Ah, sorry, I took it to read she was getting her 1st pony.

I learnt to ride as a mature person and was always sent out on trails with the 3 ten year olds who ran the place with the stern injunction to "Look like I was in charge" when I clearly wasn't!

Kids who have been round riding schools like your daughter are usually exceptionally competent, it comes from crawling under the pony without fear, I think!

Yes, she knows her ponies. My concern is that I don't! That's why I was interested in loaning rather than buying. I've made no promises, but I know I'm going to be pestered to get her one!
If loaning's an option, or if anyone else has any suggestions on a compromise, please let me know.
Thanks!

oh, is that what that was?? - so you wont need the ointment I sent you?

Heehee!

In addition to the above, have a look at the discussion boards at :

http://www.equiman.com/

that one's Canadian with lots of AB posters

and

http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/

US based but a fair few Canadians.

R I C H's prices would be low for here and, I suspect, for anywhere near Calgary.

So far as insurance is concerned the way to get it here is by joining the OEF. I expect there's an Alberta Equestrian Federation with a similar deal.

If the potential horse is for a child then watch out, horses make sailing look like an economical hobby. Beyond the obvious running costs there are:

- coaching

- entry fees

- trailering

- tack

- injuries

- attire

The child will quickly outgrow the attire and the horse and will need new tack for the next horse as well as a better coach and then an A circuit barn and then to winter in Florida (perhaps California from there) and so an equestrian friendly private school and a traveling tutor and yet a better horse and more tack and on and on and on.

It's less ruinous if the serious rider is an adult and there are fabulous fringe benefits so long as you stay clear of the hooves.

It's usual to "part board" a horse at a training barn, the rider pays a set amount per month for a share of the use of a horse. My OH had two on the go a couple of years ago, iirc the deal was two group lessons a week (1 hour each) and a free (uncoached) ride for 2 hours for $500/month. It's better than just lessons because you always ride the same horse and cheaper than leasing the horse exclusively.

The OH then moved to where she is now, the deal is exclusive use of a quality horse (on or off the premises) and casual use of three others in return for mucking for whatever combination of horses and minis is in the eight stall barn (usually six horses) three days a week. This arrangement would be good for a keen teenager and there are many barn owners wanting to make such a deal, the problem though is that a car is usually needed.

There's a constant thread on coth (link above) called riderless horses and horseless riders (or similar) on which people make deals to match the two. That might be worth a look.

Fantastic!
Thanks for the help.
Murrays

Thanks dbd.
Actually looking just outside Calgary (I WILL NOT ADMIT WHERE, I AM TOO ASHAMED) R I C H's prices are pretty much on the mark as far as pasture boarding is concerned.

I'll have a look at those links.

Look guys - I dont' "do" horses (so to speak; scary creatures with huge teeth and a leg in each corner) and I only came to check out this thread to see if there were some more photos of horses arses ! I am sorely disappointed and now feel bereft !

Be careful what you ask for.

A few more from an extensive portfolio of special interest pictures.

THere's plenty of pictures of politicians available.

ah ha - a vast array of derrieres - i thank you You may continue with your sensible discussion now

I'm getting worried about you, Ann

I can get more pictures on the weekend if you like, have you preference for the colour or breed of the horse? Just at the moment I could easily get pictures of the arses of mules and minis as well as horses if they're particularly your thing.