Show Jumping

Question
Hello! I'm a twelve year old that got into show jumping about a year ago. I'm currently schooling 2'5". The problem is... Everything in the horse world is so expensive, and I can hardly afford it. I want to become a better rider, I really do. But it's hard. I haven't taken lessons in about a month because of I have no transportation (My parents work all day). The only way I can take lessons is if my instructor picks me up, and that must not be convenient for her. I have a passion for horses that doesn't compare to anything else. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice? Thanks a bunch.

Answer
Dear Meg,
I can certainly sympathize. I was the youngest of five children- money was always tight and to make matters worse- we lived in the city. The rest of my family was about as "un-horsey" as you can get. There were kids at my school who seemed to have everything- including horses- and they didn't even seem to appreciate what they had. Admittedly (and somewhat ashamedly) I was envious of those kids. In hindsight, I can see that I had much more than they did- far too often their "wealthy" parents bought them things so that they wouldn't have to spend time with their own children. My parents didn't have much money- but they sure had time for us.
What my family did do was offer me their support. Every birthday and every Christmas, I asked for riding lessons. Sometimes I could only go once a month- sometimes not at all. Occasionally, in the summer, I could  get in a set of lessons.
When I turned 12, my dad's bank manager told him that his daughter was going away to college and wanted someone to help care of her horse for her while she was gone for the summer. I walked three miles there and three miles back every Saturday and Sunday- rain or shine. I learned a lot that summer through trial and error.
When I was 15, I got a part time job and started saving money for university and, of course, for a horse. This is what I think you could think about doing too. You are old enough to babysit, to do yard work, to have a paper route. Although I had to wait until I was 16 to get my first horse, by the time I did get one- I was really proficient at looking after him because I had offered to help so many people look after their horses- this opportunity often knocks when college age students head off to school and don't want to sell their horses but need help looking after them. This can solve two problems- it can give you a horse to ride in lessons (tack provided) and you may find that their parents might even offer you a lift.
You say that you think that picking you up is inconvenient for your coach- but I bet she/he wouldn't do it if she/he didn't want to. You might even find that the barn where you take lessons might offer you a ride and some free lessons in exchange for mucking stalls.
I know it sounds kind of corny- but truly- good things come to those who wait.
Best wishes,
S. Evans