Perhaps your parents feel that in getting the horse, it is encouraging her ambition in something she'll be involved in for life, supporting something that she loves, excells in, and gives her confidence and joy. I can kind of understand this. But then unless I knew everyone personally in your family, there's no real way for me to come to any definite conclusions

I am just relating to how much my mom was willing to put forth for some things for me, and others totally refused. A lot of that I really understand now and I think she was a very wise woman in what she chose to do in those situations.