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Question
Hi I'm new to this I have been a horse lover andI am 11 but I want to get a horse and my mom thinks thats to much responsibility for me and I plan when I get my horse I should send her/him to teesdale stables cause thats where I take lessons.And I want a show jumping horse since the teacher said I would be great cause I don't weigh lots so I just glid over the jumps with the horse I was taking lessons with or any other horse.So how much does a good temperament and trained 3-4 year old jump horse cost?

Answer
Dear Cynthia:
Your parents have a valid point- horse ownership is a huge responsibility and a big financial obligation. At the same time, it is a great way for young people to learn how to accept responsibility.You say that you are "new to this" which I assume means that you may not have been riding for very long. I would suggest that you stay in a structured  (at least weekly) riding program for a minimum of one year BEFORE you consider horse ownership.
As for jumping- you need to develop a very good basic seat long before you begin over fences work. I would be very wary of any instructor who isn't doing so. You should be completely comfortable at all gaits including the hand gallop, should know your posting diagonals without looking, should be comfortable with or without stirrups, be able to lengthen and collect all gaits on a VARIETY of horses and do an emergency dismount. Hand in hand with this goes basic horse health, nutrition and stable management practices.
At 11, what you weigh isn't of great consequence in determining if jumping is something you are ready to begin. Your skill as a rider is what is important.
A three to four year old horse is NEVER a good choice for a beginner rider as they are junior horses themselves. There's an old expression in horses that goes like this: green plus green equals red. Which means a green rider and a green horse usually spells bloodshed for one, the other or both. If and when you do decide to buy, you should be looking for an older, settled "been there, done that" type of school master who is sound and has excellent manners both under saddle and on the ground. These horses may be a little too old to continue competition at the higher levels but are perfect for a young up and coming rider.
In any event, long before you think of buying, once your year of lessons are up and you are still horse crazy- consider a lease or a part lease. This is a great way to determine if you and your family can adapt to the time and financial demands of "owning" a horse. I also think that you will prove to your parents that you are willing to accept this burden of responsibility by trying to assume a portion of the costs. This may be through working at the stable, or foregoing your allowance, getting a paper route etc.
Best wishes,
S. Evans