Asking for loan pony back

[Allthingsequine22]

Hi,

What would you do in this situation ?


I sent my pony out for loan back in October. With me he lived in a herd with 2 others who are nearing 30.

One of his old herd mates is due to go to the vets and may never come back meaning we have 1 left on her own which she won't do and it will stress her out.


My only option is to terminate the loan and ask for him back after 5 months.


I feel bad enough as it is so any suggestions as to how I do this would be appreciated. Yes a contract is in place.


Many thanks

 

[Tiddlypom]

What did you put in the loan contract about you ending the loan?

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

Give lots of notice to the loaner just to be kind, let them know that they are able to visit if you are happy with that and have the conversation over the phone (face to face would be better but we can't at the moment) and then follow it up with something in writing to confirm.
Could they not loan the pony from where you are or would that not work?

 

[PurBee]

It depends how the loan home is going.
Id weigh-up if the loan home is offering something better for the loan horse than i can give - mainly from a riding perspective if its a talented horse being brought on well in a loan home, whereas i’ll only hack 2-4 times a week, i’d leave the loan horse on loan and get a shetland to keep remaining old horse company.

But if you really want the loan horse back, you contract states a termination notice period i assume?

 

[bonny]

Bit mean on the loaners when they’ve had the pony all winter for you to ask for the pony back now as the better weather is approaching but I suppose there is nothing stopping you doing just that.

 

[paddi22]

if the pony was happy in the loan home then I'd be tempted to foster a charity pony? if your other pony is elderly too then you don't know when you might need to be making the decision on that one also, and having a charity pony will give you a bit more flexibility when making decisions, without the pressure of full time commitment.

if the pony is happy in work and benefitting mentally and physically from the work then it would be a pity to just put in back as a companion. some ponies love the fuss and attention and the stimulation, and it stands to them in the long run

 

[splashgirl45]

if your pony is being ridden and enjoying his loan home could you not leave him there and contact WHW or HAPPA, or BLUE CROSS for an old pony/horse who would be good company for your other old one. seems a bit mean to end the loan if another solution was available, obviously if you are not happy with the loan you can give notice that you want him back according to what it says in your contract

 

[AFB]

if the pony was happy in the loan home then I'd be tempted to foster a charity pony? if your other pony is elderly too then you don't know when you might need to be making the decision on that one also, and having a charity pony will give you a bit more flexibility when making decisions, without the pressure of full time commitment.

if the pony is happy in work and benefitting mentally and physically from the work then it would be a pity to just put in back as a companion. some ponies love the fuss and attention and the stimulation, and it stands to them in the long run

I think this is a very sensible option.

 

[Polos Mum]

I think about what is best for the pony. if the loaners are riding him or doing fun things and you and they are happy I'd consider looking for a companion from one of the charities (that can go back easily when the sad time comes for the second older horse).

If he's just being a companion and his life will be just the same at yours then follow what is written in the agreement - be kind and explain the situation.
If there is a possibility they can ride at yours maybe consider that too.

 

[brighteyes]

I think this is a very sensible option.

So do I!

 

[Vodkagirly]

I would check how things are going with the loaners first, do they enjoy the pony or is there issues, would they be interested in buying the pony?
Have an open conversation before you jump to any decisions

 

[Lois Lame]

So many unknowns in this scenario.

Are you happy with the loaner?

What is in your contract?

Will the elderly companion of the other elderly pony return or not? (An unknown unknown )

The 30yo pony has reached a pretty good age and so far so good. When might something go astray with her? If his or her companion doesn't return, or even while the companion is at the vet's, she will presumably be upset. Might something happen while the friend is at the vet's?

Can the loan pony be 'loaned' back as a companion pony until some of the unknowns are known?

 

[sport horse]

It is impossible to advise without knowing the details of your loan contract