worth the wait Even now 5 years on I stare at him and just can't believe he's mine Mind you I also stare at the bills and can't believe they're mine either

 

[Suzie86]

I am also 25 with a full time job and a mortgage to pay, plus a car on finance, and I have had Bailey for 10 years now.

I got him when I was 15 as a share horse and over the years took him on full loan then was eventually given him by his owner When I was still at school I worked at my livery yard every sunday so I got free livery. I took him to uni as I did an equine horse and worked 2 part time jobs to pay for that.

Now, I don't have a great deal of spare cash so I have managed to get it down to a fine art, having him kept cheap as chips whilst not wanting for anything!! I am at a great value yard where livery is relatively cheap and they grow their own hay and straw so i am saving a fortune there. I also have a sharer who have bailey to ride 2/3 times a week for £100 a month. They love him and to be honest, i enjoy the time off (I've had him a long time and he's getting on a bit so I'm not bothered about it affecting his schooling or anything like that). I have also had his back shoes off and current farrier is great - front shoes and a trim is £28!!

So basically I end up having a fantastic horse for not too much money at all! It can be done, but I do have my sharer which is great! In your situation it would definitely be good to find a share horse (look what ended up happening with mine )

 

[Libbyn1982]

I gave up the horse to have a mortgage, be able to go on holidays, go out etc... Hated it!!

Now I live with my parents again, am always skint and with everything getting more expensive am extremely lucky to have 90p left at the end of the month let alone £90 but this what I choose to do and I'd rather be poor and have my boy than not. I agree that if you really want a horse you sacrifice other things.

I'm currently hoping that a rich man with a mansion and stables will take shine to me and the beast ;-), ha ha!!!!

 

[MrsMozart]

I had a horse years ago, but in another country, another life.

This time round, I bought D1 a pony five or six years ago, then D2 a pony six months later, then me a horse five or so months later. After a year of on-off lameness I lost her a year later. I bought another horse and after a few hiccups, three years later we are starting to get somewhere . I'm heading towards fifty

 

[SamanthaUK]

YESS!! It's so annoying! :l

 

[Onyxia]

Your not alone,I am 29 and can't afford my own.
Well, I could, bu I am told it's not OK to only feed children once a month

TBH, it will probably be another 5 to 10 years untill I can have a horse of my own again,it's just not possable to pay for a horse and have a half decent lifestyle while I am at home full time with young son -but it will be worth the wait!
In the meantime, lessons are time spent improving your riding, thats no waste and there are always people who need a hand looking after their horses who will be looking for sharers.
The glass is always half full, you just need to choose to see it that way....

 

[mulledwhine]

Bless you, your dream will happen.

When that day comes, say good bye to holidays, lie ins, not having to rush home in the winter, and having NO money at the end of the month lol

This is my experience but my horses have always been at home x