5LittleMonkeys Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 the only thing your child ever asks for, even for Christmas and birthdays is something you can't financially provide. Dd13 misses riding lessons so much. :sad: That is all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenncslp Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 :grouphug: I know it's hard! Is there any way to give her a coupon for a ride or two? Also, I think your location means you are in Murfreesboro (we're in Spring Hill)...you may want to check at therapeutic riding places like "Saddle Up" and see what their volunteer requirements are. They might let her volunteer and then I think volunteers get to ride some for free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5LittleMonkeys Posted December 9, 2011 Author Share Posted December 9, 2011 :grouphug: I know it's hard! Is there any way to give her a coupon for a ride or two? Also, I think your location means you are in Murfreesboro (we're in Spring Hill)...you may want to check at therapeutic riding places like "Saddle Up" and see what their volunteer requirements are. They might let her volunteer and then I think volunteers get to ride some for free. I'll check into that...I didn't even know it existed! I thought about just doing a lesson once in awhile but got the impression from past discussions with people that Hunter's Court really prefers regular students, not to mention that even for one 30 minute lesson at HC it's ridiculously expensive (It just sits wrong with me to spend that much for 30 minutes). I don't know of any other barns in the area so I did put a post on the Rutherford County Homeschoolers board asking if anyone had any info about other barns that would offer less expensive "once in awhile" lessons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 Maybe various family members could pitch in and offer money for a month or two worth of lessons? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5LittleMonkeys Posted December 9, 2011 Author Share Posted December 9, 2011 Maybe various family members could pitch in and offer money for a month or two worth of lessons? I've actually suggested that to family before and they've always declined stating that they'd rather give her Christmas and birthday gifts that will last. They don't get how much she values time spent with a horse. I've tried to explain it enough times that if they don't get it now they never will. Now that dd is getting older though they have started thinking of just giving her money in place of an actual gift so then she could spend it on lessons if she saved up for a while. Jenncslp - I checked into Saddle Up!. Wow, what an amazing program! They apparently have tons of volunteers (close to 300) but they require those under 16 to be supervised by a parent while there. I don't know if I could make that time commitment but I will look into it more and see what exactly would be required. Thanks for the suggestion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 :grouphug: -- I am sorry. It is really hard to have to turn our kids' wishes down because of finances. I really hope you're able to find a good solution! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in Florida Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 :grouphug::grouphug: One of the things that suprised me about motherhood was how much 'I' ached when they were disappointed. If you live in a rural community you could put up signs at the feed store offering to exchange riding lessons for labor. Most barns can use the extra hands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenncslp Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 I've actually suggested that to family before and they've always declined stating that they'd rather give her Christmas and birthday gifts that will last. They don't get how much she values time spent with a horse. I've tried to explain it enough times that if they don't get it now they never will. Now that dd is getting older though they have started thinking of just giving her money in place of an actual gift so then she could spend it on lessons if she saved up for a while. Jenncslp - I checked into Saddle Up!. Wow, what an amazing program! They apparently have tons of volunteers (close to 300) but they require those under 16 to be supervised by a parent while there. I don't know if I could make that time commitment but I will look into it more and see what exactly would be required. Thanks for the suggestion. You are welcome. Glad it might be something she would love in the future! My dd goes there for therapeutic riding (though we are taking the next little while off due to the new baby, etc.) Sorry it is hard right now. Big hugs!:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssexton Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 Aime, I just sent you an email. I know of a lady who gives lessons nearby, but she focuses mostly on beginning riders. But still...she might be able to work something out. :) Shannon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5LittleMonkeys Posted December 9, 2011 Author Share Posted December 9, 2011 (edited) Okay, I think we may have found an option!!!! Actually, through the local homeschooling forum I mentioned I had 3 people contact me! One is very close, VERY inexpensive, and Shannon said she was very nice and had flexible hours. You know I've googled horse riding lesson for my area before but I only ever got results of more $ barns. I'm so glad I've found some other options. :D Edited December 9, 2011 by 5LittleMonkeys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasRachel Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 My niece actually helps out with a neighbor's horses in exchange for being able to ride them. I'm not sure how much teaching is going on. It may just be informal for now, but if she just wants to be around horses that may be a way of getting some riding time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindyg Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 Oh, I'm so sorry! That is really tough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leav97 Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 Does it have to be riding time or would just being around horses work. How old does she have to be to work in the barn? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5LittleMonkeys Posted December 9, 2011 Author Share Posted December 9, 2011 My niece actually helps out with a neighbor's horses in exchange for being able to ride them. I'm not sure how much teaching is going on. It may just be informal for now, but if she just wants to be around horses that may be a way of getting some riding time. I'd love to find this type of arrangement...maybe my inquiries will produce some new options.:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairfarmhand Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 call some 4-Hy people. Let them know the issues. I bet you may find a solution. I've heard that Rutherford county has an AWESOME 4-H program. In fact, I have been down to the 4-h place....riding arena, cattle facilities.... ya'll got it good down there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5LittleMonkeys Posted December 9, 2011 Author Share Posted December 9, 2011 Does it have to be riding time or would just being around horses work. How old does she have to be to work in the barn? She loves to just be around them, but I think never being able to ride them would be frustrating. I know it would be for me! She did volunteer at the barn we used to use it was just strictly -come and hang out and work if you like but you don't get any "services" in return- type of thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 I've actually suggested that to family before and they've always declined stating that they'd rather give her Christmas and birthday gifts that will last. . :grouphug: So sorry. The irony is that material things often don't last and certainly kids' interest in them doesn't. On the other hand, I think it does actually contribute to a child's development to long for something out of reach. That happened to my dad and seemed to motivate him in life. (OTOH, my mom had almost nothing and was embarrassed at her poverty. That was not helpful to her.) Anyway, kids who experience adversity when they are young are often more resilient adults. So even if you can't think of a way to make it happen, it may be less of a negative thing in the end that it feels in your heart now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terabith Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 :grouphug: We've been having people (grandparents, aunts, etc) chip in for a few months of lessons for her birthday and a few months for Christmas. That stinks that your family doesn't get that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyof4ks Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 Okay, I think we may have found an option!!!! Actually, through the local homeschooling forum I mentioned I had 3 people contact me! One is very close, VERY inexpensive, and Shannon said she was very nice and had flexible hours. You know I've googled horse riding lesson for my area before but I only ever got results of more $ barns. I'm so glad I've found some other options. :D Yay! My dd took lessons from a friend, and now my dd just goes to their house to ride with her friend (the daughter). It works out nicely. My dd has no interest in competitions, she just wants to ride, so it works great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigger Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 When I was a kid horseback riding lessons were super expensive - my friends and I used to muck stalls, groom and feed to ride free at the local stable we rode out of. Is there an option like that? Work for Riding time? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuirkyKapers Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in NH Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 When I was a kid horseback riding lessons were super expensive - my friends and I used to muck stalls, groom and feed to ride free at the local stable we rode out of. Is there an option like that? Work for Riding time? :iagree: At her age, she could easily be a working student & work at the barn to pay for her lessons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindyg Posted December 10, 2011 Share Posted December 10, 2011 Okay, I think we may have found an option!!!! Actually, through the local homeschooling forum I mentioned I had 3 people contact me! One is very close, VERY inexpensive, and Shannon said she was very nice and had flexible hours. You know I've googled horse riding lesson for my area before but I only ever got results of more $ barns. I'm so glad I've found some other options. :D I really hope that works out for you. It's very sad to think of all the little girls who love horses and can't afford to ride. :( It's such an expensive obsession -- I mean, hobby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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