Q&A for How to Convince Your Parents to Let You Buy a Horse

Find the right time to talk with them and create space for that conversation. Let your parents know that you want to talk to them about something that's important to you, and then share what's on your mind. It also helps when you listen to their response without getting defensive. Remember—sometimes people see things differently, and that's totally okay!

Give them something they can look at, not just what you say. What you say isn't enough. You need to put together some sort of document that includes your plans, costs (including budget), schedules, and contacts for any emergencies. Include those who you want to buy from, what horses you have your eye on, what type of horse and what you want to do with it, like training, riding, showing, etc.

It's not how to ask but rather who. Ask your friends and family and anyone else you know if they know someone who boards horses or who has the facilities to board your horse. They may be able to get in touch with someone who will know someone who knows someone who can board your horse for you.

A horse is a huge financial commitment. It's possible your parents are not able to support the added expenses of owning a horse. If owning a horse is your dream, save your money, work your butt off at a local boarding stable to negotiate free or reduced board, and buy one yourself.

You can try a lemonade stand in the summer, shoveling snow in the winter, delivering flowers in the spring, raking in the fall, cleaning houses or delivering newspapers.

The next step is to set things up for owning a horse: fences, shelter, feed, and then finding a reputable breeder or person who you can trust to get a good horse from. Find a friend or relative who knows horses well to know what to look for in the best horse for you. Get your parents involved if they're interested as well.

Brainstorm with your mom to think of ways to convince your dad to get a horse. With two of you on one side, you may be able to put enough pressure on him that he will change his mind.

Get a job, and save up money earned. That's the best way to do so by yourself without having to ask for donations or beg your parents for money.

You need to have a place to keep it, as well as all the gear required to care for it. You also need to be able to ride a horse, and be able to commit the time and money it takes to look after it.

You can have the horse boarded at a stable. You just have to pay them for the shelter and supplies.

I'm glad you are looking to go out yourself to earn money for a horse! I earned money to buy a horse myself! Here are a few ideas: walk dogs, mow lawns, buy and sell stuff, make things to sell on etsy or eBay. Just think of what resources you have, and what you can do with them! If you have space for animals, you could try to sell eggs, make soap, babysitting is another idea. Look up getting a CPR AED certification to give parents peace of mind. Tutor younger kids, take care of homes and animals while people are away, clean people's cars, weed, or garden. Think of anything that you can make or fix, like model horses (repairing or remodeling). If you paint, try selling artwork online, etc!

Just try to convince your parents as the article suggests. Highlight the fact that you can get a good deal from your teacher.

If your parents don't have the money, see if a local barn will let you work for lessons. There's always work to be done around the stable.

Horses are extremely expensive - the initial cost is the least of it. There is regular worming and vet costs, hoof trimming and shoeing, tooth floating, feed, hay, bedding, blankets, tack, and grooming supplies. If you don't have your own land and stable, you'll need to pay for board monthly. If your parents are not willing to pay for at least most of your expenses, you are much better off working for lessons at a stable and waiting until you are done with school and can work full time to pay for all of your horse's needs.

Your parents can take you to classes. Some riding schools let you do all the work so they are less expensive. When you are finished putting the saddle on, you get to ride your horse and it's only around $30 dollars or so. There are other options to owning a horse.

You can casually bring it up one day at dinner. Or, tell one of them and let that one tell the other.

It can be a number of reasons. Maybe they don't think you are ready yet. Maybe they just don't want the extra burden of having a horse in their stables. Maybe they don't have the money for the horse's care right now. It took a long time for my parents to decide I was trustworthy enough to have my own horse. Start doing chores around the house and always do your homework. Try to go above and beyond what they expect from you.

You should buy a horse based on how well it suits your needs, not the price. Cheap horses are often old or lame or have severe behavior problems.

If they think the price is too much, tell them that they can lease a horse.

Get the horse, definitely. It will be way more expensive but it's totally worth it to have a unique connection with such a beautiful animal.

You need a paddock, which is about an acre. You need some yard and a stable.

if you mean horse-wise, grooming, farrier, vet, riding instructor, tack cleaner, and blacksmith for shoes.

Not really, it costs a lot of money to move a horse, but you can take lessons in any area you move to.

You would need to board your horse at a barn where it will be cared for and given all it needs to thrive.

Try to be understanding of the position your parents are in. If possible, offer to work to earn the money to pay for your horse. You could also try to find someone else to buy the horse and then pay them back over time.

Tell your parents it's not a joke and show them the horses on the internet to prove you've done your research, but keep in mind that they might not want to use their money on a horse. Also, a horse is a lot of responsibility, so if you're 9 they likely think that they would have to do most of the caring for the horse and not be willing to take that on.

Find a friend or another family member to drive you to and from the barn or wait until you can drive yourself.

With my own quarter horse we use metal star pickets and wire. But for a thoroughbred I would use wooden rails and posts. You have to consider their size.

Here are a few things to keep in mind: It is never too late to get a horse, so don't get discouraged! Consider paying for it yourself, become an entrepreneur, or get a job, to take some of the weight off of them. Think of how you could reduce the cost of a horse, like trading work at a barn for board, or boarding a companion animal if the horse would stay at home, the extra income helping to offset the cost. Consider leasing or half-leasing a horse. Your parents might feel safer if they didn't fully own the horse, but you could still use him like your own. Be creative with different ideas to help convince them this is right for you!

You probably shouldn't own a horse then. I know it's tough, but horses come with a lot of expense and it just isn't fair to them if we can't take care of them properly. Consider "sharing" a horse with someone, or maybe riding lessons whenever possible.