I have my own checking account, and my own bills.
It does make a difference.
Even though my income pales in comparison to my mate's, just for plain old pocket money I like to have mine be mine that I made myself.
I try to pay for my obsessions ( goats, spinning, yard sale shopping) myself.
I like making money; I just don't like having a "job".
I think riding lessons, etc, are a good idea.