Are people looking to loan horses at the moment?

[Little_Grape]

A couple of questions! Following on from the thread about sticking with the wrong horse I think I have finally made the decision to rehome my mare. It's very hard for me but I keep telling myself I am not the only person that can love her!

First of are people looking for loan horses at the moment? More specifically a 15yo 15.1hh mainly happy hacker (she's an ex polo pony so not particularly well schooled, can jump but not done much of it) and she's not suitable for a complete novice. Is there any call to loan a horse like this? She is a dream to handle and really is perfect to load, shoe, clip etc

Secondly will people consider loans at current yard or will I have to come to terms with letting her go elsewhere? (Quite a scary prospect with all the horror stories at the moment)

This is such a hard decision but I am not enjoying riding her at the moment, and havnt done for about 18 months, making excuse after excuse not to and my heart just isn't in it anymore, and its a lot of money to keep a pet (although I would rather keep her as a pet than let her go somewhere completely unsuitable)

Interested to hear what people's thoughts are!

 

[q105]

I am going to be looking for a loan in three months or so when I come back to the UK.

I would probably start by looking locally to see if there is anything nearby, because I know owners prefer to have their animals at their yard of choice, but as there isnt an awful lot out there, Ill possibly look towards someone willing to release from their own yard. I have excellent references as I have been a sharer previously.

The benefit for me would be knowing the owners are always available to ask about the horse's history and getting an honest answer, someone who can advise in quirks and nuances without a motive. The commitment of owning a horse when one is not 100% confident is something else that makes loaning more appealing. For me, it will be the step between sharing and owning.

I guess loaning is less attractive at this current time because of all the bad press. But there are honest people out there. You as owner also have the right to claim your pony back too, so if you arent happy with its treatment, you can bring it home.

Im probably demonstrating my lack of awareness with this post, and its all subjective. But good luck with finding a mount for your girl. I have a heart shaped soft spot for polo ponies, and if you havent got a home for her by October, look me up! She can live with me in Essex?

 

[Spiritedly]

I'm looking to loan at the moment for my youngest to regain his confidence on but not having much luck, I need it to move to our yard which probably isn't helping.
I think one of the problems loanees tend to find at this time of year is that people take the horses on but come winter when things get more expensive they suddenly can't afford them and the owners are stuck trying to find a yard at short notice.

 

[dellaelyse]

I think people are definitely looking to loan a horse like yours! (She sounds lovely by the way!)

I think if you decide to advertise her you will get lots of responses - not sure about whether she will stay at your yard but at the same time if you find the right person does it really matter? At the end of the day she is your horse and if you don't like the new home she doesn't have to go there.

Also, I think there are loads of people who just want to hack out (I know many myself) and aren't too bothered about schooling. I think there would definitely be a market for her.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do! x

 

[Rhodders]

I don't know if they are, but I hope they are. I'm going to be looking for a loan home for my welshie next year, I'm planning on backing and getting him going first. In an ideal world it will be to stay at current yard, but I'd let him go somewhere near if I thought the people were right for him.
I, originally was going to sell my older riding horse but when it came to it I just couldn't part with him, which has left me in a situation where I know I don't have time for 2 but love them both. Once I have him backed and riding away I'm hoping someone will want to love him as much as I do.
Good luck, I hope you find a suitable loaner

 

[Perfect-Piaffe]

I'm looking for a full loan at the moment and so far have found nothing!!

I can understand why people don't loan out anymore with the amount of horror stories but there are some nice people (like me ) who are looking! I'm mainly looking to loan for now as the last 3 I've brought have been a nightmare - 1 is now my wonky donkey field ornament, 1 I sold on to a more appropriate home luckily and the other is still a ? As to whether he will be ok- 2 weeks after having him he broke my back, hip and leg and therefore we've discovered major problems- despite a vetting! Therefore I have decided I would prefer to loan this time for a while- I can't afford another problem pony - financially, emotionally and physically!!

There are nice people wanting to loan and I'm sure there is someone out there for your mare too good luck!

 

[littlemare_]

I'm going to be looking to loan from September time and have started looking at ads just to see what's around (nothing that seems to fit me though!) And I've seen lots of wanted ads which your horse would suit! So yes, you should be able to loan her out to someone nice!

I know its hard to have your horse away from you, but personally I think if you find a nice rider who seems honest and reliable, they should be able to move the horse within a distance from you.. I think with facebook, picture messaging etc its easy to keep in touch and visits made usually ensure loan is working! I think it would be easier to find a home too, but thats only my opinion and I understand why you'd be wary!

Good luck!

 

[Little_Grape]

Thanks guys for some very reassuring responses.

Truthfully if I found the right home I would be more than happy for her to move yards, its just taking that step! As much as I am not wanting to ride I still enjoy having her as a pet and have an emotional tie to her (as I am sure you will all understand) and I just want what's best for her!

You are right I am sure there are more nice people out there looking to loan than there are cons!

 

[jfdi]

Yes they are - and your horse sounds lovely. Especially if she'd be happy to do a bit of schooling for more jumping, but the hacking part is what a lot of people would be looking for..

I'm currently debating whether to buy a second horse or go for a loan while my youngster grows up. The only reason I'm considering buying one though, is that I'm ruled out of most of the loan horses I'm interested in as I would need any loan horse to move to my current livery yard, plus as a rider I'm pretty novice-y and can initially lack confidence in the saddle - and it seems to be the confidence giving type horses that have the stipulation of staying at their current yards!

Having said that, I can completely understand why folk would want their horses to stay put where they can keep an eye on them, given some of the horror stories. I would probably be the same, so can't really criticise, even though I know how loved and well treated a horse would be with me, and probably the majority of people looking to loan!