Too soon to loan or buy?

[tashanoodles]

Qn in the title really,
I've not been back riding very long, but have definitely got the bug again!

this morning whilst at the yard, my RI / YO mentioned that one of the horses there on livery is for sale, and thought he'd be perfect for me.
I initially thought this was lovely of her to think of me before the horse is advertised, but i must admit i do have a tad bit of cinicism wondering if it's too soon for me and she's just telling me as she knew i was looking to buy in the future.

Anyways, basically what i'm wondering is if there's ever a 'right time' to buy or loan, and what are the differences in regard to buying or loaning - are all the outgoings the same, ie food, bedding, shoes, vets etc, the only difference that you havent paid for the horse and he's not technically yours?

thanks in advance guys x

[stevekemp]

Qn in the title really,
are all the outgoings the same, ie food, bedding, shoes, vets etc, the only difference that you havent paid for the horse and he's not technically yours?

thanks in advance guys x

Basically yes.

[Jo_1280]

Being cynical also and not trusting anyone in the horsey world much, even if this horse on the yard seems perfect, I'd go and try/view loads of others to give you a better idea of what you want and what is perfect for you.

[letitia]

I have been back riding in earnest since July and am just about to start a Stage 1 course managing minimum of 3 hours riding a week ( work full time); have looked carefully into costs of full livery and could afford it but would I get laughed at if asked my RS to look for a horse for me at this stage? I know I'm not sufficiently experienced to bring a young horse on but am desperate to work with the same horse;

any views would be much appreciated

[Joyscarer]

Well I hadn't been back to riding for much more than a few months before my RI threw my world into turmoil by telling me my favourite RS pony was going to be coming up for sale in the near furture due to the owners lack of time (she was on working livery).

Further turmoil ensued as hubby said I should buy her.

I then had a couple of lessons out hacking round the farm and saw how bored she must have been in the RS and how green she was. I then got her on RS working livery loan and bought her 6 weeks later having become smitten and feeling that she really didn't suit being a RS horse.

That's how I ended up with a nutty very green 6 yo sec d mare :rolleyes:

If your RI as mentioned this horse to you then you need to be talking to her/him about your fears and hopes etc. After all, they know you and your riding ability ;)


Oh and don't forget to report back! :p

[hormonalmare]

There's never a 'right time' to buy a horse, the same as there's never a right time to get married or have a baby.

If the perfect horse comes up, I'd say go for it. But be very sure that it definitely is the right horse first! If you could loan this horse with a view to buying it, it would give you a chance to see how you both gel together. It sounds ideal being at your RS already as you'll have plenty of help and advice available to you.

Good luck whatever you decide!

[tashanoodles]

Can't wait for next thursday now, trying to be very level headed about it though, but he is gorgeous!
I'll try and take some piccies, i've quickly learnt its what us NR's love hehe.

[cinammontoast]

This is going to sound harsh, but I wouldn't leap at the first horse you see, no matter how gorgeous he is. Do go and see other horses and if you decide he's the 'one', then get him vetted, at least a 2 stage, no matter how fit the RI reckons he is. In the long run, you need a horse that's right for you long term, not what's available right in front of you.

[tashanoodles]

This is going to sound harsh, but I wouldn't leap at the first horse you see, no matter how gorgeous he is. Do go and see other horses and if you decide he's the 'one', then get him vetted, at least a 2 stage, no matter how fit the RI reckons he is. In the long run, you need a horse that's right for you long term, not what's available right in front of you.

Totally agree, i think thats why i was a tad cynical this morning when she mentioned it. Realistically, i don't think i'd have started looking for a horse of my own til after xmas, so i think i'll take a look next week and take it from there, if i like him i guess there's the possibility of trying a loan agreement, or having a look at what else is out there to compare.
I agree that there's probably never a 'right' time, and there's no harm in this being the instigation of me looking around at least.
Thanks for your advice everyone! :)
Am i right in saying that most insurance companies insist on a level 5 vetting?