How do I convince my parents to let me buy this saddle?

Question

I would really like to buy a saddle for myself because it would make it so much easier to find the correct position, get comfortable and always have my stirrups the same length. It takes up a lot of time in my lesson because I'm constantly adjusting my stirrups because I can never get them just right. Plus, with my own saddle, I can use it for shows and take it to school with me. I found a nice one in my price range and I would be paying for it myself. The trouble is, my mom is really hesitant to buy online since she had to pay shipping on two things she bought me for Christmas to ship back. Now she says I can buy one but not over the internet and there are only two tack shops even remotely close to my house and one is way pricey. When I ask my dad, he just says that it would be a waste of money because I can just use the one at my barn. 

For those of you who are going to tell me not to buy it because I have to fit it on the horse first: I already know it will fit because it is the same as the one I use that belongs to the barn, except the barn's is really old and splitting at the seams, and I have to get there really early because everyone in my lesson tries to grab it. 

It's not as if I just have money burning that I want to spend. I have been riding for almost 5 years (I got started late in the game) and don't plan to stop any time soon. I love going to the barn! I've given up the dream of them buying me a horse, I just want to buy my own saddle, I just need a credit card to do it. 
How do I convince them that buying this saddle will be a good thing?

zephania666 · Accepted Answer

Since the problem is the source, not the saddle, I'd show her that the cost of the saddle over the internet, with delivery both ways, is less than the cost at the local place.  If it's not, buy it at the local place.

One word about the saddle, though...  make sure you get the same size tree and the same size seat!  Even then, it won't fit the same, because the stable's saddle's beyond "broken in" and approaching "broken."

AllAroundQH · Answer

If it's the exact same saddle you ride in at the barn, it's unlikely you'll need to ship it back since you already know it fits you, fits the horse, and suits your tastes. Tell her that. Volunteer to pay any shipping costs associated with shipping it back if you do have to do so. Show her that you have all of the money for the purchase of the saddle as well as enough left over for return shipping if necessary, and show her that she doesn't have to spend a dime. 

My family and I have bought many things over the internet (several western show tops, two western show saddles, my show chaps, my English saddle, a couple of other English saddles over the years, various other pieces of tack, English clothing, boots, etc.). Except for the occasional return on clothing items when they didn't fit (there isn't a tack shop near here to try on), I've always had great success with the process...no lost items or anything like that.

Audioartist · Answer

Well you just tried to sell the idea to us.. so do the same to them... but make sure you are not just trying to buy it on impulse.. maybe there might be one just like the one online at the cheaper tack store. that way you will have your saddle and your parents will feel like you listened to them. its a win win. Your parents might have a point and if for any reason you buy online and its not what you expected, having your parents retune it will open up weeks of "I told you so"

Charles &amp; Elizabeth C · Answer

Being a parent, I can kind of see your parents way of thinking. It would all depend with me who you are doing business with online. Ebay, nah I wouldn't risk it. A reputable dealer with catalogs, etc., they are fine and will accept returns. If you are dealing with a used tack dealer, be very careful.  Only one I recommend (but I am sure there are others that are just fine) is Middleburg Tack Exchange. They are wonderful to deal with. Good luck, and give your parents a break, they are older, have been there, done that, sort of thinking!

RJ2K1 · Answer

Convince them by telling them the health benefits you recieve ,if they allow the saddle that you wish .

How do I convince my parents to let me buy this saddle?

Related Questions

Trending Questions