Am I expecting too much? What's everyone's opinion.

[Cloball]

I have walked away from shares when I didn't feel I could offer the time or experience the horse required but that was slightly different as I was lead to believe the horse was green but it was actually traumatised and needed rebacking.
I think it's been mentioned already but it needs to be a situation where you and the owner are going to be synergistic. It will be frustrating and not at all enjoyable if you have to keep unpicking someone else's mistake or you have different outlooks and goals.
I have found a lot of people who advertise green horses for shares or part loans should be paying a professional.

 

[Littlebear]

So i have done this before, when my horse went off to have a foal i looked for a share for 6 months (i had another coming back after that) i was offered all sorts, one was a 4 year old wb that was super green, couldn't canter round the school without it being the wall of death and had dumped the owner a couple of times, i shared her and contributed to her costs and had an amazing 6 months with her, although the horse was green she was by far one of the nicest quality horses i could have hoped to ride, a few months in we were cantering round and i loved teaching her and seeing her progress each time, i took her to her first outings and what not and had a lovely time.
That horse wasn't advertised to share as such i'm sure the owner wouldn't have done that it was just through word of mouth when someone knew i was looking. It may not have suited everyone but we all had a good arrangement and it worked well.

 

[SOS]

I have no personal experienced with shires but having worked with big, green or inexperienced horses I’d be very cautious about taking on this share, particularly with a novice owner, unless you are experienced and confident. I was on a yard so had lots of support in learning to handle these horses, I would not be handling one that the owner could potentially be letting run them around. Too big to take the risk!

In my early teens I rode hunters for people every summer for pocket money and days hunting in return. When I learnt to drive I looked for a share as I wanted a horse I could do a bit more with in the summer. I was fully prepared to pay but I went to view two horses on the same day and both were green with novice/nervous owners. I told both after a big think that I didn’t feel experienced enough to bring on their horses, as I had only ridden hunters and my own ponies. Both ended up offering to pay me to ride the horses as they felt I was more confident than them. It worked out well and that summer I rode more than I think I ever have. If the owner thinks you’re gonna make a true positive impact they may turn the tables and offer to pay.

 

[SussexbytheXmasTree]

If you think you’ll enjoy it then do it if not then don’t. No one is forcing you to take on this horse and if you find it’s not working out then it’s easy enough to end. If you are very talented then I’m sure you can advertise your services and get paid for it or ride for free if you prefer. Personally I’ve never come across a sharer that I would pay to ride my horse.

 

[Nasicus]

Depends on the horse and what the owners expectations for the share are.
A straight forward youngster that the owner just wants to keep going and getting the miles on when they're limited on time, fair enough.
A tricky youngster, or one that knows absolutely nothing and the owner expects you to take sole charge of educating and pay for the privilege? Nah, they can pay a professional for that.

 

[SatansLittleHelper]

If I had the experience I would do it, but I don't think Id be paying. I wouldn't expect to be paid either. I think it's one of those things where it could be mutually beneficial for you and the owner....horse gets schooled, you get to ride etc .
I suppose it depends on whether the owner is financially short or time/experience short..???

 

[mariew]

Horses for courses, it's still an awful lot cheaper to share than to own one, plus you can walk away if horse gets ill. If you don't want a green one, look for a more experienced one.

 

[horseForce]

Thanks, I think its a fairly clear cut decision based on all the replies. I know I probably can and will fall for the horse especially the novelty factor involved in being able to enjoy one of these mammoths. But the facilities were poor, and if I'm honest I don't think I could establish much ground work in the very small ménage they have. Canter would be impossible! If the lump even can move that quick. Also, I really doubt the owner can put equal work due to physically issues and I know the YO is far too busy. Sad but yeah there it is! I'd still adore another big horse, Percheon, Cyles, etc

 

[FestiveFuzz]

Thanks, I think its a fairly clear cut decision based on all the replies. I know I probably can and will fall for the horse especially the novelty factor involved in being able to enjoy one of these mammoths. But the facilities were poor, and if I'm honest I don't think I could establish much ground work in the very small ménage they have. Canter would be impossible! If the lump even can move that quick. Also, I really doubt the owner can put equal work due to physically issues and I know the YO is far too busy. Sad but yeah there it is! I'd still adore another big horse, Percheon, Cyles, etc

Judging by the way you’ve spoken about horse and owner it sounds like they’ve had a lucky escape!