Horse Care — Beware
I first fell in love on August 11, 2001, one month before my 16th birthday. His name was Noah and he was in that awkward “still-growing” teenage phase, a little gangly and uneven. His hair was a brilliant red-gold, and he had the deepest brown eyes a girl could ever lose herself in. All I needed was my mom’s consent for us to be together… and four thousand dollars.
Whoever says you can’t buy happiness has never bought her first horse.
Of course I promised I’d ride him every day. And I did that, pretty much. I also said I’d take care of him.
Right. I’d just gotten my driver’s license, had four honors classes and AP Spanish at school, and I ran cross country. I cleaned stalls after school–you think it’s a chore picking up after a dog?! Try 50 pounds of poop. Per day. I also fed him whenever I could, but it wasn’t nearly enough. And you can guess who was picking up the slack. My poor mother was out there every day that I wasn’t, feeding and mucking (a glamorous horsy term for picking up horse manure).
Here’s the bottom line. Horses are a lot of work and cost a lot of money. If he’s your horse and no one else’s, there’s no one else to ride him if you don’t. And if you don’t have the time to care for your horse, you’ll need the money to pay someone else to.
An average day at the barn for my mom and me is:
7:30-8:15 am: Feed, fill water tank, muck out paddock.
8:30-10 am: Arena work or trail riding.
10 am: Turn horse out in pasture.
3 pm: Bring horse back in from pasture.
And then repeat every day of the week. That means more than 20 hours a week in chores and riding, not including travel time to and from the barn–I’m lucky to live within ten minutes of the barn, so that only adds about five hours to my weekly horse time. Currently, my mom and I personally handle the barn work. Of course, where you are will greatly impact your expenses and schedule. My friend, who boards at a ‘full-service’ barn, pays $600 per month in board and her horse does not get any turnout. But the only time commitment she has is the actual time she spends riding.
A simplified example of my personal horse expenses:
Item Cost
Grass Hay $150
Grain $20
Supplements $30
Shoes $120
Board $150
MONTHLY Total $470
Annual vaccines $200
ANNUAL Total $5840
This total is barring any unforeseen injuries or illnesses, competition fees or lesson costs. Every year Noah costs my family and me more than he did to buy him in the first place!
Additionally, there are start-up costs including all the stuff both of you have to wear. Horses themselves can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. Used bridles are usually under $100, and new ones can range from $50 to several hundred. Saddles too can vary anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Don’t forget grooming supplies, blankets, boots, wraps and all the other stocking stuffers. They don’t call riding the sport of kings for nothing!
You’ve heard how much I love having a horse of my own–I just want to make sure anyone who gets involved knows what they are signing up for!
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Comments on Horse Care — Beware
Ali,
I can understand where you are coming from! At my trainers facility, I pay $60 for a two hour lesson. If I have enough time, I can take care of all the horses, and she’ll give me the next lessons for free. Bales of hay are pretty expensive, it does cost about that much per month. The shoes are $30 each alone, not including the trimming the farriers have to do. I am like you, instead of a new car, i’d rather have a horse to call my own. In the long run they are a HUGE amount of work, but if you love them , it’s just another thing that doesn’t bother you all that much.
Best wishes!
Alese
Rea,
I know!
I want a horse soo bad! But again its extreamly expensive as you said. And really im not sure myself and my family have 5000-7000 dallors a year to spend on a horse. We would have to board it at an EC which where i live goes for $375-$500. Which is awsome for how much they give you including the time and labor they put out for your horses care and comfort. I currently take lessons and love english riding. I dont ever plan on doing comps but still i want my own horse to love and care for. But again the expenses, i have begged my mom and showed her how dedicated i am and well my dad as most dads is no! to expensive without even knowing what he is talking about. anyways my mom says before we even consider the whole owning a horse we have to do mager research! and even then it may be two to three months or even a year before i get one! if i even get one! i am dethly commited to taking care of a horse no time spent on a horse is time taken from your life :)
I wish i could have my own horse. they are just too much money. :(
I know, horses are expensive. But that’s why you’ve got to be creative! Readers–how do YOU manage the expenses of horses? Let me know your brilliant plans, and I’ll put together the manual of horses, cheapside!
-Ali
I was lucky to get my horse free, she was a rescue horse who had a bad past and wasnt to sure of people. The owner of the rescue said that if i could ride her and show that I can take good care of her than I could have her. She is a registered Arabin with excillent breeding and ive done some showing with her. I keep her on our property in a 10 acre feld with out goat. I buy her grain and let her eat the grass in the pasture. She is an amazing horse. If anyone is looking for a horse that is cheep you should get a rescue the may have had a bad past but they are still excillent horses.
I really want my own horse, my Mom and Dad are eager to buy me one, when we have the space and money.
I was wondering, are there any ways to make things cheaper? Like, alot of people I know dont put shoes on their horses, because they never really hack on the roads. Are there any other ways?
My pony (im 11) wouldn’t be kept at a yard, it would be in the land near our new house (hopefully)
We have 2 acres of land, but there are lots of trees in this.
Please help!
~Daisy :)
@Ali:
i REALLY want a horse of my own but as you ALL said they are extremly expensive if only i could win the lottary not only will my mum buy me a horse but i would have a home tutor so i will have more hours in the day for the horse. i already muck the horses out on my weekend after i go riding but i dont mind because it meens that the horse will be much happier and healthier if i do it!Pluse if we win we will move into a house with 12acres and so we can build a barn and have one in my very own back garden wish me luck in the future Love Lauren :) <3
I’m Way Way WAY to Crazy About Horses…I Think I Could Have A Problem Lol ….But A Problem I Love…Every Time I’m On The Internet I Search Up Horses And On You Tube It’s Always Something About Horses I Think I Could Know Horses Extremely Well But I’ve Only Been Going For About 6 Months !! Please Tell Me How ou Convinsed Your Mum To Get You A Horse Plz Plz Plz !!!!!!
There are definitely ways to economize the horsey experience, although it will always be expensive. If your horse doesn’t need shoes, that’s a good place to start! But make sure you still have his hooves trimmed and examined regularly by a farrier. Another good way to save is only feed what your pony needs. A lot of people over feed, or feed grain to horses that don’t need concentrated feeds. If your pony has no trouble keeping on weight, and has lots of good grass to eat, you can feed just a few extra pounds of hay twice a day. Also, shop around to find quality but appropriately priced hay. Contact dealers directly rather than buying from a specialty feed store. I’d definitely recommend second-hand tack–you can get some great, high quality used things for WAY less than what they cost new.
Any one else got some good ideas? I’ll see if I can get a blog up about ways to save more money. Thanks so much for the question!
-Ali
Great suggestion!! And both you and the horse benefit, as the horse gets a good home he otherwise might miss out on. Thanks so much for your comment, Kim.
-Ali
Jane–
I was very lucky because my mom wanted a horse too ;) All I had to do was convince her I wasn’t going to suddenly stop wanting to ride.
Good luck!
-Ali
Ali,
i know that horses are really expensive to maintain for(thnx for clearing up how expensive they are) but like i will most likely be moving to a farm and if we get a horse that will take a huge amount of money of cause i think my stables charges about $500 to board and to be honest i am nowhere near ready for a horse if someone offered me one right now i would turn them down because it is a huge responsibility and my biggest fear is that the horse get sick and a needle in the leg is like $2000 right cause i know a horse who needed a vaccination there.i will continue to take riding lessons and i have applied for a volunteering position at my stables so i can get more experience and become a better rider.
ok so if your looking for cheap I got it. Well starting with de worming well NEVER cheap out on those ok they can make your horse sick. You could find a friend or just a neighbor that would be willing to lend you some tack.I did this until i got really good and started competing.Next Well my mom pays all the bills but I manage it out and my horse is an easy keeper and she is on a seniors diet so she gets Senior pro form grain and thats $15 a month and then hay ranges from 5-9 so in the end of the year I spend around $2500 but i bored a horse then it costs around $3600 per horse so watch out. But i do contruibute to that and i pay for half of the expenses !! so no easy way out for me but i never slack off when caring for horses because they have there own mind and could flip out any second. But ya Maggie
me and my mum would love to have a horse of our own but the only problem is that i havnt cared for a horse in just over a year and im really worred i might have forgoten how to ride and groom properly do you have any advice ?
If you are unsure on wether to buy a horse you could always loan a horse to give you a feel for owning your own horse and see if you can , in a way , cope with owning a horse and if you really enjoy it then buy your own horse ! but make sure you are ready anad dont rush things its always a good idea to look around before rushing into buying a horse .
Ali, i understand about all that, i want my own horse sooooooo badly!!!!! But my mom said she cant afford the cost of $350 dollors a month to board it, i guess i have to wait.
-Destiny
I know, it definitely is so hard to be patient!! I had to wait for almost ten years before I got my own horse ;) But don’t be afraid to look into other possibilities, like leasing or working at a barn in exchange for horse time. You never know what you might find… Good luck, and keep dreaming big!!
-Ali
Owning a horse is a big responsibility, and if you have any concerns, leasing may be a better option to start with. You can also see if you can spend some time with someone else who owns a horse to get the hang of it! Also, don’t be afraid to go back and take some lessons to brush up your knowledge. It’ll come back surprisingly quick ;)
-Ali
i love horses and by love i mean totally OBSESSED! i take lessons, which my grandparents pay for, because my parents are divorced…sigh* even leasing is far away for me.
But i’ll still keep the signature: PuppyDogEyesBeggingTrick…. it always works :)
Is it a good idea to lease before you buy?
I think it’s a BRILLIANT idea to lease before you buy. Too many people buy horses they can’t care for just because they didn’t know what would be involved–a totally understandable mistake. But if you lease first, you get a much better sense of what’s involved. So, yes, I’m a big proponent of leasing!
-Ali
i’d love to have my own horse and my family definately has the land, because the people living at our house before us had horses, but i’m still bugging my parents to get a horse. My mom used to do dressage and own her own horse at a different farm when she was younger too. (I LOOOVE english riding, not western) but when I started learning and getting interested about the breed of horse called friesians from Holland, I was dying to get one, and I know how expensive they are, and they’re not really meant for riding nearly as much as pleasure driving, and they are huge. but they’re sooo beautiful! But by this time i’ll be happy with any horse. Just wanted to tell you a little about me (and my family) !
Since I was 8 (I am 11 now) I wanted a pony. I didn’t know how much they costed then. I am hopefully getting a pony this year. I am lucky because I have 5 acres of land and stables to keep one in because if I had to keep my pony in an EC, my friend does and she only gets to see her pony four times a week! But do you think I should loan a pony before I buy one I am not sure??? Your pony is lovely!!!
Thank you
-Niamh
P.S. I watch your videos on utube and they really helped me when I go riding!!!
I really love horses, like completely obsessed. I really want a horse and want to and will care for it and everything. But my mom has something against horses, I can’t even ride. Do you have anything that can help her accept that I love horses? I can’t make her understand, that they are something really important to me, its not a phase. I have proof, well kind of, I have books (Horse Breeds A-Z, Complete Encyclopedia of Horses and Ponies, horse stories…) that I got when I was 5 or 6, and still read them. The Encyclopedia huge yet I keep it in my back pack on travels.
Niamh–
Thank you very much for your compliments! (Noah says thanks too). I highly recommend leasing ponies for people who don’t have the resources (space, money, time) to buy a horse, and for anyone who doesn’t know what goes into owning a horse. If you’ve never owned a horse before, it’s a good idea to lease one first. If you find a pony you really, really like, you can see if you can set up a sort of “lease-to-own” plan, where if everything works out you can put the money you’ve already paid for the lease toward outright buying the pony. But the final decision is yours and your family’s. Either way, have a blast with your pony!!
-Ali
It’s funny, because I have several girls a month who write in with this same problem! I don’t know what it is about some parents who just don’t get it. I wish I had a magic wand to fix it. But I don’t. So my best suggestion is to see if you can understand exactly what your mom’s objection is. If you can ask her in a very nice way that makes her know you are really listening to her (don’t say, “Jeez mom, what’s with you and hating horses?” or “Why are you so mean and don’t let me ride?” Bad ways of getting mom to talk). Then you can start to address her specific concerns. Until you figure out what she’s so against, there won’t be much you can do to change her mind, i’m afraid. Good luck, and keep having fun, even if you can’t ride yet ;)
-Ali
@Ali:
ali,
that is exactly what i have to do . i had to convince my mom i was going to stick with it. so we are finally looking at this horse for us to buy. wish me good luck:).
Most definitely–good luck!!!! :D
-Ali
I used to own a horse when I was little called Simon he was a 15.3 skewbald and he was amazing:) I had him on like 3/4 livery where they fed him and mucked him out and stuff but then I came in the afternoons rid him and took him out, did some mucking out etc. It sounds confusing but it was quite easy xD I loved him so much then about April this year we had to move two hours away from where I used to live and couldn’t bring him with me ): So we sold him to one of my mums friends I miss him soo much, and would love another horse but it takes time I suppose. Atleast I know he is being loved:)
Millie–
Indeed, it’s such a comfort to know that your friend has a good home and a good life :D
-Ali
My uncle is buying me a horse but he is having trouble organizing the money!
I would really like to know how we can save money to get the horse just that bit quicker!
I would really enjoy the horse to call my own and i am willing to give up all the time in the world!
Please help me!
~Jaida
Well, I do have to say that if you are having some trouble getting the money together to buy the horse, keeping the horse will be even more expensive… in the long run, buying the horse will be one of the cheapest parts of it! I don’t mean to be harsh, but what is the plan for how you will feed and house your horse, or pay for the farrier and vet bills? As much as I understand the huge desire to have your horse right now, I would recommend making sure you can keep him properly before you buy him. You could maybe work out a lease-to-own program with his current owner?
Good luck!
Ali
Its not so much the horse that we need the money for, it is mainly the float and the stable
We already have money aside for the horse/pony its just the money to keep it…
I hope that’s not to confusing…
~Jaida
I want a horse very badly. I’m taking horse riding lessons so I use one of the school horses. He’s sweet, very tolerant, great at everything, knows both English and Western style, and almost never spooks but I want a horse to call my own. The boarding (including turnout and everything) is only $400 or so per month and lessons are only $40 but then there’s the cost of the horse and one as good as the one I’m riding now is at least $3000.
@Ally:
i am the same way horse nut, parents divorced :( and grandparents pay for lessons i am willing to dedicate all my time yo a horse and i mean it
Hi Ali, it’s me again!
I was wondering if you could help… My uncle and I decided to get one of our friends old harness racing horses, she is a mare,7 yrs, roughly 13h and i have known her since i was 2! I am still worried about her behavior, she is placid but with her being an old race horse i am a little nervous about it, if you get what i mean
So if you could help it would be very much appreciated!
Jaida
Hi, ALi.
I really want a horse. (isnt that what we all want??) And i think that i will be involved with horses for the rest of my life (i am only 14). I take lessons for Dressage, Jumping and i would love to try cross country. And i even help out at 2 local stables that i ride in.
But the problem is that i dont think that i can do the whole handle-on-my-own thing. I mean i could do the mucking, feeding, riding, grooming, turnout, all by myself but i am afraid that i might be missing a few responsibilities and i am not definitely sure that i can manage it on my own. My parents say that they want me to learn to care for the horse myself, which i think is great. But everyone says that horses are so time consuming and i have school and lessons, would i have time for that?
Quick Question: How do you find out what specific types of food your new horse needs??
Thanks Bunches. (Hi Noah!!)
Victoria–
You definitely don’t have to jump straight into totally managing everything yourself. If there is a place that you can board your horse, you can offer to help out with feedings, etc while still having someone else be in charge of all the details. I agree that you should learn to care for a horse, but I also agree with you that it’s a lot of work and a lot to learn!! So take it step by step, with someone who can help you learn and make sure everything is taken care of. As for having time, you’ll just have to see what you can commit to.
As for feed for your particular horse, the best person to talk to is your vet. He or she will be able to advise you on the specific needs of your horse.
Cheers,
Ali
heyy! Im hannah. I was writing to say that your videos actually were the reason my dad got me a horse! I dont know how to say thank you…… But THHAANNKK YOOOUUU! Your my best friend even though I dont know you!! lol My new horse is called apollo. and he looks alot like your horse!
I’m so happy to hear you’re all set on your own equine adventure!! Glad I could help in a small way :D I can’t wait to hear all about you and Apollo! The best thanks I could ever have is that you and he have many years of wonderful experiences together. Best wishes!
-Ali
I Want a horse REALLY REALLY BAD!!! I live on a 25 acre farm so i have a place to keep it! We are looking at horses online and everywhere i spend about 3 hrs a day looking a the same horses over and over again. The only problem is we don’t exactly know what to look for in a horse! I watched some of your videos today and plan on showing them to my dad later. Do you have any idea on questions we should ask the owner of the horses were looking at?
hey alli my b day is september 16 I saw urs is close to mine just wanted to make a coment on that it is funny cuz my horse teacher’s b day is september 15 sooo cool.lol
That’s a great question, Brooke! I think I’ll write my next blog on that. But in the meantime you should ask things along the following lines:
1. Has the horse had any injuries, or had to see a vet for anything other than routine checkups and vaccines? When you find a horse you like you should definitely have a vet you trust check the horse out for any major flaws or damage.
2. What has the horse done in the past? What kinds of shows/training/events? What riding style did the owner/previous rider do?
– Ask about things like cribbing/chewing, weaving, kicking, biting, pulling back when tied, being spooky about certain things, not standing still, etc.
3. What are the horse’s strengths? What does he really enjoy doing? What are his weaknesses? Does he have any major vices or quirks?
4. How does the horse do with other horses? Consider that you may need to get your horse a companion, so ask about what the horse might need for a friend (will a goat work? Or a donkey? How about mares?)
Now, the owner probably won’t want to own up to any big flaws, so ask him/her to groom, tack up and ride the horse while you watch. See if he/she does anything special (e.g. doesn’t cross tie the horse–may mean the horse rears or pulls when tied) or if the horse does anything weird. Then, of course, ride the horse yourself and see what you think!
Hope that gets you started ;)
-Ali
This really helped me understand why my parents cant afford a horse. My mom and dad really want me to geta horse but they dont have the mony to keep up with the horse. I think im ganna be ok with lessons and a possible lease by owner for now ;D
At the place I do lessons it’s only 250 for a full care pasture with another horse is this a good deal or should I just pay for the extra $100 for the stable bourding?
Well, if the pasture has a shelter, I would actually prefer the pasture to the stall. I don’t particularly like the idea of keeping horses in stalls–I think it’s too confining for them. So as long as the pasture is adequate and your horse doesn’t have any health reasons to need to be inside, I’d stick with the pasture ;)
Can you make a blog about leasing a horse?
how much is it to lease two horses? is there a different costs to how much leasing and how much boarding is? You should make a leasing blog.
That would be a very good idea! I will work on one for you. Is there anything in particular you would like to know about leasing?
-Ali
I want to know if what it is like to lease a horse. mostly that’s my big thing.
I’m working on it ;) Check back in on Friday!
-Ali
I would like A horse so bad but they are very $$$ . should i try to lease a horse before i own a horse?
Ali you should do a video on how to lunge a horse/pony
What should you look for In a horse? I know about all the training but what about its features
I have one…I think there was a technical glitch and it didn’t post! I’ll check it tomorrow (since I just posted today’s blog).
-Ali
That’s my standard recommendation! Nothing bad can really come leasing a horse first, where as many bad things happen when people buy horses before they are ready.
-Ali
@Ali: I still don’t see a blog up about leasing is it not in the blog catogory if it is up can you tell me how to get to it plz
@Ali: ali, my dad promised me to get a horse when i was 3 he said when i was 12 and i have done enough research i am now 11 and am a horse freak i promised my dad i would know enough to care for them well now i know all the basic care and i really think im ready should i really get a horse? i want a haflinger and i am maybe a well knowlegded beginner is that the breed for me? if not then what breed?
your friend
anna (help)
hii, i am 13 years old and i have been wanting a horse since i was 5. when i was ten i was about to get a horse but then my mum talked herself out of it. we have moved from then to a smaller house with hardly any land but there is a pony club down the road but the money for a horse is too expensive. but i want a horse soo badly but i dont think i will have alot of time for her/him :(
-Kaitlyn
Horses take a lot of time and money. If there’s a Pony Club, could you see if you can take lessons or help ride horses? Pony Clubs are also great fun ;)
-Ali
To be perfectly honest, the breed is less of an issue than the temperament of the horse, and the fit with the rider. A sweet Haflinger who’s well-trained and obedient could be a great first horse! But a pony who’s obstinate, nippy and cops an attitude will be trouble. So, it matters most that you check out the individual horse, and find one that works well with you! Good luck ;)
-Ali
I have always wanted a horse for as long as i can remember but my mums answer was always the same: no they are too expensive, so i spoke to her about loaning a horse and i was wondering if there are any tips you could give me on loaning( she agreed to a loan ). Thanks
Tips for loaning! That will make a great blog ;) I’ll have to add it to my list. In terms of what horse to loan, the concerns are the same as what horse to buy–you want one that fits your and your needs. Also, make sure you have all the details like when you get to ride, how often, what kind(s) of riding, with what tack etc worked out in advance with the lender, so you don’t accidentally do something that isn’t okay with the owner of the horse or for the horse.
-Ali
should be up now hopefully!
-Ali
My parents aren’t thrilled about me doing equestrian. So far I can only do one lesson a week and I just want to be with horses more! I don’t exactly improve as much anymore now. I used to do 3-4 days a week but than I moved to a different stables and the lessons cost less than my old one. I asked for a horse and they said absolutely not. I said it teaches responsibility. And then I would have a best friend for most of my life! Is there a way I could convince them?
I am hoping to get a horse soon but its so hard finding the right one! I love horses and have watched your videos. I learnt a lot of handy tips from it. So thanks for posting thoses videos as the will help me when i finnaly get one! My dad always said no but finally he says yra if we find one. So i cant want and if you have any tips or website in nz where they sell horses that would be awesome!!
Thank you very much! Unfortunately, I don’t know New Zealand that well, but hopefully some web searches can get you headed in the right direction for where to find horses ;) Good luck!
-Ali
I always say start with leasing, especially if you’re parents aren’t on board for buying a horse. That will help you show them you are serious and responsible! Talk with them about that option, and see what they say ;)
-Ali
PLEASE DO A VIDEO ON LEASING A HORSE!! WHAT you need and everything!!!!!!!!!
im wondering about horse prices. noah seems like an awesome horse, how much do morgans usually cost, are they the mid priced thoroughbred, high priced?
It totally depends on the breeder and on the lineage of the horse. If you’re buying a high-blood Morgan, it’ll cost you ;) More normal Morgans are more normally priced, around a couple thousand. If you buy a backyard cross or rescue or something like that, they can be cheap. It ranges hugely, just like Thoroughbreds!
-Ali
My horse howi had to be put down last year after a non recoverable pasture accident with another horse. I am looking for a gentle yet eager to learn horse, any ideas on a great breed! Price is not that much of an issue (to an extent daddy doesn’t want to pay 20k ;)) but I want a horse willing to learn due to the fact I plan to start learning English! So if you have any great ideas please help me out :) thank you so much
Ali,
Your website is so cute! I feel so lucky to have horses in my life. I took lessons for a year until I thought I was about ready to lease. I just started.leasing an adorable 20 yo Qb named Sweetie out of Dash for Cash. I full lease for only $ 100 per month at a private little barn with no boarders. I help out with a lot of chores to pay for leasing. I still cant believe my luck! Craigslist is a wonderful thing lol.
If anyone out there wants to buy a horse, I wouldn’t. There is so much you can learn from leasing, and its a lot like owning. Try and lease a horse for at.least a.year to see if buying is right for you.
Just had to blab that to some horsey people lol. Thanks for the view!
hey, My names tania and I would like to know who got you the horse and how much he cost you to get him
P.S. I think Noah is really cute :)
Thank you, Tania! Noah was $4500 to buy. We got him from a local Morgan farm.
-Alihttp://helpmydaughterloveshorses.com/wp-admin/edit-comments.php?p=47&approved=1#comments-form
Thanks so much for your comment! You have some great advice and experience.
-Ali
Hey Ali¡¡!!
I found out that my mom is afraide of horses because I usually ride a horse named Moose and he is like 17 hands. Do you know if there is anyway to get her nonscared of horses?
First, respect why she might be afraid of them ;) They’re huge and unpredictable, with big teeth and hooves! So talk to her about her fear, and what particularly she doesn’t like. Make sure you listen without judgment. Then you have to ask her if she wants to get “nonscared.” If she doesn’t, you can’t force her. If she does, try to address each of her concerns, and just go slowly introducing her. Find the calmest, nicest horse you can to let her practice.
-Ali
OK so I found a beautiful beginners horse for $200 the only problem is it is 22 is it worth having her? oh and she is lame so I would only ride her once or twice a week maybe (no prob that is all I need) I REALLY want this horse but my mom is not to sure about a horse so old. We know were we would board it and all that. I also have lessons and I am advancing very fast and should be a advanced beginner soon! (the horse can do reg beginners just letting you all know though) Please help! I really like this horse but my mom is not to sure!
Well, I’m much more concerned by the fact that she is lame than the issue that she is old. Older horses can be GREAT beginner horses, but if she’s in pain when ridden, she shouldn’t be ridden at all! If it’s just that she’s stiff and not up for much riding, that’s one thing, but if she has major arthritis or navicular damage or any number of other, more serious conditions, you shouldn’t be riding her at all. I’m sorry, since it sounds like you’re already attached, but it just wouldn’t be fair to the horse to hurt her. I would ask a vet to check her out, and give you an opinion on her fitness for riding.
-Ali
Hi ali
i really want to ride horses and one day maybe buy a horse but it is too expensive for riding lessons for me so just wondering what are some good jobs to earn a pretty good amount of money for saving for riding
please help!!!
Lauren
Lauren–
First, I’m very glad and impressed that you’re taking the initiative to earn money for lessons. Good for you! I’ve had lots of people ask me about earning money for riding lessons. I feel like I need to consult some of my economics friends ;) If you’re not looking for horse-related work, just some job to earn money, you’ll just have to get creative. Look around you in your community–what needs to be done? Baby sitting? Dog walking? Gardening? What skills do you have? Could you tutor someone in a subject in which you’re particularly good? Coach a peewee sports team? You have to decide what you have that others want. Readers, do you have any suggestions?
Good luck!
-Ali
She is ok to ride. and we would do a vet check first to make sure just like you said. I would only be able to ride 1-3 times a week and the owner said that is ok. I would never do anything to hurt a horse. If it hurt her then I would not ride her. Thank you for the help if you have any other concerns I might be forgetting then comment back please!
~Lizzie
Hi Ali!
I am a big fan of your videos. I watch every single video you make. I think Noah is really cute, and I remembered how much I want a horse. I mean I am really greatful that my parents pay for my horseback riding lessons. But I cant help it! I am horse crazy, I read a ton of horse books, and pretty much every time I go to the computer, I research about horses, play horse games, or watch your videos. So I just wanted ti ask is Noah a normal Chesnut Morgan? Just so I know for the future If i ever want to buy a horse then I would want Noahs breed.
Thank you so much for taking your time!
Marcela
Why thank you! I’m not sure what you mean by “normal” but yes, Noah is a Morgan. His color is chestnut.
-Ali
Thank you for answering and taking your time, and sorry for writing a normal moran is nothing. I was thinking about another thing and writing about another thing at that point of text.
Thanx so much!
Marcela
We have enough money for a horse.. just. But my mum doesnt like animals. She doesnt hate them i have a rabbit! but she’s not keen on them and either is anyone really in my family apart from a auntie who lives miles away who has her own horses. I just need to prove to my mum that i can look after and love and care for a horse. i know it sounds reallllyyyyy sadd but i made a book like last year, with all you need to know about horses, hand written with about 90 pages. (because the notepad i used didnt have anymore pages.) But i dream of having a horse. Any help?!?
-Honeyxo
hi Ali
i was just wandering what are some really good horse breeds for a beginner rider
I always say, every time someone asks me this, that it’s more important what the individual horse is like rather than what breed it is. However, breeds like Welshes, quarterhorses and appaloosas tend to be more calm so they may be better breeds to first consider. Morgans can be great horses, but again, you have to look at the individual horse–some Morgans are hyper while others are as solid as can be.
-Ali
Well, I’m about to post a blog this week on dealing with parents about horses, so be sure to come back and check that out ;)
-Ali
hi Ali!
I was wondering if you can do a video on how to load and unload a horse into a horse box?
Thanks so much!
bye
can you please answer?