Study multiple sources. Technical and medical advances revolutionize the horse care industry periodically. Learn what plants are poisonous to horses and how to avoid horse ailments.
Work often, the more experience you have, the more comfortable you’ll be taking care of your own horse. Ask the stable owner any questions you may have. They’ll likely have great insight.
Have them speak to the stable owner. A good recommendation from him could ease your parents’ concerns.
Be consistent. It may take time before your parents understand that you truly want to own a horse. Bring your work to your parents’ attention. Remind them of your goal to own a horse often. Say things like: “Today I mucked the stalls for all the horses in the stable. I can’t wait to clean up after my own horse. " or “I helped hold a horse still while it got vaccinated today. Did you know horses need to be vaccinated for tetanus every year?” [2] X Research source
“I’ll be more relaxed. Horse ownership has been known to reduce stress. " “The challenge involved in training my horse will drastically improve my creativity. " “Being responsible for my own horse will help me build character. " “Bonding with my horse will help me form a kinship with nature. " [3] X Research source Having a good reason for wanting something can help convince your parents to get it for you.
Tell them about options for storing your horse. Say “Keeping my horse at home would reduce my travel expenses and allow me to spend more time with it but boarding my horse would mean that I could leave town and know that a professional would be there to take care of it. " [4] X Research source Include supplies like hay, tack, and grooming equipment. Include medical care and vaccinations.
Say “If I show my horse, I’ll need to travel with it and groom it more often which could add to my expenses. However, I could take care of other people’s horses at shows to help pay for my own. "
Look up horse care providers in your area.
Mow the lawn. Walk the dog. Take your siblings to school. Paint the house.
Describe how factors like age, height and temperament affect the value of your horse. Say things like “A young athletic horse could fetch a good price from someone looking to take it to shows, but an older even-tempered horse could be worth more to someone looking for a reliable horse for their children to ride. " [5] X Research source Assure them you know about advertising horses and how to talk to potential buyers. Tell them “If we do have to sell the horse, I know how to groom it and take the best pictures and videos of it to advertise it to buyers and get the best return on our investment possible. "
Ask them “What are your main concerns about me owning a horse? Is there anything I can do for you to make you feel more comfortable helping me purchase one?” Try to have an open mind as you listen to your parents’ response.
Include what expectations you’ll have of your parents. Include what expectations your parents should have of you.
Avoid free horses, as they often have medical or behavioral issues. Learn the history of horses you may buy to guarantee their quality.
Include equipment and medical costs. [6] X Research source Leave room for the unknown. Include possible setbacks in your budget. Give them a plan for storing your horse. You can cut into the cost of showing your horse by learning to braid professionally for other contestants at shows.
Show them you can be patient. Take the extra time to prepare yourself and continue to study.
Show your parents you can handle responsibility and are ready for more.
Show your parents how passionate you are about working with horses.
Don’t blame them. Say “I completely respect your decision. I realize owning a horse is a huge commitment. I’m still passionate about horses and I hope someday I can prove to you that I do deserve the honor of owning one. " Understand that they may not currently have the means to support a horse. Don’t give up. Keep trying to convince them that you can handle horse ownership.
