General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: It's past time to end the "pony envy" [View all]Cerridwen
(13,262 posts)Spend a few 10s of thousands of dollars on an up and coming dressage prospect.
Feed it. Provide farrier service regularly. Make sure it stays up to date on its vaccines. Keep it free from worms and other parasites. Pray it has good feet.
Provide a safe and better-than-adequate pasture/turnout and barn for it to live well and healthy without injuring itself. Have access to the appropriate sized arena for training.
Then, train it or hire a trainer for the various levels. Compete; entry fees, travel expenses, boarding expenses, rooming expenses for the people. Hire a groom, or do it yourself, to keep the horse looking competition ready; or at least for the competition. Hire or learn to ride in competitions. Win; lots. Make a name for yourself. Pray your horse doesn't have any unexpected medical issues that result in it not being able to compete or worse.
Do this until the horse is well trained and ready to win bigger competitions.
Keep track of all the expenses. Note them correctly on your tax returns.