You're Never Too Old for a Christmas Pony (And Why You Need a Contract)

Remember being seven years old, writing "pony" at the top of your Christmas list in big, hopeful letters? Maybe you circled pictures in horse magazines, practiced braiding your stuffed horses' manes, or spent hours dreaming about the day you'd finally have a horse of your own.

Here’s the truth: You're never too old for a Christmas pony. Whether you're 17 or 70, finally bringing home your own horse is one of the most exciting moments of your equestrian journey. It's the culmination of childhood dreams, adult discipline, and a whole lot of dedication.

One of our favorite ways to see this dream come true? Lease-to-own arrangements. They're becoming increasingly popular in the equestrian world and for good reason. They give you time to build a partnership before committing to purchase. They allow you to make sure the horse is the right fit for your goals, your budget, and your lifestyle. And they provide a pathway to ownership that might not otherwise be financially feasible upfront.

But here's what most people don't realize: lease-to-own arrangements need to be documented properly or they can turn into legal nightmares.

Let me tell you about Lexi and Faith.

Lexi and Faith: A Lease-to-Own Success Story

Lexi had been searching for the right horse for months. She knew she wanted a partner she could trust, a horse she could grow with, and an arrangement that fit her budget.

When she met Faith, she was everything she'd been looking for. But like many smart buyers, Lexi didn't want to rush into a purchase. She wanted to make sure Faith was sound, suited to her riding goals, and the right long-term match.

That's where a lease-to-own agreement came in.

Lexi and Faith's owner structured a deal where Lexi would lease Faith for six months, with the option to purchase at the end of the term. Her monthly lease payments would go toward the final purchase price, and Lexi would be responsible for day-to-day care and expenses during the lease period.

It was a win-win: Faith's owner had peace of mind knowing her horse was well cared for, and Lexi got the time she needed to make sure this was the one.

Six months later, Lexi officially became Faith's owner. The transition was seamless, the relationship was protected, and both parties walked away happy. Why? Because everything was in writing from day one.

Why Lease-to-Own Agreements Need Contracts

Lease-to-own arrangements are wonderful—but only when they're structured correctly. Without a clear, legally sound contract, even the best intentions can fall apart.

Here's what can go wrong:

❌ Unclear ownership terms : Who actually owns the horse during the lease period? What happens if something happens to the horse?

❌ Vague purchase conditions : Is the final purchase price fixed or negotiable? What if the horse fails a pre-purchase exam at the end of the lease?

❌ Disputed lease payments : Do lease payments apply toward the purchase price? How much? What if the lessee misses a payment?

❌ Responsibility confusion : Who pays for vet bills, farrier, feed, and board during the lease? What about emergency expenses?

❌ No exit plan : What happens if the lessee decides not to purchase? Can they back out? Do they lose their lease payments?

These aren't hypothetical problems. These are real disputes we see and they're entirely preventable with a well-drafted contract.

Lexi and Faith's story had a happy ending because both parties were protected from the start. There was no confusion about payments, no disputes over vet bills, no question about who owned the horse or what would happen if things didn't work out.

That's the power of a well-drafted contract.

It doesn't mean you don't trust the other party. It means you value the relationship, and the horse, enough to be clear about expectations. It means you're setting everyone up for success.

And honestly? It makes the whole experience better. When you're not worried about "what ifs," you can focus on what really matters: building a partnership with your horse.

At Wise Covington, we specialize in equine transactions, including lease-to-own agreements. We've seen what works, what doesn't, and how to structure deals that protect everyone involved.

Because you're never too old for a Christmas pony.

But you're also never too smart to put it in writing.

Congratulations, Lexi and Faith—we're so proud to have been part of your journey!