A Love That I Can't Have

[Passion]

Anybody Please Reply

Hey. I'm a thirteen year old girl from Australia, and I've loved horses for as long as I can remember. Not just one of those phases that a lot of young girls go through, but a real passion for them, hence my name, 'Passion'. My family has never had enough money, and still doesn't, to allow me to have regular lessons. There are no stables around my area, so I only ride every three months. This crushes me, because I read about them, draw about them, I even participate as an advanced equine role player, but I can't ride them or even really have much to do with them. Each time I get on a horse, I feel like I never ever want to get off again. Just the feeling when I groom one, I'm happiest around a horse. I have had several compliments on a wonderful seat and light hands, every time I ride is a treat, but with the huge gap in between each time I ride, I'm not improving. I gain more knowledge, but I don't ride regularly enough to really improve my skills. Being an artist, I draw horses a lot. I got to art classes every week and apparently draw like an adult, and when my art teacher watches me draw she says that I really know and love them. That is from sitting there in bed reading about horses and wishing with all my heart that I could get involved in the horsey world. At only the age of thirteen, I can't really get a job. A lot of people have given me the idea to help out at local stables, but there are none. I'm sure I'm not the only horselover that can't ride, but I bet a lot of you here were and somehow worked out how to be lucky enough to get that oppertunity. Anybody who has any possible suggestions on how I could maybe earn my own money to ride or anything else, I'd greatly appreciate it if you'd talk to me. I just feel like I'm the only one that loves horses that can't ride, but I know it's not true. I'm going riding tomorrow, and I'm already restless with excitement. Thanks to anybody who will drop any suggestions or even just comments in.

[Jayneus]

Hi Passion

I know exactly how you feel, when I was younger my parents could never afford to buy me a horse though I was lucky enough to have regular lessons. Is there nobody within your area that own a horse and would be willing to let you share it with them? I still cant afford my own until next year but that is exactly what I have done, taken half loan on a horse!

I am sure you will find something out there. Where there's a will, there's a way!! Good Luck!!
xx

[Still Falling]

Hey sounds a lot like the situation i was in when i was was younger!

My mum has never had loads of money and to begin with, i could only go help out at a yard! But this satisfied me for a while as i got to handle horses and be with them for most of the day!
Then i decided to earn money any way i could to pay for lessons which i managed in the end!

Like you i used to draw pics of em ave poster on my wall and used to envy my friend who i went to school with and has ALWAYS had horse!

But now i'm 17yrs old, i have a part time job and am studying horses at college! I am also the proud owner of an Irish Sports horse mare! Fair enough i did not start to ride till i was 14 but now i have my BHS Stage One in care/riding and in my second year at colllege!

Volunteer yourself at a riding school, and then you can be with horses as often as your can - and if lucky you my get to ride every now and then:D

[Miriam]

I like you have loved horses since being very young and like you my parents could'nt afford to buy or even pay for lessons. I grew up got married and left home yet my passion for horss was still with me. It was not until my oldest was born and turned 5-6yrs and wanted t learn to ride that I even started having lessons. It was then a few years down the line taht an opportunity opened up for me to take on part loan a wonderful chestnut called Copper.Again it was a few yeras down the line before i managed to buy my current horse Rhi. In between Copper and her I had horses on loan.

So don't fret you have pleanty of time to follow your dream

[maria9657]

Do you know anyone who has horses or are there any people in your area that have horses. If you know them then maybe ask if you could ride (if the horse is appropriate) or just groom or spend time with the horse(s). If you do not know the person perhaps write up a nice letter explaining the situation and ask if you would be able to spend time with their horses grooming etc.

Another thing which is the thing I did to get into horses is see if there are any volunteer organizations that work with horses such as an equine rescue or a theraputic riding centre.

Those are the only two suggestions I have.

Good luck

[Nikita88]

I cant say i know how you feel 'cause im not trying to brag but my parents are both doctors and we never get stuck in that position, i live out in the country so its easy for me. You could get a job in a year or so and Lease a horse (share a horse with someone else so you only pay half the board). im glad to hear even though you cant afford it, you still love horses. even though you may not right, your still involved in the horsey world!! i would say you could come up any time and ride my mare Nikita, but i dont live in australia so it would kind of difficult.
Hope everything goes well! NEVER give up riding, you'll get one some day!! trust me :)

[Passion]

sadly no, nobody has horses around my area. ridable ones anyway. I used to lease a mare named Amahyus, lucky for me she was the only horse up for free lease for miles around. when i can somehow save the money myself, i'll work towards lessons. I'll make it a thing to do to look around if there are any barns with lesson exchange deals, or Id help out for free anyway. thanks for all the suggestions, if I havent already Ill take them into hand and keep you posted.

[Demson]

As you are a good artist have you thought about advertising and offering to draw /paint/ sketch peoples animals (dogs, horses, cats etc) or family. You could charge a fee small enough to keep the interest coming in but high enough to put into a fund to save for your own horse or for more regular lessons.

The place you go to for your riding lesson could you not go more often and instead of riding offer to help out.

I was a kid who lived in a city with parents who could just about afford to feed and clothe us all. Then my parents split and my ma met and married a nice bloke who happened to live near someone with 5 horses. I was then 10 years old and for about 20years I looked after and rode his horses for free. I would be there all day everyday. Then 12 years ago my son at 7yrd asked for a pony and since then I have owned three.

I was lucky to be involved with horses from an early age but your young and have years ahead of you. One day you shall be earning money and be able to save up for your dream horse.

best of luck

ALF

[horsecrazysarah]

I know exactly how you feel too. I've been horsecrazy for as long as I can remember. I was also drawing pictures (my sophmore art teacher entered my work in the county fair, but I'm sure mine weren't as good as yours :) ) At one point when I was about 11, I had 4 different horse magazines coming to my house and I was reading every one of them over and over. My first horse lessons were for my 12th b-day in Alaska, a present from my aunt (I'll be 19 next week). I live in WA so I couldn't go back for more. I don't know of any places here. Anyway, I went on an hour trail ride in the mountains with a private outfitter business and ended up making good friends with them. I went back to them to do some internship for 2 weeks and then they called me a few months later offering to be in a horse group where we learn to ride and compete in local playday events with other horses and riders. 2 years later I was offered a job. I worked for them at a camp teaching other kids about horses. I got to camp out for a week at a time and every day was filled with hroses. It wasn't until last year Feb. 14th that I met my "perfect horse" and took him home for free. Had I been looking for a horse 3 years earlier, I wouldn't have found him ebcause he was in another state at the time. lol

So don't worry. Right now could still be an important stepping stone for finding your perfect horse waiting for you a while down the road.

I guess my suggestion is to look up any and all horse businesses, big and small, and see what you can do. :) :)

Good Luck!!

[DressageGirl]

Hey Sweetie.. You sound just like I did growing up.. Read about horses Draw horse (still) do.. My Life was about Horses.. And I rode when I could.. I took My first lesson when I was 7 yrs old.. But that was only for a week cause I was staying at my aunts.. And then a few years went by before I rode again.. And when I was 10 I met someone who rode in horse shows and she asked if I wanted to go.. And course I said YES! And her Mommy talk to my mom about lesson.. And I got to do lesson and we lease a horse out.. But only for alittle while. sense Money was tight But I learned enough to get me by.. Then some Family friends brought a horse and I could ride whenever I wanted too.. But after a few years had to sale. :( I was crushed.. But in the 8th grade I had a teacher who family rode and she offer me Lesson on the weekend if I kept My Grades up and so I took some more lesson.. Then My Mom worked for a Lady who Raise Tenn walkers and she told her that I wanted to ride.. And she give me a Job helping with the horse and she gave me lesson.. So I learned to ride Saddle seat.. I really wanted to take Jumping lesson so I found a riding stable that I could take Jumping lesson at and started jumping.. Then a friend knew of someone who needed someone to come out and ride her horse she couldn't cause she was Pregnant.. And that is where I learn My Dressage..

So My Advice.. Look around.. Someone around your area just might have a horse or Horses. And Could use Help around the Barn and Such.. And Might let you Ride inturn for some Barn Help..


GOOD LUCK! ;)

[k888tie]

aww i know how u feel! im 19 and am still begging for a horse!...so i know what its like! whats more frustrating is that we have a garage that could be made into a stable...but has a rusty old car in it that doesnt go and belongs to my dad! and he ALWAYS claims that horses are expensive to keep!

anyway...i maybe put up an add on the net somewhere asking whether any1 needs a HORSE CRAZY person in around your area...and see where u go from ther! also go to a tack shop if there is 1 nearish you seeing if ne 1 again needs any help...if u get any replies just see if u can help out getting as much knowlegde...practical and brainwise as possible!

but i spent about 3 years working for ppl at different stables...and how have ppl i can go to if i need help...or if they need any help! but dont give up....coz there is that saying....

"IF U WANT SOMETHIN ENOUGH...U WILL ACHIEVE IT"! :D

so good luck!:D

[kedwards]

I felt just like you as a kid. I didn't start lessons until I was 28 or 29.

I still have plenty of riding life ahead of me, so I have no regrets. However, if I were to go back in time knowing what I know now, I would have at least looked around for ways that I could volunteer to help out with horses. As a kid, I didn't realize that there were opportunities out there and I didn't know where to look for them.

If you can find any lesson, boarding, or hacking barns in your area, then by all means, go ask to volunteer. If there are any tack shops, you might ask the owner if they know any barns, individuals, or show associations that could use volunteers.

To start, I wouldn't focus on asking for rides, even in exchange for work. Go do it to be around horses and to learn about horse care. Riding is wonderful, but it's only a small part of the joys of being around horses. The more you learn, the more valuable your services will be, and the more people will get to know you and see that you are mature and dependable.

[DressageGirl]

Some Boarding Stable will let you Keep your Horse on site for work around the Stables.. It's worth a Shot to Ask around. And Also Might be someone at the Stable who is looking for someone to ride their Horse/Horses and doesn't have time anymore. That's what I did with My Horse.. I was Pregnant and Couldn't ride anymore so one of the Girls who Worked around the Stables who Wanted to ride but didn't have a Horse to ride.. Kept My Horse in Shape while I could not.. She ended up leasing her out and has been showing her now for the Past year..

GOOD LUCK> Hope you find your Perfect Horse soon! :D

[In the Irons]

I don't have the money to buy a horse, or to take lessons. What I did instead was I made it a point to know all of the horse people around where I live. On I visit whenever I walk the dog, the other I used to baby sit her daughter, now I take care of her horses while she's away, and the other - well, it had started as I was looking for some action to shoot for photography class, and I knew a neighbor who owned some nice horses. Pretty soon the camera broke, so I cam and just visited, then I cam and mucked stalls, then I came and groomed horses, than I came and helped work them, now I come and ride. The thing is to make yourself available. Trust me, your efforts will not go in vain forever!

[Frost]

I had allways been in love with horses, but money was low because we allready had 36 pets. It was a lot of money to feed them all. Fianly, my mom started to cave in because she loved horses as a child. So we were going to start when my sisters rat died. The creamation costed a lot. All I colud do was thingk about riding. I drew horses, read about them, andeven saved up for a 40$ model! I started to collect My Little Pony, which kept me ocupied. Then I begged my mom, and she caved in. We checked around and found a place called Bast Stables. We ride there now. Tell your parents how you feel, and they just might make an exeption. I gave up Tennis, Drama, and Piano in return for riding. If you feel like pretending you ride a horse, go to www.horseland.com. (my user lookup is ~^~Stoneybrook Ridge Rescue Stables~^~)

[Passion]

Hey thanks guys. Yeah, well ive been extremely busy with school and a whole bunch of tests but hopefully ill be able to push aside time. i have dance and art and music that are keeping me doubly busy, but yes I play horseland, thanks, lol i love it. i am player 1262822. you probably ask, how can i find commitment for HL and writing to my online friends, as well as finding time to spend with my RL friends, but I cant bother looking around for stables? well, my dad has a stress fracture in his right leg, both my grandparents are in critical condition in hospital and because my mum doesnt work and dad has to go to hospital, we're not getting any money in and are living off our savings. so yeah, id think that even considering lessons is completely out of the question for a long while :( but i really do appriate you guys putting the effort in to make me feel better *snugs* i cant believe what a wonderful community this place is, lol. i stumbled upon it while browsing for interesting horsy sites about riding and stuff and came across NR and then the forums, which is the best part ;)

[rattysgirl]

Hi Passion

Like all of the above, I know exactly how you feel. I know the frustration of not riding often and spend hours reading about horses, which makes the frustration more.

I am now 28, been into horses from the age of 8, but it is only very recently that I found a horse to part loan at a very affordable price and on top of this I am able to ride him as often as I want. He is also a very suitable animal for me. In other words I couldn't believe my luck. All my life I had been waiting for this to happen! The next step, of course, is to own one!

The wise thought in this is do not give up your hope of riding a nice horse any time you want. Look for people with horses in your area, assist them with the stable chores if possible, do not look for riding straight away as you'd be heading for a big disappointment (I am talking like the one who knows!), and when you expect it least the opportunity will arise. Post an advert in your local paper and look for a horse to share... anything is good. It will reinforce your desire to succeed and your chances of riding regularly at a small price. Sometimes horse owners are just happy having someone to exercise their horse and do not ask for any financial contribution. So don't give up Passion, you will get there sooner than you think!

Sandra :)

[alliecatalex]

Hello,

I am 16 and when I was yonger all I got to do was ride my friends horse about once a month. I live in a small city, but lucky for me, when growing up there was a palomino Quarter Horse who lived next door. I fell in love with that horse and wished that he could be mine. It obviously didnt work out that way, and the horse was later given to the owners daughter who was moving to New Mexico. My dream horse was now gone....

I have always begged my dad to let me buy or lease a horse, but he claims its too expensive. I even started saving for a horse but then ended up buying goats because they were less expensive and more of a reality pet....I still was not satisfied...but I still LOVE my goats. So when I turned 12 I signed up to volunteer at a zoo working with the ponies. I got in a year later, and am still volunteering at the zoo, its my 3rd year.

Though two years ago everything changed, my mom works with someone who owns horses and lives about 45minutes away from me, it would be a long drive, but my dad was willing to do it once a week figuring it would satisfy my needs of wanting my own horse and fufilling my dreams. My friend and I have been riding my moms friends horses (she has four, one mare who is pregnant) I dont take lessons, I just get to go up whenever I want and ride her horses.

Just two days ago I started leasing a horse named Cody. And to my convienience he is able to be boarded at my neighbors house for free. And the horse lease is free, and its for the whole school year! So now I just have to pay for vet, farrier and food. Hes a lovely horse, but has room for improvement and I am excited to work with him the whole school year.

I know exactly how you feel. It was hard for me to find anything close by since I live in a city. I finally have found something, that satisfys my horse dessires (at least for now;) ) I have to babysit constantly to earn money to feed "my horse" but it is worth it!

Just keep looking, and saving your money and talk to other people, so they too can keep an eye out for you for any work around horses. It will all turn up in the end. Dont worry, it did for me and I live in the city, where you arnt even supposed to have horses.