Started By
Message

re: Does anyone have kids that ride horses?

Posted on 8/28/15 at 9:34 am to
Posted by atchafalaya
Bayou Chene, Louisiana
Member since Dec 2006
1530 posts
Posted on 8/28/15 at 9:34 am to
Thanks for info everyone. Sounds like the worst injury has been a concussion and broke leg. I know there will be a lot of falls. I like hearing from the folks that have had good experience. She got thrown off horse yesterday and was a pretty bad spill but is ready to ride today. Horse just got spooked.

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?

Eta: thanks for breakdown Carson. That's not cheap, no. Lol.
This post was edited on 8/28/15 at 9:37 am
Posted by More beer please
Member since Feb 2010
45120 posts
Posted on 8/28/15 at 9:41 am to
quote:

My daughter doesn't have her own horse yet.


Buying it, leasing another, doesnt matter. It is all going to cost a lot of money. Board, food, vet bills, training, etc.

quote:

Leasing also sounds interesting. Didn't know that was possible.


Youd probably be better off buying a horse off the track. When you lease you are paying for all expenses and also paying to lease the horse itself. The owners sits back, collects the cash, and is covered under insurance.

quote:

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


It all adds up. Not to mention that all equipment is leather and EXTREMELY overpriced. Saddles can go from a couple hundred bucks to a couple thousand. Bridles, pads, clothing, jackets, boots, entry fees, gas, plane rides, hotel rooms, food.

But the absolute worst part is the bullshite horse drama. You thought women were bad enough already? This is a completely different animal.



Posted by Polycarp
Texas
Member since Feb 2009
5574 posts
Posted on 8/28/15 at 9:46 am to
The expenses will come from traveling, boarding, and the things associated with keeping a horse. When it comes to shows, you can pick and choose what shows to attend, and the trainer will give you a price up front for a show. Choose the shows close to you, so the prices won't be outrageous. The helmets, and chest protectors you can buy used a lot of the time, but don't skimp, get a good helmet.
When and if you decide to lease a horse at the barn, expect to pay a minimum of $500 a month.
Posted by BBMcGee
TEAM BOOB
Member since Dec 2008
28500 posts
Posted on 8/28/15 at 9:50 am to
quote:

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?


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
Posted by tigerinthebueche
Member since Oct 2010
36791 posts
Posted on 8/28/15 at 1:13 pm to
quote:

I like hearing from the folks that have had good experience. She got thrown off horse yesterday and was a pretty bad spill but is ready to ride today. Horse just got spooked.



FWIW, I've been riding for over 20 years. I've been bucked off once. No major injuries- other than my pride.

I've ridden many competitions where kids particiapted. I've never seen a serious injury. A few falls, but nothing horrible. My opinion is that a lot of this depends on the horse you ride. A good one is worth its weight in gold. A bad one isn't worth the bullet you will want to shoot it with.
quote:


where are the major expenses coming from?
Owning a horse is expensive (if you're going to do it right). whether its feed, board, vet care, lessons, etc.- its all expensive. you just try to control the level as best you can.
As for entry fees, it depends on what level you participate and where you go. Local shows are reasonable. Regional and national shows can get expensive very quickly.
trailers and tack range from cheap to ridiculous. Again, it just depends on the level of luxury you want to buy.
You might want to see where the events you want to participate in are going to be held. If you have to haul a far distance to compete, its going to run up your costs. If you can stay close to home, not so much. Same thing with the trailer and tow vehicle.

in the end though, I wouldn't trade a minute of my time I've spent with my horses. Its always been rewarding. Most of the men and all of the women I know who are involved with horses feel the same.
first pageprev pagePage 1 of 1Next pagelast page
refresh

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookTwitterInstagram