Advice/Information on Loaning

[Celestica]

I've been keeping my eye out for ads online for loans for the past while and have spotted this beautiful gelding. The owner is looking for a long term loan and to be kept on his current yard. I just had such a good feeling about him that I decided to email the owner regardless of it being months in advanced (I can only take on in spring due to school commitments). So far so good, the owner has agreed to letting me move him closer to home if I were to take him on (he's currently too far to get to without a car) and she's fully aware that I won't be able to take him on until late Spring and that I only intend on a short term Summer loan. (April/May-August/Sept)

So far the owner has been replying regularly, although replying kind of short? But everything seems to be going great but I just need a bit of advice as this will be my first loan.
- How can I prove to the owner that I'm not trying to be a timewaster? I'm 100% intending to take a horse on for a summer loan but just can't until the summer so I don't want to seem like one.

- If you've loaned a horse to/from someone what was your contract like/what should I expect?

- How many times did you go visit the horse? I would hope to ride him in the arena 2/3 times minimum and at least one hack, is this too much?

- What is your experience like with loaning?

- Who should I bring with me? My mother isn't a horsey person and I won't be keeping the horse on my instructors yard (moving to a yard close by although there's drama between her and the owner) so I'd feel bad about asking her to come. Should I just bring a horsey friend?

- What do you look for in a rider when considering on loaning your horse to them?

 

[Mlini]

I would be wary of the owner finding a loaner willing to long term loan him between now and spring. That may be why she's being a bit short? Maybe she has someone else lined up too?.. Just a thought.

With regards to a loan contract, google BHS Loan Agreement. Most people will base theirs around this.

I think with viewing to loan it may be acceptable to have more visits, as the owner will be 'viewing' you as well as you viewing the horse.

I have had a few loans before but they were more 'casual'. Basically I got a free ride... As long as the horse is looked after correctly and owner and loaner have regular communication there should be no problems...

I wouldn't take anyone that doesn't get on with the owner along with you. That might not be a great idea! Just take someone horsey.

If I were to loan my horse out I would want someone that is honest, capable and reliable. I would want a quiet, sensitive rider.. Not a novice. And would want someone with stable management experience as well as being able to ride the horse.

And lastly, I have no idea how to prove that you are not a timewaster.

 

[Celestica]

I wouldn't take anyone that doesn't get on with the owner along with you. That might not be a great idea! Just take someone horsey.

Sorry if I was unclear, it's not the owner of the horse who has drama with my instructor it's the yard that I will move the horse to, that YO has drama with my instructor. Apologies

But thank you for your help!