Are You a Horseless Rider
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Whether your parents won’t agree to buy you a horse, or your situation in life changes, and you can no longer keep your own horse, you may find yourself a horseless rider. That’s not a healthy state for many riders and despite not owning a horse, you probably will need and want to keep riding. Here are some tips on how you can continue to be a rider, without actually owning a horse.
Lessons
The quickest and easiest way to get yourself into the saddle is by taking lessons. If you calculate the cost of buying and keeping a horse, it may be more economical to take lessons a couple of times a week, especially if you can buy a package of lessons at a slight discount.
Rent
Renting horses was more common in Europe and the UK than North America. However, more recently, liability concerns mean stables aren’t likely to rent horses out by the hour or day anymore. You’re more likely to find a stable or ranch that takes out guided tours. If you only want to ride occasionally, this may be the route to take.
Part Boarding
For a monthly fee, you may be able to ride someone’s privately owned horse, or have the part-time use of a school horse. You will likely be required to sign a contract that will cover how long, and often you can ride the horse, and exactly what expenses, such as vet bills, farrier and stable board, you are expected to contribute to.
Leasing
Leasing can be an expensive option, but it may allow you to ride the type of horse that would be otherwise out of your price range. Many competitive riders compete with leased horses. In most leasing arrangements, you are completely responsible for all expenses, including care and event entry fees. The leasing contract will outline your responsibility for the duration of the lease. Free leasing is another option. Often, owners may not want to sell their horse, but know they can’t afford to care for it for a time. An example would be a university student who will be away for many months, but will eventually want the horse back.
Co-owning
Partial ownership of a horse helps both owners offset costs. This is different from part-boarding because you will actually pay a percentage of the horse’s value. You may also be responsible for things like board, feed, farrier and veterinary bills.
Horse Camps
You probably won’t be able to attend horse camps all year. However, for a few glorious weeks, you may be able to immerse yourself in the horse world, have a lot of fun and learn new skills. There is a huge variety of camps available: day camps, residential camps and camps dedicated to one discipline such as jumping or dressage. Some camps are dedicated entirely to horses, while others have multiple activities you can enjoy.
Jobs With Horses
The more you can learn about riding and horses the better. The most economical way of doing that is to work with horses and horse people. You may work for riding time on a school horse, or you may work for wages that can be used to pay part-board or lessons. There’s a long list of jobs with horses, starting with stall mucker at the local riding school, right up to coach, competitor or event organizer.
Sometimes the horseless rider has to be creative to stay in the saddle. However, there are a lot of opportunities for the rider who is willing to work hard and research their options. It’s likely that you’ll need to sign a contract. Be sure to read it carefully and understand exactly what is required. Then, enjoy your ride. |
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Dark Star
Leasing a great way to go. I am leasing my show horse, who has taught me so much about training a horse, and I have made a great friend out of her owner. If you can't afford to buy a horse, leasing is the way to go.
Leasing a great way to go. I am leasing my show horse, who has taught me so much about training a horse, and I have made a great friend out of her owner. If you can't afford to buy a horse, leasing is the way to go.
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Jun 1, 2013
• 3,306 views
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Winniefield Park
OMG I love the image with this. ROFL.
OMG I love the image with this. ROFL.
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Jun 2, 2013
• 3,883 views
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Copper711
Leasing is a good one! Love the Image!!Lol.
Leasing is a good one! Love the Image!!Lol.
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Jun 4, 2013
• 3,057 views
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