3 year old beginner

[MadeofCheeese]

Hi all
I would love your opinions on my 3 year old starting riding. She's shown an interest and I've booked a lesson at what looks like a great school however, am I getting into something here?
I live in a horsey area. I have some disposable income and LO is only child so we don't mind spending money on her interests but I don't know anyone who rides/ has a horse and exactly how expensive this could become later on.
Is this something to encourage?

Oh dear! If she gets hooked you will need deep pockets! 😆 It’s totally worth every penny though.

It gets very expensive, very quickly! I’m not horsey but also have an only DD who became hooked. When she first started riding lessons I had absolutely no idea that we’d end up owning and paying a small mortgage for a horse (and everything that goes with this!). A steep and pricey learning curve

Very very expensive very quickly!
The first thing will be a hat, she should be able to borrow from the yard but if she enjoys it then after a few months you will probably want to buy one. You have to go to a qualified hat fitting specialist at a tack shop, never ever scrimp on protecting your child's head. So that's £100+
Then when she comes off lead rein you will need a body protector for her. Again you need to get it fitted. Another £100

Then you need safe and correct footwear etc.

The costs never stop.

My 13 Yr old does it semi seriously ie in Pony Club etc. It has cost us over £1K this week for: camp, Champs entries, new equipment and clothing. But she's spending her summer outdoors, with friends and having a blast eg sleeping in fields with friendly goats and sheep waking them up by eating their tent 🤣

Basically horses will cost you all your money and your soul 🤣🤣 but they are worth every penny.
I'm horsey, from a horsey family but even I gulp at how much stuff costs!

As an ex horse owner, I can safely say it is a very expensive hobby. A lot of people liken it to standing in the middle of a muddy field, throwing £20 notes into the wind...... 😂

Riding lessons are not cheap, and neither is the equipment; hat, body protector, boots etc - and that is just to start.

It is not just in terms of money either, but horses also take up a lot of your time.

I would imagine many horse owners will agree with me when I say it is more of a lifestyle choice - that is how consuming having a horse is.

BUT having a horse is the most addictive, rewarding, stress busting best friend you would ever have!

Thank you all for your time and insight. I guess I need to discuss with DH future hobbies and costs!

Not just a profane amount of money but reeeally offensive.

Plus all your spare time, most of your time that wasn't spare if you include A&E waiting times, all your effort, your heart and your very soul. But they're worth all of it.