Owning a pretty pony

[pasorider]

My opinion is it may be cheaper to just take lessons, but there is nothing like owning your own horse, taking care of it, and the nickers when you walk in the barn and they are so glad to see you. Take a look at the cat, I don't think I have ever seen such a BIG one!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tjycb7xhWec&mode=related&search=

[Barbwire]

I think it depends on how much you ride your horse. I haven't taken a lesson in eons, but last I heard it was over $40/hr. to have a private lesson. Normally, when my horse is fit and so am I, I ride 10 plus hours a week. If I took lessons, that would cost me $400/wk.

[pasorider]

I guess it also depends on if you have a place to keep a horse, We use to laugh that the horse was the cheapest part, we have seen so many that buy a horse, all the tack, then have to buy a truck and trailer to haul it, then buy a farm to put it on -- I still want my own horse. I love having my horses with me, so on sleepless nights I can go to the barn and just love on them. Heck, I don't even mind cleaning their stalls, it is so routine that I can just zone out and let my mind wonder while I clean. Would much rather clean stalls and the barn than the house. I am to the point that I really don't like riding other peoples horses, unless they are Paso's, I am just so relaxed on mine and trust them so much. When I use to take lessons, eons ago, I would get different horses, which I think makes you a better rider, but now, I like my own trusty steed.

[Brigitte]

Once a week one hour lessons cost around $70 per month, so it is much cheaper to take lessons than to own.

Plus side of lessons:
- You don't need your own saddle (though it's better if you do)
- You ride alot of different horses

Plus side of owning a horse:
- It's your horse, you can bond etc.
- You're not tied to one day per week where you can ride

They both have their good points and bad, it just depends which you can afford. While expensive owning a horse is much more rewarding IMO