Question by Evelyn: All horse owners, look here!?
Posted for a friend, all answers will be read by her and all will be considered for “best answer”:
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I’m only wanting the answers from those who own horse/horses.
So I’ve been riding for roughly 8 years, maybe a little more. I’m already starting to get into eventing, however, the school pony my coach has me riding right now is 23 years old… he’s very strong, muscular, and powerful, so going over jumps and galloping for 10 minutes plus isn’t the concern. However, she made it clear I won’t be able to compete on him because she doesn’t want him to tire out. And being so old, she already has him semi-retired.
Anyway, that’s not my question. My family doesn’t have extra money on hand all the time… however, I volunteer at the barn so much, (every saturday morning, working all day.. this includes turning out all 26 horses which means sometimes having to blanket them, mucking out all 26 stalls, putting in bedding to those that need it, putting in fresh hay and water, bringing in all the horses, unblanketing them, riding other people’s horses, brushing down the horses, sweeping the whole barn, cleaning all tack and sometimes having time for a ride.)
This work takes all day, from 8:00 in the morning to 7:00 at night. I’d say that for a month’s period, it should pay off well the 0 board fee, if not more.
Then besides the Saturdays that I do this work, I come regularly to ride, help out when I can, and overall just have fun.
There’s this horse, he’s so amazing, so suitable for what I need as a first horse.. he’s only 00 coming with EVERYTHING, a show saddle, show bridle, girth, halter, brushes, blankets.. he’s worth so much more, but his owner is leaving for University this year and needs him gone ASAP.
I think he’s straight out perfect for me, even my parents think so, but how could I make the money to help buy him? I could easily work for his board, but buying him is the problem.. his current owner said she wouldn’t mind us paying sums of money per month until he’s paid for, as long as it doesn’t take over 5 years until he’s paid for. (Sarcasm).
Is it worth investing in a horse now, or should I wait another year until I can apply for a good-paying job? It wouldn’t be a problem to buy him now, I’d have loads of time, but I need a horse before December if I want to go anywhere with my eventing career. I want to be a strong competitor, and without a horse, I’m at the bottom of the pyramid.
Please, suggestions and opinions?
Any extra ways to make money?
I’m only 14, my friend’s mom, (Holly) agreed to let me post this in Yahoo Answers because she’s already helped me so much with riding tips so we’re basically friends.
PS:
This horse is a strong eventer that can really take care of any level of rider. He’s a perfect first horse, without getting into details. The things I want to do with him are things he’s been doing his whole life, no questions asked, he’s amazing. My coach highly recommends we buy him.
Thanks everyone!!!!
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Hi everyone…
As for expenses, I can work off the monthly board easily. We will have some extra money put aside for the farrier, however, the vet comes only as needed so it’s not really routined for us. This horse is worth way more than this lady is asking. Coming with brand new show tack, blankets, brushes, and everything from the top to bottom of this million meter-long list, he is worth about ,000. But because its urgent she needs him gone because she’s leaving for university, she’s willing to sell him to me for only 00. That’s a HUGE steal! All she really cares about is a proper home for him, though… and she knows how me and her horse already have a bond after only 4 visits. We had a vetting and he’s 100% healthy, the vet said he was actually very fit and active for most horses he’s seen, so I’m not suspicious anymore why the price is so low. She just really needs him gone soon. Thanks.
Another reason she’s selling him is because she’s outgrown him, and couldn’t possibly pay for her school as well as boarding him. So the low price says it all: desperation.
Best answer:
Answer by bree
it sounds like u really like this horse. i think u know instantly when a horse is right 4 u and it sounds like u really think this is the right horse to have. if this is the case and you can come to the arrangements to pay for him and keep him then i think you should go for it because if you wait a year you might not find a horse you want as much as him then you would regret not buying him. but only do it if you really can afford him.
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