I've never made a forum post before, so just bear with me, but I've been struggling/thinking about this for a while.

Owning a horse is my biggest dream, but I can't. The main reasons are that my family are non-equestrians and don't own property, and the career path I want to take in the future means that I won't have the space or time or stability for a horse and I know better than to "invest" in a horse that I cannot promise a lifelong commitment with. There aren't any places near me that offer leasing or livery, and I am lucky enough to ride at a riding school once a week. Recently a friend of mine bought her first horse (she has been riding for much less time compared to me and I was riding in the "level" above her), and I've just been riding for such a long time that it seems the next logical step but I know it's not possible. I'm trying to sorta 'get over it' even though I know I am very lucky to be able to ride horses at all. Any advice?

I unfortunately don't have any advice, but I can totally relate to how you are feeling. I personally can't afford a horse because they are just to expensive. It's hard.

I guess my one advice would be to not give up hope. Something might change in your life. Maybe your time will free up. Maybe your finances will change. If it's somethign you REALLY want then keep riding as much as you can.

you could lease a horse/s

A friend at work said she regreted getting a horse of her own as she rode less than before.

The limited free time for riding was now spent taking the horse to the farriers or waiting for the vet. Going to fetch bulky food stuffs. Repairing the small stable and fencing round the paddock. Pulling out nasty plants and reparing rabbit and mole holes. Etc.

So there are many advantages to riding as you do now.

I too have always hankered after a horse, but could not afford it or the time (as I don't live on a farm), sigh.

And you never know, you might win a lottery!!

i mentioned in the post that there are no places near me that offer livery or leasing :<

sadly i do long for the tiresome chores as well :( I try to help out as much as I can at the riding stables though

Honestly, buying a horse at the time you seem to be at might not work. Horses are awfully expensive, surley more than taking more lessons? Would it be possible to ride 2 lessons a week instead of one and then you can see how much time you actually have to spare

Coming from someone who has horses, it's a full time job, and as others have said, it does become a lot of work. You loose time with friends and all that. My one thing I would suggest is be happy where you are now, and what you have accomplished this far. Leasing is again like a second house payment, but if you would do anything, I would lease before you really get a horse that is strictly yours. With leases, you get the horse owner experience but you are not usually paying for vaccinations and the necessities for horses. I know leasing may not be offered near you, but that would be where I would take your equestrian journey a little further. If you have any other questions, my inbox is always open. I hope I was some help. And I totally understand where you are right now. Just embrace the opportunities you have now, it's nice to look into the future, but anything can happen from now and then. Again, PM me for any other questions! :)

Perhaps increase the number of lessons you can do at the riding school and maybe ask them if they have any working student positions. So you can spend extra time with the horses and get some extra lessons.

Learn as much about horses as you can :) Some things with horses are just unneccessary expensive for the inexperienced, like thrush treatment. There's tons of products, when apple cider vinegar will also get the job done. Learning more about horse keeping is fun and interesting anyways. One day, it might pay off :)