Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Pets

Join our community on the Pet forum to discuss anything related to pets.

Original poster

Should I buy my daughter a horse?

14 replies

ovulationleavesmetired · 08/04/2023 06:29

Hopefully I've posted in the right topic!

Some context....
We live on 16 acres and the property was previously set up by horse owners.
I owned a horse for around a year when I was 12-13 and have such fond memories of that time.

Here is my dilemma, my 12 year old daughter used to be horse mad, however after years of me saying 'you're not ready for a horse' she has now turned her attention to gaming and anime 😬
I am kicking myself for not encouraging her love of horses at the time and now wondering if I should take a punt and buy a horse and see if her interest is rekindled.

Im not thinking of a 'fancy' horse, more of an older gentle one that is happy living out its days on our farm, being groomed and occasionally ridden around a paddock.
Is that unrealistic?
This is basically what I had when I was younger, she was an old brood mare who was past her prime, oh how I loved her!

OP posts:
GrandIllusion · 08/04/2023 06:50

It sounds as if the boat has sailed on.

Never a good idea to buy a horse without having knowledge about its temperament etc beforehand.

Get a pony on loan first so that you have the option of handing it back if it doesn't work out.

It would be better if you went to riding stables as it's the sociability you need and the facilities to do things together.

Riding alone is not for everyone and could be dangerous unless supervised at aged 12/13 and a novice.

buckingmad · 08/04/2023 06:52

No. Or if you do, put it on livery. Horses can’t be alone so you’ll need at least 2 others abd as a child the best bit of having a horse is the social side which she won’t have if she’s at home on her own.

NotCopingWell1 · 08/04/2023 07:21

This sounds like a bad idea to me! I think it's normal for horsey children to lose their love a bit as teens. I plan to get DD into horses but I am very horsey myself. I would happily look after a 12hh pony I am too big to ride for life just because I love horses. If she gets bored and I end up picking up the poo and looking after something bigger when she is a teen, jackpot, because I'll be able to ride it too! But unless you're a bit of a sap like me when it comes to horses, it could be a big risk and really unfair on the horse.

ZoeQ90 · 08/04/2023 07:24

Kind of sounds like you want a horse. I think the boat has sailed with your daughter.

Meadowfly · 08/04/2023 07:38

I think you need 2 horses, and to be prepared to do the work.

Pahpahpotato · 08/04/2023 07:39

I think you probably already know, deep down, this is a really poor idea. The obvious first step would be to offer her riding lessons again, see if she’s even remotely interested. If she is, and that goes well for a year or so, maybe revisit the horse idea, by that point a mother-daughter share may suit better. After all, you’ll be the one left with the horse in 6 or so years, if she goes away to uni. Also a mini donkey for a pal, because the horse needs company and everyone needs a donkey.

TodayInahurry · 08/04/2023 07:40

Horses are very expensive to keep now, you can’t just put it in a field. Will your daughter want to do all the work involved?

Best lease one and keep it at a proper yard to find out, also you will learn how much it costs, £100 for shoes, plus insurance, vets fees, vaccinations, lessons etc

MathsNervous · 08/04/2023 07:43

My Little Pony would be cheaper.

buckingmad · 08/04/2023 09:20

TodayInahurry · 08/04/2023 07:40

Horses are very expensive to keep now, you can’t just put it in a field. Will your daughter want to do all the work involved?

Best lease one and keep it at a proper yard to find out, also you will learn how much it costs, £100 for shoes, plus insurance, vets fees, vaccinations, lessons etc

This. Mine regularly costs me >£500 a month. I’ve claimed about £15k in vet fees this year alone (luckily on insurance but I do have the funds as back up too). Admittedly £300 of that monthly figure is livery which you won’t have but you will have maintenance costs, water bills, electric fencing, replacing fences, insurance, feed, muck removal, grass maintenance etc.

Eyesopenwideawake · 08/04/2023 09:28

With 16 acres you could give a couple of oldies a marvellous retirement home. Horses are generally happiest living out (rugged when necessary if there's no field shelters). Yes, you'd have some costs - feet trimming, annual teeth and vaccinations, hard feed in winter - but having horses at the bottom of the garden is just magical 😊

Original poster
ovulationleavesmetired · 09/04/2023 07:32

Hi all, thanks for the responses.
Overall yes, I know it will be a costly exercise and there's a relatively high chance most of the work will fall on me.
But I think it's worth a shot if it gives my daughter an outlet other than gaming.
We bale our own hay each year and live in a pretty lush climate so feed shouldn't be an issue.
And I agree re paddock mates, possibly I could offer up grazing to someone local to provide companionship rather than needing to purchase 2 horses.
Lots to think about.

First step is to talk to my daughter about it and see if it sparks any enthusiasm 🤞🏻

OP posts:
Meadowfly · 09/04/2023 08:23

Go for it! Sounds like you have the space and resources, I hope you enjoy it.

Changeau · 09/04/2023 08:26

Yes you should definitely get a horse, in fact you should get three! Seriously I have three on 4 acres, if I had 16 acres and a good set up I'd have several 😅

gogohmm · 09/04/2023 08:30

With that amount of land could you rent space to 2 or 3 families and consider a rescue for yourselves? Bulk buying for multiple horses is cheaper and they pick up their own vets bills. Horses like to live in a group

New posts on this thread. Refresh page