Sharing a horse/pony?

[avaadora]

Hi everybody,

I'm a newbie here. After a break of 10 or so years I've come back to riding and I'm trying to do it properly this time (not just use my superstrong legs to grip but actually get an independent seat- easier said than done though!).

I've started at a riding school (and I've heard some unsavoury things about it- lame horses, dodgy methods etc- so think I'm going to go to a different school) but I'm quite an anxious rider and I keep getting put on big 16.2hh beasts (I'm 5'6") that plod along and generally are dead to the leg. I tried my friend's dressage horse and was amazed at how much I could learn in 15 minutes on him compared to a whole hour on a riding school horse.

When I was younger I could canter without stirrups and do a course of small jumps (not that I particularly like jumping) but now I'm nervous to canter and find I lean forwards as the horses tend to do that racing trot (and yes I know leaning forward is only going to encourage a fast trot but I dread it so much- vicious circle!). I had a lunge lesson on a little cobby gelding (smaller than 16.2) and am starting to feel more confident but I'd like to be able to make more progress rather than spend my whole time nagging the horse to move on and generally trying hard to steer a horse that knows I'm a novice and will take the you-know-what (and I don't think getting whip happy is the solution either despite what the instructor tells me).

So anyway, back to the point... I'm not a decent enough level of riding yet but I was hoping at some point to share a horse (I can't afford one on my own) with someone and I'm looking for general advice. Does sharing work well? What level of riding should I be at before I start looking for a share? I'm paying so much in riding lessons (around £25 each) that it would work out cheaper to share and I would be able to be taught properly on the one horse (And ride more than once a week). I'd like to maybe try a dressage competition or possibly some jumping (too chicken for cross country!) in the future as I never had a chance to do any of that when I was younger- obviously not olympic standard though! I quite like the idea of a larger native pony like a highland or dales (never got to ride ponies when I was younger- plus being able to live out would be an advantage) and my friend told me that I would do well with an ID or IDxTB or something similar (very steady temperament and good movement would be most important- a confidence giver preferably). (Getting a bit ahead of myself but I'm getting so frustrated with the riding school situation as I know I can ride far better than I do in lessons). I'm going to try a different riding school with a better reputation but that's even more expensive so I probably won't get to go once a week anymore so progress will be even slower :(

So yeah. If anybody has any advice or has had experience of sharing (good or bad) please do let me know! I love riding but I'm sick of having my confidence knocked. Got another lesson tomorrow and hopefully I'll start to make more progress.

Thank you!

[Nazdaq]

hi, I just wanted to say that I am at the same level in riding as you and the only reason I am not looking for a share right now is that they are rare at the moment around here (especially for novice riders like me) and also I can't afford it. I will be looking next year when I have more time and money. Hope that helps and you find a good share that suits you. :D :D

[Shire Monster]

I have part loan of a shire mare, i do her 3 days a week, she can't be ridden just yet but hopefully in the next few weeks or so. Anyways the point I wanted to make was I've ridden for a very long time, just got back into it after about 5-6 years off, 4th lesson back last night, I got this mare before I'd even had my first lesson back.
I helped out at RS when I was a kid, the odd bit of mucking out but mainly my time was taken up leading ponies in lead rein. I hardly knew anything about keeping a horse
HOWEVER I was honest with her 'mum' and put across that I have a love for shire horses always have had (hence the name), more than enough enthusiasm BUT I myself am very green when it comes to looking after horses. I was honest and she still gave me a chance to help her with her beautiful creature, she gave me a guided tour of tack box, feed room, advice to catch said creature (bit of bribery ;)) she is always at the yard with her own horse so if I'm ever stuck she's there to ask but she just leaves me to it. It's nice to have the safety net of her owner being there and still doin her herself 4 days cos i feel if I do anything wrong or don't notice something I should, then she will see it and let me know. I don't feel especially confident just yet but I'm sure soon it will become second nature.
ANYWAYS - I think its definately something thats worth your while looking into but be honest with your potential loan/shares parent, I'm sure if you explain fully they will help you out initially till you find your feet
Sorry for rambling :D

[Tally.]

Hi,

I am acutually in the process of doing the very same thing, i have had 3 lessons back in the saddle and am in the process of maybe sharing a horse. I am really nervous as i used to help out a bit at the RS when i was younger but dont really have much of a clue how to look after a horse.

I am going up to the stables tonight to see the horse and have a sort of induction. I want to get to know the horse and spend time with her and do some someground work before i actually get on her. She is a pretty forward going 9yr TB so I also want to have some morelessons at the RS.

I know what you mean though, it would be great to do things at your own pace, i really want to do some work without stirrups to get my balance but havent had the chance yet. Hence the reason i fell of jumping :cool:

[vonandiz]

Hi and Welcome. :)

I started sharing a horse in September being very much a novice (I started riding lessons in Feb). I could stay on in all paces, had done a bit of stable management type stuff (HO cert) and my friend had let me 'practice' on her horse.

Like ShireMonster I was honest about my experience and what I could do. Her owner felt that the right person was more important than experience and so I started sharing.

It hasn't proved to be cheapest option - I originally thought it would cost the same as one lesson & one hack a week but didn't factor in my my inability to ride a horse who was not a push button ride, so now I'm paying for a lesson on 'my horse' as well. Sharing is working out to be the right option for me, I'm learning so much and having a complete blast (most of the time!).

Anyway, I'd go look at the other riding school. Even if you could afford fewer lessons if the instruction and horses suit you more you would learn more quickly.

Remember that its meant to be fun (most of the time anyway) and that it doesn't matter how long it takes you to "progress" as long as you're having enjoying yourself. Good luck whatever you decide to do.

[Kathryn128]

Well done for checking out other riding schools, and working on your riding! :)

When you're ready to share, go for it! I'm doing it now, and its lovely to have a horse you can call "your own" but without the everyday care, especially if you're like me and have oodles of other commitments that you can't get around.

Merlyn is my angel, and his owner lets me treat him as much as my own as she does, which I think is important in a share. My owner is also a qualified instructor, so I'm getting free lessons as well :p They do work well, provided that you know what you're doing in regards to stable chores (even if you don't have to do them, e.g. if horse is on full livery, its useful to know how in case of emergencies :p), and that you're completely honest about your skills and what you're looking for.

It's a lovely way of venturing into horse ownership without chucking yourself in the deep end without a float :)

[titch_]

i started loaning jet after my 7th time on a horse and only 1 riding lesson
i was asked though not the other way around
i told the owner about my lack of knowlegde and riding skills but she didnt mind as his a great 1st time horse.
its not so much as experiace is having people around to teach you! theres no better way of learning than hands on experiance!!

[Cobgirl]

I came back into riding after a 40 year break, lol, yes I know, mad aren't I!! I started by having lessons on my now part loan horse, Mollie. Mollie is owned by my colleague at work and when I told her that I was thinking of riding again, she said 'have a ride on Mollie.' Worse thing she could have said! I have two days riding as Mollie is also part loaned by another girl. I go thirds with the shoeing and I also buy new tack and also treats etc. Mollie is full livery but I help clean the tack and my friend has helped me no end to have a fuller understanding of horse care. I can now groom adequately and have good basic horse care understanding.

I also have lessons at the RS which is also part of the livery stable about once or twice a month. My friend also gives me lessons. I have been back riding for 6 months now and love it!

Hope you find your perfect share horse at some point. It is amazing you know, and although Mollie is not actually my own horse, I love her lots.

[Rarah]

Hi Avaadora and welcome to NR.

Hope you continue to enjoy your lessons. I always get scared on anything over 15hh.

I started my first share after been riding a couple of years and could walk / trot / canter confidently.

I found it to be a very rewarding and worthwhile experience and it generally worked out pretty well. I learned so much more than I could have done at riding school on the practical horse/stable management side of things, but to be honest, although the riding was fun, I didn't especially learn very much riding wise until I started having lessons.

In my experience paying for a private riding lesson on your own (or share) horse costs more than a typical group lesson so it's most definately not a cheaper option but is still very worthwhile nontheless.

:)

[avaadora]

Hi everybody and thanks for your replies. It's good to be able to talk to other horsey people- everybody else I know just glazes over when I start going into horse (or dog) mode!

Anyway, I had my individual lesson on Wednesday and what a difference! It was a different instructor (one who doesn't shout) and a smaller horse and I conquered my fear of the canter. I managed to stay smooth, in the right position and (for the most part) superglued to the saddle without gripping- friends who do dressage have their uses teaching you to use your seat etc! Go me! Plus it's amazing what thinking positive can make you do. I just turned up and said "whatever she asks me to do I'll just do" and I did- no fear at all! I think that group lessons were a mistake- being nervous on a 16.2 when surrounded by fearless little girls on 12.2 and under ponies just makes the fear worse, especially if they stop suddenly and you have to take evasive action so as not to squish them!

I think what I'm going to do is get my house move sorted out and then once I've done more flatwork and perhaps some jumping, then I'll look into sharing. This new riding school should be useful too as maybe they can give me tips as to where to look for a first time share (although if any of you have any tips I'll quite gladly accept your advice too!)... Then I can start bugging you all about how to school the horse for dressage and stuff like that. :p

[Cobgirl]

Hi everybody and thanks for your replies. It's good to be able to talk to other horsey people- everybody else I know just glazes over when I start going into horse (or dog) mode

I am into dogs as well - do you have a specific breed or just love dogs? I own bullmastiffs and have done for the past 20 years.

[avaadora]

Hi Cobgirl,

Yay! Another doggy person!

Don't own a dog yet (another reason for moving house, I've been waiting 23 years for one!) but my favourites are the big sighthounds- borzois, irish wolfhounds, deerhounds, greyhounds, salukis etc. I'll probably end up with a greyhound or lurcher at first. I also love the spitz types. Quite tempted by an akita but I don't think my new house will be big enough (also rules out the idea of a malamute too methinks). D'oh! I do like the mastiff types to look at too but they're a bit too slobbery for me! I would love a rottie but my mum is afraid of them and refuses to visit if I get one (or a doberman- I just think it's doggy racism!). She's also afraid of cats and I was desperate to get a Balinese but on second thoughts if I have a greyhound the cat is likely to be eaten:eek:

If you want to go on a good dog forum then try www.champdogsforum.co.uk It's very informative- lots of breeders on there with great advice on training, genetics, breeding, illness etc. My name on it is salukipuppup.