Yes, I have two horses. I've had horses or ponies since I was 8. (Phew! Thats 36 years!) I've had them at home, I've boarded them out, and I've had them back home again. There are SOOOO many variables and so many things to consider. PM me if you want to talk.
But just to get you started..consider these things:
Does Emily ride now? Will she continue with lessons? Does she want to show or compete? Does she have friends that ride?
What kind of horse would you get? Younger? Older? Green? A school horse? What breed? That depends on the disipline. A hunter jumper? An eventer? A trail horse? Just hacking or long distance?
Are you aware of the commitemt you make to their care? Are you going to keep it at home? It should not be alone. That means buying another one or getting a boarder. There are pros and cons to each. A boarder will - theoretically - share the workload and cover for you when you go away. But on the other hand, boarders can also be a great source of aggrivation. Do you have the property to build a barn? Check with zoning and building depts to be sure. Then be ready for sticker shock at building prices.
If you are going to board..full board or partial board? Do you want everything done or will you do some of the work? Will board include costs like:
Feed
Bedding
Schooling
Lessons
Transportation to/from shows
Turn out
Also, be prepared for all the exenses involved. Feed, hay, bedding, riding equipement like a saddle, bridle, saddle pads, etc. Blacksmith. Vet. Dentist. Routine healthcare like wormers, fly spray, hoof oil, supplements. Insurance...
Just know too, that it's a lot of work. Mucking, grooming, lugging frozen water buckets, wrapping injured legs, pulling manes...
I could go on and on. But I don't want to scare you.
I'm sure you would want this to be a good experience for all involved. Emily could have the time of her life on horseback and caring for a horse teaches you so much: patience, compassion, respect, disipline and mostly love.
But I'd also want to make sure you know what you're getting into. It is a HUGE responsibility. It's a privledge to have a horse. One not to be taken lightly. And every horse deserves to be well cared for. I see it too often that someone will get a horse and THEN realize how much work it is, how expensive it is, and they will lose interest and it will end up neglected in the back yard.
I'm sure you don't want that to happen.
Having said all that...I wouldn't give my horse up for ANYTHING. I've been to hell and back and never even thought of getting rid of her. I love having her at home. It's the best!
ETA: How about leasing one until you're sure??
