nickifer asked:
i have always loved animals and farming is in my blood. i’ve had a few experience with horses and i do know a lot about agriculture. but there is a problem. my parents are not rich at all and my mom never realy beleived i could get my own horse because we live in a niaborhood but there are plenty of stables around us. although i havent been around a horse much in 2 years i still believe a horse is what i really really want. but im 15 and broke!
If you’re 15 and broke and your parents dont have money, do NOT get a horse. Horses are one of the most expensive pets around. It’s not the price of the horse that’s the big thing, it’s making sure they’re boarded properly, get proper vetinary care, get their hooves done (this needs to be done every couple of months), they need their teeth taken care of as well, adn they need to be exercised.
If you want to get a horse, why not volunteer at a local horse rescue, RDA or stables? It will teach you more about what’s required to look after a horse, and will give you the chance to know what you want or need. You also should be getting riding lessons every week so that if you get a horse, you’ll know what to do with it. You and your horse will not be able to teach each other.
You will also need to keep about $1000 free at any given time in case of emergencies. Horses can be quite accident-prone and vet bills are expensive!
Sorry to be a downer, but horses are not the right pet for someone who doesn’t have money. Loving them and giving them a lot of attention is NOT enough to keep them happy and healthy. Wait until you’re an adult and earning some money, and know how to ride. Then consider getting a horse.
An option if you really do want to have a horse to look after is leasing one for a year or two. That way, you could learn about horse care and have one, and then if you still want one after your lease is up, you would be in more of a position to buy.
If you do not have the money, you don’t have the money- and horses are not cheap.Ok, so lets say you get a horse for, say, $1,200.( Although horses range from $800- over $10,000. ) Well, you are gonna have to keep the horse somewhere. And unless you have a farm out in the country, you’ll have to board your horse. Thats anywhere from $120-$500/month. So you have to pay that out 12x a year. Every year. And you’ll have to buy feed, and possibly even hay if where you board doesn’t provide it. My horse goes through a bale a day. Think $3.50 each, more or less. Grain- Well, that depends on what brand. Usually $10-25/50lb bag. Now, you’ll also need tack, like a saddle, girth, and bridle atleast. Thats a good $1000+. Saddle pads- Average $15-20 ea. You’ll need grooming supplies- about $25 tops. Now, your horse will need his feet trimmed every 8 weeks. He might even need shoes. That’s about $120 (every 8 weeks) for shoes, $60 for a trim (every 8 weeks). What about worming? He’ll need a dewormer every 4 mo or everyday. That’s about $16+ ea. And what about vet bills? He will need his teeth floated every year or so. Thats not cheap. And if he gets hurt, thats really pricey. My horse needed 8 stiches- $400+. And unless you never want to go anywhere with your horse, you’ll prolly need a truck and trailer to haul him. Thats like atleast $9,000. And thats not counting gas. Which, incase you havn’t noticed, isn’t cheap. And if you ever want to enter in shows, you’ll have to pay show fees, plus the needed tests, like coggins, or vaccinations. Thats $50+ all together. Although some shows, the entry fee alone is $400.
Yeah, your horse would prolly wanna blanket. Thats $25-$60.
Oh, and clothes for you.
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Lessons would be nice, although not required. Think $15-50/time. Although it depends on where you live.
- So, ask yourself now- am I someone who can own a horse? Or, more so, can my parents support the finacial burden of a horse? At 15, there isnt much you can do if your parents cannot support it.
You could try getting a job at a barn. Then you would be making money and could spend time around horses. Or you could look into a partial lease of a horse. That would be cheaper than buying or a full lease of a horse.
I think a horse is the pet for you. If your parents cant afford to buy you a horse at the time, find some ways to earn the money. Have a yard sale or a bake sale. you could also get relatives and friends to help you out. If a horse is too much for your parents right now start off with another pet such as a golden lab or something. it will show them you are responsible and maybe when you have the money they will agree that you’re ready to take on the responsibility of a horse.
Good Luck!