| So, you have wanted a horse all your life, but you can't | | | | late to parties or getting into things your parents would |
| seem to get your parents to agree to get you one. | | | | prefer you avoid (after all, who can afford drugs or |
| Well, what you need is a plan, a parent friendly plan | | | | alcohol if all the money is going to the horse). |
| that shows your parents just how a horse will affect | | | | With this information in hand, sit down with your |
| your life. | | | | parents and have a long talk. Discuss doing a trial run |
| Start off by getting a job. I know, everyone says that, | | | | of horse ownership. You can either take on a part |
| but it is really important. By getting a job you will show | | | | board situation or a lease of a horse. This way you |
| your parents that you are responsible enough to | | | | avoid the initial cost of buying a horse, but still get the |
| manage money. You will need at least $500-600 a | | | | chance to show your parents how you will handle |
| month to care for a horse, so show your parents that | | | | horse ownership. |
| you can earn that much money. Start a savings with | | | | If your parents agree to the trial, be sure to keep up |
| your income and set aside enough money to pay for | | | | your side of the bargain. Pay your horse's expenses. |
| at least two months of board. | | | | Your parents should not have to foot the bill unless |
| Next, find a barn that is local where you could keep | | | | there is an unforeseen emergency. Go out to the barn |
| your horse. Find out what the costs of keeping a | | | | as often as you can, and avoid going out and partying |
| horse there are. Be sure to include vet and farrier | | | | late. If you can keep this up for a year's lease or |
| costs in your cost estimate. Get all these numbers on | | | | part-board, your parents might actually start to see |
| paper so that you can show your parents the actual | | | | things your way. |
| costs. | | | | Owning a horse is a huge responsibility, and you will |
| Now consider what you could be doing if you did not | | | | need to do everything in your ability to prove that you |
| have a horse. Are you currently spending a lot of time | | | | are up for the challenge. Many kids just can't manage |
| out partying or hanging out with friends? Be prepared | | | | the stress of having a job and paying for their own |
| to lose much of that time to your horse. Show your | | | | horse. On the other hand, parents are stressed enough |
| parents that these things are less important to you | | | | just paying for the general bills. If you can prove that |
| than your horse would be. Explain to them that you | | | | you will be self sufficient, you will give your parents the |
| would be more concerned about paying your horse's | | | | chance to accept your proposal without fretting that |
| upkeep and working with your horse than going out | | | | you will leave them in the lurch. |