Dreaming ...

[lemonstartree]

I was a very very keen pony bonkers teenager and young adult. I am now a late middle aged lady with almost grown children

Now I feel I could own a horse - something my parents could never afford but I could. I work flexible FT hours but like in great riding country.

Am I bonkers?, how much does full livery cost ? How complex iS it to look after a horse? what about a young horse? one I can develop with ?

Maybe I am completely mad, but I feel like this is my opportunity?

PLease tell me your stories....

It's never too late! Just do your research properly. Check prices in your area ( around here part livery, which means hay/basic feed/bedding and basic care is around £75 pw). On top of that you need to factor in insurance, shoes (£65 every six weeks), lessons (always advisable with a new horse, especially your first), and various other bits and bobs, from replacing rugs to fly spray.. Part livery on a good yard would be ideal if you've not had a horse before as you could learn without the horse suffering! There are horse owners courses available nationally (BHS courses, usually run at local equestrian centres).

How much have you ridden and are you riding now? If you're not riding now, perhaps have some lessons at a local riding school to get going again. You could do with an experienced "schoolmaster"type that is kind and knows his job as your first horse. A youngster would be a recipe for disaster in 99% of cases. Novice horses and novice owners are a bad mix.. I learned the hard way as a child!

Would you think about looking for a share first to get an idea of what you're getting into?
I wouldn't says its very complex - mucking out, filling water buckets, filling haynets etc but there is stuff you need to know like how to hang a haynet, how to tie a horse, signs of illness, what to feed etc which you may or may not know.
Full livery - I guess you mean paying for all care but not riding, which is usually called Part livery (full livery includes excercise) can vary from about 350-450pcm depending where you are in the country. Plus all insurance, shoes, worming, vaccinations etc
Young horse and inexperienced owner can be a really bad idea. Sometimes it works if you get the right horse but you're probably better with an experienced horse that knows its job.
A young horse usually needs reassurance and training which an inexperienced owner might not be able to give. 'Learning together' doesn't usually work - the horse needs to be taught/led by the owner/rider.
And finally don't get screwed! There are loads of dodgy dealers, dealers posing as private sellers, dodgy private sellers. Many people have no qualms about buting a horse up to cover lameness. There are a lot of very cheap or free horses around at the moment but you have to be very careful about health or behavioural problems and know what you are getting into.

Don't get a young horse!
Bloody nightmare when they go through teenage tantrums .
I have my work cut out for me at the moment (he's nearly 6) and find myself longing for something a tad older and more chilled sometimes....only sometimes...but I am knackered! Its like having a child all over again!

Never to late though and yes you are mad...everyone who wants a horse is, you have to be .