re: Does anyone have kids that ride horses?

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On the expense side, where are the major expenses coming from? My daughter doesn't have her own horse yet. When (if) she gets her own horse, will keep it at the horse center where she currently rides. Leasing also sounds interesting. Didn't know that was possible.

I guess the main expenses everyone is referring to are the trailering and fees and stays for out of town events/jumping/competitions?

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Leasing is a great option before buying a horse. There are different lease options out there and it's usually cheaper than owning.

And yes, everything is expensive. I do local shows, not the big shows that MBP's wife does. She spent way more money than I did which is why he's so bitter

Here's about an average breakdown for a local show:

-hauling - depends on who hauls. I'd split diesel w/ my friends if I was hauling mine plus theirs. I paid $1/mile to my new trainer to haul since I moved and don't have access to my grandpaw's truck and trailer anymore.

-schooling fees for trainers - usually a little more than the actual lesson fee, but I don't know for sure. I have the "old rate" w/ my trainer b/c I've been with her for 20 years. the other kids get charged more.

-show fees - local shows can range from $150-300 depending on how many and what classes kid rides in. Rated shows range more like $600-2000 and up and up.

-hotel room for out of town shows. the local shows in louisiana are usually in covington/folsom.

so that doesn't include tack and show outfits and everything else.

that's why everyone with a horse is considered "horse poor" lol