loan and part share

[Mountain Horse]

i was after some advice on loaning. how much horse care and riding experience do you really need before having a horse on loan, and also how do you actually go about arranging it!!???

I ride at once or twice a week but as I work full time and am older than the average novice rider working at a stables is not an option. I have just signed up to the BHS horse care and knowledge course but really there is only so much you can learn out of a book.you obviously learn the most knowledge practically but will anyone give me the chance to look after their best friend with little or no experience.

I am desperate to learn and ride more but don't think it's a good idea to buy my own yet. Please help and give me some tips.

Thanx guys, this site is brill and I am totally hooked!

[kedwards]

I think it depends on the situation. After a few months of lessons, I did a part-lease at the riding school. Basically, it just meant that I could come in a few times during the week to ride. I didn't have any responsibility for the horse care beyond what I would when riding in a lesson (i.e., I groomed and bathed, but wasn't responsible for feeding or mucking). For that type of situation, all that is needed is a reasonable level of comfort in working and riding without supervision.

At the other extreme, a full lease can mean that you take on all responsibility for the horse's care and training including boarding, vetting, farriery, etc.

If your looking for a situation more like the former, try first asking your own riding school. They may have something available or be able to work something out for you. At the very least, they may know of something. If that doesn't work, you could try calling other riding schools in the area.

[taffy]

if u put an add in a tack shop make sure you put exactly what type of horse you want to loan !!

[Marlowe]

Hi. I'm a novice rider and am currently doing a part-lease at the stable where we board my husband's horse (who I can ride in the arena, but needs an experienced rider out on the trails). For me, it's been a good way to have access to a horse without having all the expense of ownership (my stable pays all the vet, shoeing and other expenses even on the full-lease horses). It also can be a good way to get some experience with different horses if you lease somewhere where you're not tied to one animal. I have my choice of two different horses that are part of the lease program and that the barn owner considers to be novice horses. On the downside, you do have to share with one or more people if you're on a less-than-full lease and there are not multiple horses to choose from. This means you may have to plan in advance when you can ride, rather than just showing up when it's convenient, or that "your" horse is not available when you'd like it to be. On the whole, however, I'd recommend it.

[kyanya]

If you are looking for a private loan/share (not through a riding school) the terms will vary according to what the owner wants. Perhaps somebody who just needed a little help now and then would be better for you, as this is a way to gain knowledge and experience first hand without the responsibility. Some riding stables have stable management courses, but you pay for these, and oppurtunities are out there where you can gain knowledge for free. I would say you need help at hand at the moment, so if you do find a horse needing a sharer make sure that they are aware of your ability, and then you can learn in a safe way.

[billybunny]

I have a horse on loan, basically he is mine till he dies, because his owner has a new horse, but does not want to sell him, and she feels that he would be wasted in a field. We also had a loan pony for 2 years, in this case his owner could not afford to keep him.

Have a look around some of the horse websites, there are always plenty for loan, and try the Blue Cross.

Please remember to get a contract drawn up. I could send you a copy of mine. Also remember to ask if people want payment, as some want you to pay them a monthly fee. I don't pay any fees to the owner, but pay for everything my horse needs

[epcd3000]

BillyBunny, could you send me a copy as well? I'm going to meet the owner of Flurry next week and we need to come up with some sort of contract. This'll really help me out a lot!!!