How do you afford a horse as a 17-year-old sixth-form student?

When I was at sixth form, I worked almost every weekend to afford a horse. Even then, my parents helped me with half the costs. Honestly, I would advise against it. It turned into a really heavy strain.

It is a hard question, because the cost of keeping a horse varies depending on where in the country you live. In some places you can also work off part of your livery by doing extra feeds and helping around the yard. But you also have to think about the other costs that can come up, such as veterinary care. That can get very expensive very quickly, and you need some savings behind you for it.

I would recommend not being solely responsible for the horse's finances, even if you could just about make it work, because it is a huge amount of work and your own health matters too 😊 I would sooner suggest part-loaning a horse, sharing one, or helping other people with theirs. There are lots of ways to get plenty of riding and time looking after horses without being the owner on paper 🌷⭐️ Good luck!