help needed

[Russian Doll]

hi guys its my oldest daughters birthday and shes going to be eight...shes not the average 8 year old she doesnt follow the trends of her friends at school...like high school musical, bratz etc..which i think is great btw

she adores animals and especially horses and wants to be a vet..its been her job since she could talk bless her

i need some ideas for birthday presents but it has to be very cheap as all my kids borthdays follow one month after another ...the others are easy as they do like mainstream toys which i get second hand of ebay

any ideas guys

failing that if anyone has a small holding with animals near essex that i could bring her to so she could get some experience of working with animlas ie milking cows goats etc then i would be eternally grateful

thanx in advance everyone

[Martin]

could be worthwhile seeking out local riding schools,and ask if they need some (free) help at weekends - if she's a willing lass, and not frightened of getting her hands dirty, she'll have a wonderful time, and it'll be a good foot in the door of the horsey world and I'm sure she'll get some free rides in exchange. Don't let the cost of the "gear" put you off - it can all be picked up second hand!

[Russian Doll]

could be worthwhile seeking out local riding schools,and ask if they need some (free) help at weekends - if she's a willing lass, and not frightened of getting her hands dirty, she'll have a wonderful time, and it'll be a good foot in the door of the horsey world and I'm sure she'll get some free rides in exchange. Don't let the cost of the "gear" put you off - it can all be picked up second hand!

im quite lucky her nan pays for her to have horse riding lessons...me and her dad split up so nanny went ott and bought her a horse which is stabled etc so she does that

i want something differnt and hands on

we tried phoning some vets to see if she could have a day at a surgery but shes to young

[contadina]

I know a girl of the same age who also wants to be a vet - her parents bought her a day helping out at a zoo as a present. I'm not sure how much this cost or how they went about it, but it might be worth investigating. You could also try animal sanctuaries. If all else fails what about buying her a small pet to look after (hamster, rabbit, chicken, cat, dog, mouse etc)?

[Russian Doll]

I know a girl of the same age who also wants to be a vet - her parents bought her a day helping out at a zoo as a present. I'm not sure how much this cost or how they went about it, but it might be worth investigating. You could also try animal sanctuaries. If all else fails what about buying her a small pet to look after (hamster, rabbit, chicken, cat, dog, mouse etc)?

we looked into that but it is to expensive

and she has two cats and three snails already

[contadina]

I can see why zoos could charge big bucks but, and this a big but, as I don't know and I'm making huge assumptions here, I reckon that animal sanctuaries wouldn't. Likewise, it may be worth trying different vets, as you may find one that is more amenable.

I hope that you get something suitable sorted.

[mrsflibble]

what about the horse sanctuarynear pitsea? the one that's on the way walking from the station to wat tyler park?

[Russian Doll]

what about the horse sanctuarynear pitsea? the one that's on the way walking from the station to wat tyler park?

they only take help on a sunday hun when shes with her dad