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Learn To Ride A Horse – Is It Really Time To Buy?

People sometimes assume that because their child is horse-crazy after they learn to ride a horse, that the next step is buying a horse or pony!

Not so! There are many other options to consider before you take that first, very big, step.

Read this article before you spend your money. It may save you a lot of time, effort and money.

Before considering anything, be sure your child is enrolled in an on-going horse lesson program with a reputable instructor. I can assume you have already done this… that’s how you know she is nuts about this sport! Right? But it must still be emphasized.

Fleeting Interest or Avid Hobby?

Stick with a riding program where she will learn to ride a horse for quite a while. Make sure this is a hobby that is going to stick. Not just a fleeting interest that she will want to dismiss when her friends start cheerleading instead.

"Check Out The Great Selection Of Horse Riding Resources at eBay"

Sometimes, a child’s interest soars when she has other friends to share it with. Does she like to go to the barn by herself as well? That’s a good indicator!

Make sure your child participates in the daily responsibilities required. If she just wants to learn to ride a horse and then get back in the car and go home to play with her friends, you may have a short term interest on your hands.

If, on the other hand, she cannot get enough of barn life and begs to stay, then she may truly be absorbed in the lifestyle. Does she like to hang around in the barn, cleaning tack, mucking stalls?

Does she like helping with the other chores? Does she like to learn about all aspects of horsemanship, not just riding? If so, she is probably hooked!

"Get Involved... Join Local Horse Organizations"

Join a local horse organization. Your local 4-H horse club is a great place to start. The county Cooperative Extension Service can tell you how to get started.

You will find a wealth of information and meet a lot of people who share your interest of horses. If she likes this involvement, it’s a good indication that she’ll stick with it.

If you have come to the realization that your child is addicted to the sport, I would still not recommend that you buy a horse yet. At this point, consider leasing a horse for six months or so, rather than buying.

Consider Leasing First!

Leasing allows you to “test drive” horse ownership and experience the commitment required without suffering the financial expense until you are sure.

There are different kinds of leases. You may pay a fixed fee for a fixed period of time. During that time you have complete responsibility for the expenses associated with that horse, which may include vet bills, farrier bills, hauling expenses, show expenses, the list goes on! It depends on your lease.

Some leases have you pay for a portion of the horse’s expenses in exchange for using the horse a portion of the time. In this case, you find yourself “co-owning” a horse with one or two other people and sharing the expenses.

Leases Can Vary a Great Deal!

As you can see, leases vary a great deal. If you are interested in pursuing a lease, take a look at some of the sample lease agreements on my site: www.HorseAndRiderClub.com They are available on the Parents section of the site.

Regardless of the kind of lease you choose, just be sure you get it ALL in WRITING! You can see how easy it would be to find yourself in a tough situation with either the leasor or some of your co-leasees!

Be sure that the financial obligations are clearly delineated. This will help avoid issues that could make the arrangement difficult and even untenable.

If, after six months or so, your child’s interest in all aspects of her involvement (not just the riding part) is still paramount to her, then and only then consider a purchase.

Unlike buying a dog, this is a commitment that will rule a big part of your life! If this is the path you decide to take, get started the right way.   Find horse back lessons with an instructor that understands this process.

Learn how to ride a horse before you spend a ton of money.  You'll enjoy the learning process and save money on riding lessons!

Join the American Horse Association first! This organization offers information for new enthusiasts that will help you avoid making some of the many mistakes that most people tend to make when entering the horse business.

Also, check out the information at Horse And Rider Club, a site designed to show the new enthusiast all about the business before making any mistakes!

Well... I hope this helps!

Lisa Blackstone
American Horse Association
www.AHAHelpDesk.com/support

If you want to know more about equestrian saddles or horses lessons in general visit www.RidingSaddlesGuide.com, www.HorseandRiderClub.com, www.HorseRidingSaddlesGuide.com or www.AmericanHorseAssociation.com