Boys and girls across the nation have been asking this question for years. You now have the average of 9, you have memorized all the articles of the Italian Federation of Equestrian Sports, you have proven that you are worthy by lovingly taking care of Fido every day (even those in which you had the flu!) And for this reason you think you will get an answer simple parental unit tax be the least of your problems? Alas, that's not the case. Parents often provide the most stubborn arguments to avoid buying a horse. Below you will find some ideas that may be useful to you the next time you make your requests.
Steps
Step 1. From the moment you introduce the topic, you will have to face several difficulties
Be prepared to respond appropriately to any objections from your parents. Compile a list of possible reasons that they could use to oppose the purchase and do thorough research to prove that you have thought carefully about your decision. When they notice that you have also thought about the negative aspects, they will understand that your intention to own a horse is serious.
Step 2. Read any information about the horses you come across
The more you show that you know so much, the more your parents will be convinced of your ability to manage such an expensive animal. You can start with a good horse encyclopedia. Many libraries have these texts, but if yours is not there, you can always search for information on the internet.
Step 3. Make a detailed analysis of the costs required to maintain the horse
In the list below you will find some (provided you intend to be a responsible owner): the cost of the horse, transport (if necessary), deworming, annual vaccinations, annual dental examination, hoof trimming every 6-8 weeks, the cost of hay and / or other feed and finally the riding lessons. Write down all these expenses and make two statements, one for the monthly expenses and one for the annual ones. Sure it will be a lot of money, but you can put forward several arguments to convince yours: you can offer to pay part of the expenses (for hoof trimming and deworming, for example); you can co-own the horse with another person to share the costs; you can also point out that you cannot improve in a sport by practicing only once a week, and that owning a horse is the cheapest way to exercise every day; it also tries to make him understand that one learns best when young to ride correctly.
Step 4. Try to estimate your financial situation and that of your family
You probably won't have enough money to pay for everything the horse needs yourself, so you'll need to contact your parents. Owning a horse is very expensive, so you need to be sure your family can afford it.
Step 5. Tell your parents how you are going to contribute to the expenses
You can buy the horse with your money, it would be perfect! Otherwise, you can create an investment plan by explaining to your parents that you are able to return the money and provide for the basic expenses of the horse at the same time. The costs of transportation, feed, veterinarians, harnesses, equipment, and shoeing are not cheap, so your parents would greatly appreciate support in this regard. If you don't have a job to help pay their bills, try to volunteer more often to help with the housework or do chores for your parents in exchange for monthly "horse vouchers".
Step 6. Try to make a serious assessment of your current situation to decide how you will care for the horse
Do you have a place available for the horse or do you have to keep it in a riding stable? Try to think like your parents. Is there a place nearby where you can stay? When does it cost? Is the place dark for horses or is it in disrepair? Contact some people who own horses and ask them where they keep their animal to get an idea of the facilities available. Remember that if the place you keep it is too far away, you will need to be accompanied by your parents, unless you already have a car.
Step 7. Before talking to your parents, think about what you want to do with the horse
Would you like it for the pleasure of riding it or to participate in exhibitions? How would you intend to pay all the expenses of the exhibition (travel, clothing, entrance fees and membership fees), in that case? To truly understand how this world is made, you should first learn dressage well, participate in many performances as a spectator and work a little in that field as a volunteer to get an idea of how it works. Also remember that those who can do good dressage can earn a lot in equine shows by taking care of others' horses.
Step 8. Make sure you have the experience to do what you propose
If you've never had to deal with horses, you should start spending some time in the local stables. Get to know “all” aspects of horse care, not just how it rides! Make sure you are prepared for difficult situations as well as pleasant ones. The manure in the stables, the cleaning of the harness, the grooming of the horse, you will have to do everything that the owner of the horse asks of you. Attention. If you're one of those people who say "yuck!" and they hold their noses when they see a pile of manure, it means that you are not mature enough to consider the idea of owning a horse.
Step 9. When you talk to your parents about the desire to own a horse, try to get someone else to support you
Go to your trainer, the head of the riding school, other horse owners or anyone who has some experience with horses. Ask him to tell your parents how you behave about commitments. By the time other mature and responsible horse owners recognize that you are a strong, determined and focused person, they may provide your parents with more proof that you are serious about this commitment.
Step 10. Trust someone who has experience with horses to tackle the search for the perfect horse
Your parents probably appreciate the fact that you have learned a lot about horses, but they will certainly feel safer knowing that there is someone on your side who knows about horses and who can help you discover the good and bad sides of every animal you see.. Take a good look at the horses, before choosing one, and remember that the "free" or cheap ones often have very serious problems, even if this is not always the case (the owners may have been forced to sell them off for various reasons). Do not you need a problem horse. Also, regardless of what people say, it is not advisable to take a young horse to "learn together". Anyone with a minimum of experience in this area will tell you it's a silly idea, especially since it's your first horse.
Step 11. Reassure your parents by promising to maintain a high average even after the purchase of the horse
You must not neglect your school, family, etc. commitments. just because now you have a new pastime that takes a long time. You can show your parents that you are willing to maintain a high average by promising them that if one of your grades falls below 7, you will not ride the horse until you get it back. You will obviously have to continue to take care of him, but you will not be able to ride him.
Step 12. Keep an open mind and don't try to fool your parents by leaving out important information
With the ease with which they bought it, they can resell it. If your parents raise a concern that you haven't thought about, ask them if that is their only objection and if they are willing to let you take a horse by revoking it. If they are willing to do so, work with them to come to a shared decision. Remember that a horse is a serious commitment, think carefully before making a choice.
Advice
- Be prepared for each question, try to have at hand an answer to all possible objections they might raise. For example: "how are you going to pay the horse's expenses?", "Where are you going to keep the horse?". Make sure you have arguments that can convince your parents that buying a horse is an excellent idea. Also try to convince them that this could help them get better.
- Try to immerse yourself in the world of horses, not only through horse riding, but also by cleaning the stables, harnesses, etc. Read also books on the subject. Invite your parents to attend your lessons, then ask them to buy you a horse.
- Do not be naughty! Try to present your idea in a way that they appreciate it and remain calm while you talk to them about it. Do not force them to talk about buying a horse every time you are together, they will be more likely to do so if you show them that the animal will not occupy your whole life.
- If a friend or family member owns a horse, you can offer to take care of it over the weekend to try and understand what it's like to have one. This will show your parents that you are capable of looking after a horse on your own. Invite your parents to try the horse you are interested in buying to make them fall in love with it, they will not be able to say no!
- While not very beautiful, crossbreeds and local breed horses are usually the best, and cost less than thoroughbreds.
- Thanks in any case. Even if you can't get the horse you wanted, remember that you can always change it after you have proven yourself a responsible owner.
- It is an excellent idea to take a horse if you intend to do shows or if more than one person in the house is riding. This way more people can take care of the horse.
- Financial Tip: If the costs and time required for horse care become unsustainable, ask your parents to be able to co-own the horse or rent it out for a small monthly fee. If you are still unable to return, you can consider the idea of going directly to a specialized facility and take advantage of a horse by paying a monthly fee. Once you have shown your parents that you can handle the situation, you can ask them to make a more permanent investment. Remember that if your parents tell you no, they do it for a reason. You must always take care of the horse, or your parents will regret taking it. Also consider a couple of things: Are you a frequent traveler? Are you willing to give up some Saturday nights? Who could take care of the horse when you are not there? Can your family afford it? Are you really responsible enough?
- One way to save money is to ask your parents for the change they keep in their pockets when they get home from work. It may not be much, but it can help.
- Advice on accommodation and meals: ask the owner of the stables if he is willing to reduce the cost of food and lodging for the horse in exchange for work. Ask for it in advance and put everything on paper so that the owner does not take advantage of the agreement.
- Make sure you clarify all your parents' doubts before buying a horse. It's okay to be sorry if you hear "no" for an answer, but you have to accept their decision in a mature way. If you throw a tantrum and act like a child you only make them more confident in their decision.
- Attend riding schools to improve your skills and learn how to care for a horse. Take a trial period as a volunteer with horses before making a hasty decision.
Warnings
- Be sure to check the horse's hooves before buying it. If they are weak, deformed, soft or infected, you will only burn your money.
- Horses are large and complex animals. The wrong hay quality can make them terribly sick. There are many dangers, such as the risk of eating badger, a poisonous plant that kills the horse before it reaches the stomach. Study these things well!
- You must always take a test ride to make sure the horse meets your needs and is not dangerous. You don't have to neglect anything when buying a horse, especially as it could affect your health, and it is very difficult to resell a horse, even more so if you have just bought it.
- When buying a horse from someone you don't know, try to visit him several times. Introduce yourself without warning a couple of times. Some dishonest vendors drug restless horses when they know you're about to arrive. Remember that when someone sells you something, they're not doing it for YOU!
- Remember to check the horse's mouth and teeth as well. If you do not feel that you are able to check for deformities and abnormalities, you should consult a veterinarian. It is money well spent. If the horse's teeth are deformed or crooked, they are unable to chew food properly. This can cause colic, which if it gets too serious can lead to surgery.
- You have to know a lot and do a lot of work to own a horse! Horses can be dangerous animals, but the more you know, the less likely you are to harm yourself.
- Don't threaten your parents with misbehaving if they say no, they will think you are not mature enough to own a horse.
- Don't fall in love with a horse just for its color or breed. Purchases made with the "belly" often turn out to be unsuccessful.
- If you don't know how to treat a horse, you risk harming yourself, him and others. Try to learn as much as possible about these animals or have an expert accompany you.
- Observe the horse's behavior. If you notice it kicks or bites don't buy it.
- Don't constantly ask your parents when they will buy you a horse. You will make him believe that you have no patience!
- This technique doesn't always work, so be prepared for a "no" answer as well. You don't have to own a horse to love and know it. Remember that you have a lifetime to own a horse.
- Don't be too hopeful, the chances of your parents getting you a horse are low.
