How to Convince Your Parents You’re Ready for a Horse

When you think you’re ready for a horse or a pony, it can be an exciting time. However, the hard work is just beginning. If you want a horse, it’s likely you’ll have to convince your parents you’re ready for the extra responsibility, that you understand the financial implications, and that you will work hard to care for your horse.

So, to help prepare you for asking your parents the big question, it’s important you know the best ways to convince your parents that you’re ready for a horse. Below are my top tips!

Volunteer to Work at a Barn

The majority of barns and farms are more than happy to have people who love horses helping out. If you’ve got a barn nearby that houses horses, why not give them a call and offer your services?

Volunteering at a barn gives you the chance to see and experience what looking after a horse really takes. And some barns may even let you exchange the hours you volunteer for riding lessons.

Figure Out Where Your Horse Will Live

If you’re going to own a horse, you will need to sort out a place for him to live and that includes a sturdy shelter with at least 3 walls and a roof, and a field or extensive pasture for the horse to graze in. All of these things can cost a lot of money so it’s worth having a think about how and where you are going to house your horse.

Prove You Can Schedule Your Time Effectively

When you own a horse, you will realise how much time and care they need. So, it’s important you know how to schedule your time effectively and fit everything in. One of the best ways you can prove to your parents that you’re good at time management is to create a schedule for yourself that includes all of your chores, homework time, and any other extra-curricular activities.

You can use a phone, calendar, phone app, or notebook to schedule your time effectively in a way that works well for you.

Apply for a Job to Help with Payments

Horses are expensive and they’re big animals so that’s no surprise. However, it is worth considering getting a job (if you’re old enough) so that you can start saving to contribute towards your horse and the feed, shelter, and accessories needed.

When your parents realise you started a part-time job to help pay for your horse, they will be impressed by your proactiveness.

Learn Everything You Can About Horses

If you’re going to own and care for a horse, it’s important you know all about horses and what they require. Read up on the subject of horses as much as you can, scroll through more of our articles, learn from other horse owners, and get some real-life experience.

When it comes to horse care, there is so much to learn. You need to understand how and when to groom them, how to effectively clean out their stables, how much you need to feed them, what vaccinations they need, and so much more. The more educated you are on horse care, the more effectively you’ll be able to care for your horse.

Show Your Parents the Stable Work You’re Doing

If you do get a job volunteering at a horse stable, invite your parents along to show them everything you’ve learned and let them see you take care of the horses. You could even ask the stable management to speak to your parents’ and provide a recommendation to ease your parents’ concerns.

Choose the Right Time to Ask

Everything is in the timing. If one of your parents is changing jobs, you’re moving to a new house, or someone is sick, it might not be the most convenient time to ask for a horse. Getting a horse is a big decision and one that, if there is too much else going on, your parents may not feel able to ponder.

You’re far more likely to get a “yes” if you give things time to settle and be patient. When things are more stable, your parents will be in a better place to think things through. So, be patient and choose the right time to ask.

Alternative to Owning a Horse

If your parents aren’t ready for you to own your own horse or you are not prepared for the investment and responsibilities, it might be worth considering leasing a horse. To lease a horse, you simply pay the owner of a horse a set price each month for riding privileges and you can also help with the horse’s care.

Leases are an affordable alternative for many people unable to own a horse and enjoy caring for a horse without the adding responsibility and expenses.

Find Out More About Horse Care

Do you want to learn more about horse care? Here at Prime Stables Ltd we write multiple articles on horses, horse care, and stables every month! You’re sure to find a lot of helpful information on our blog.

And if you have any questions, you can simply give us a call. Our team of horse specialists would be more than happy to answer your questions and provide you with all the information you need. Give us a call today to find out more.