COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE PURDUE UNIVERSITY, WEST LAFAYETTE INDIANA 47907
Should I Buy a Horse for My Child?
M.A. Russell, K.J. Warnell and J. Naden Department ol Animal Sciences
Owning a horse can be an enjoyable experience for parent and child alike; however, many factors enter into the initial decision to get involved with horses. The purpose of this publication is to acquaint prospective horse owners with considerations, costs, and possible alternatives to owning a horse. It discusses such concerns as determining your child's real interest in horses, alternatives to buying a horse, how to decide what kind of horse to buy, horse-related activites for your child, horse management practices and costs, as well as the benefits your family can gain from horse ownership. Once you decide to purchase a horse, there are numerous sources of more detailed information concerning horse management.
How Can I Determine My Child’s Level of Interest?
Because you are reading this, your child has probably talked about getting a horse. After you, the parent, become more knowledgeable about horse ownership, you should have a serious, heart-to-heart talk with your child. Ask questions, including the following:
•	Why do you want a horse?
•	Are there other ways to enjoy riding, especially to begin?
•	What kind of horse do you want to get?
•	What do you want to do with a horse?
•	How much time do you have to spend with a horse? Could you sacrifice time from other activities?
•	Where would you keep a horse?
•	What costs are involved, and how will you pay for the initial cost and maintenance of your horse?
•	What will you gain from owning a horse? How will the whole family benefit?
•	Will you be willing to sell your horse in 1 -4 years?
After having this talk and letting your child get some exposure to horses through lessons, camps, or using someone else’s horse, you will have a better measure of your child's interest. Many youth want a horse because they know someone who has one, so encourage spending time with this friend’s horse and see how long the enthusiasm lasts. Don't say "no” because you feel you don't know enough about keeping horses; rather, find a way to help your child learn more about horses. Your child may decide he or she really doesn’t want all the work that goes along with the fun.
Are There Alternatives To Owning a Horse?
There are many alternatives to owning a horse that may prove to be more economically feasible and still satisfy your child’s desire to ride. The alternatives are also good prerequisites to actually owning a horse because they allow you and your child to gain experience that will help you manage your own horse better.
Riding Lessons
Lessons are almost a necessity for riding or owning a horse. Some people learn to ride by trial and error; however, this method is not only dangerous, but can develop poor riding habits. By taking riding lessons from a competent instructor, the student (child or adult) can learn to ride in a safe and controlled environment. Remember that no one is too accomplished to take lessons and learn more about themselves and horses. Often people make the mistake of thinking that, by taking a few lessons, they are competent equestrians. The
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animal sciences horses