[Anna768182]

My parents wont let me get a horse until I have enough experience with one. What would be enough experience to own a horse? red_hors

[bay_blnd jmpr07]

it took me 7 years, 4 years volunteering at a therapeutic riding center, getting a job at a barn to pay for lessons and shows, leasing a few horses and taking care of other horses. experience takes a long time. spend as much time as u can at a good barn w/ knowledgable ppl so u can ask questions and learn. take lessons(dont kno if u do or for how long) and once u've gotten the basics down(walk, trot, canter, ect.) look into the option of half-leasing a horse. thats where u ride a certain horse certain days of the week and pay a fee every month.

running_ BBJ running_

[Toby&Arie]

I would say at least a year with consistent riding lessons and at least a year working with them. Ownership isn't something you should rush into because you really do need to know at least the basics to keep yourself and the horse safe and to enjoy it.

Plus if you buy a horse which is safe for you to ride as a beginner, chances are you will outgrow it as you get older. No one likes having to sell a horse, it will become practically a member of your family. In my opinion, you get the most out of owning when you work for it and look forward to it. I waited nine years and worked my butt off for my first horse and being able to own my own means more to me than anything else in the world.

In comparison, a teenage girl who rode and volunteered around horses sporadically (before getting fired for being careless)got a horse handed to her when she was about 14. The horse is way too hot for her to handle and she isn't that interested anymore I guess because the horse ends up getting worked maybe an hour every two months and is paid no attention to. That makes me so angry, you don't even know. Sorry, I got off topic but it just drives me crazy. I want to run and steal Whiskey away from her.