Question: I Can't Buy a Pony--What Are The Alternatives?
There are lots of ways to keep your child riding and learning about ponies and horses without having to buy one.
Answer: Lessons
Although many children attend lessons once a week, there is no reason why they can't attend more often. This may be enough to satisfy your child's 'horse bug'.
Part Boarding
Some stables part-board horses and ponies. You'll have access to the pony for a pre-determine number of hours per month, or at specific times. You may be expected to contribute for extras like farrier or veterinarian costs and care-like mucking out stalls. You'll want to have the specifics of your part-boarding agreement clearly written out in a contract.
Leasing
With a lease the pony will be yours to use any time and the cost of feed and other maintenance is your responsibility. Just like a part-boarding agreement, you'll want to have the specifics in a contract.
Loans
Occasionally you might find a pony that another child has outgrown, but does not want to sell. If you are lucky enough to be offered a pony on loan, you'll want to have all of your responsibilities outlined in a contract. You'll need to have an appropriate place to keep the pony, either at your home or at a boarding stable.
Camps
Camps usually run through the summer months, Christmas or March Breaks. They're a great way for children to learn and be immersed in a 'horsey' environment. You'll find day camps, residential camps, camps where horses are the only focus and camps that offer many different sports and activities. Horse magazines issued in the spring months are a good place to start researching horse camps.
Clubs
Clubs like Pony Club are a great learning opportunity. Often you don't have to own a pony to be a member and involved.
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