Backing worries....

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Crackedhalo

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My boys are off to be backed by a lady that responded to an ad. She hasn't met the horses yet but i went to her yard (where the horses will go) to have a look. All seems well, They will have a field to them selves and there is security etc. What questions do i need to ask to ensure the safety of my boys? I think i'm paranoid she is going to sell them! Been reading to many horror stories!! :(
 
I know what you mean , the thing I would do is research and research even more
Find out people who have used this person as information
And ask for references from people who know her
If she hasn't anything to hide she won't be affended or say no to you
 
I probably wouldn't send my horses to someone who replied to an ad, instead I would be sending them to someone who has been recommended to me via word of mouth.
 
I would only send my youngster to someone who has been recommended by a trusted source. I'd also ask to see them working with a new horse first. She might be brilliant, but I think you're taking a huge risk.
 
I wouldn't ever send my youngster to someone I didn't know and trust completely. My boy will be going back to the stud I bought him from. I'd give it a miss if I were you.
 
Im afraid I agree with other posters, there is no way i would send my youngsters off to someone who answered an ad. Only use someone who is recommended or is highly regarded local to you, it is a very important time in a horses life and you dont want to be picking up the pieces..
 
Hi, Thanks for all your replies. I placed an ad as i can't find any yards near me that take horses to break, There is a riding school close to me but they charge £200 a horse a week, i can't afford that. And i don't have any horsey friends.
How do i find some one to do it?
 
How far away is this yard, can you see them every day, do not hand over the passports.
What are you intending to do next, economically it would be better to sell them now, not after spending cash on breaking. I do know dealers who break to sell, but they need to make a living so you might find them expensive. Best thing is to make a few contacts locally, phone up local RC and Driving clubs to see if they need volunteers.
The local riding school is not used to breaking horses, you need someone who has done it before, my local BHS training yard charges £130 for livery with turnout and £50 for the breaking and riding for a few weeks, they have two professional adult experienced riders.
When I priced doing one l15.00hh freisian cross [very placid], I charged £130 per [winter] week, for my labour and handling handling, long reining and grazing. I also charged an extra £10 per session for a good rider to sit on them, This is the riskiest part and needs to be paid for realistically.
They should have flu and tetanus injections, a farrier, a worm check, and a dental check before you start.
 
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Ella19 said:
I probably wouldn't send my horses to someone who replied to an ad, instead I would be sending them to someone who has been recommended to me via word of mouth.
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I agree.

Who do you know that's used this person, and were they happy with the results??
 
Well it's not too late to change your mind firstly.

Have you even seen this person ride or know of anyone who has had there youngsters backed by them?, if not it may be a good idea to find this out first.

If she is a reasonable person, she'll understand your questions and should be more than willing to demonstrate her riding and also give you info on some of the other horses she has broken in and schooled etc, she should also talk you through the what she will be doing, in fact you'd think she'd do this if you have not already touched on this. Do you know if she has anyone that works along side her, or is it a one man job? Does she compete in anything, not that it always counts for anything but it's certainly more encouraging to know, if her own horses are schooled or competing to good level.

Ask around, mention her name to people.

Also make sure your insurance covers your horse for breaking/training when at a different property and that she also has insurance on her side as well.

It may be that she might actually be very good..who knows, but if in doubt, don't be afraid to find out, better to know before you take your horses there.
 
Where are you? You could look on the Intelligent Horsemanship website to see if they have an associate nearby, but if you let us know where you are we might be able to recommend.

A reputable yard will tell you exactly what is needed before your horses go there.
(Of course, legally the horses' keeper is entitled to ask for the passports while they are there, but you could take a copy. They aren't proof of ownership anyway).

Are you having them backed to sell? I can't see where MrsD got that from, but might have missed something.
 
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The yard is literally ten mins from my house - i didn't even know it was there, lol. She has said i can see them every day - she has several horses of her own and she does compete them, She will be working along side her mum (although she is around 30, herself). She has told me what she will do with them already and that she will start of lunging and getting to know them. She is coming to meet the horses tomorrow so i can ask her more questions then.
I'm having them broken so i can start hacking them out, Not selling them, they will just be used for hacking.
i don't know anyone that has used her, as i say i have no horsey friends and i don't know any one with horses.
Really appreciate everyones replies so far :)
 
If she's 10 mins from you - ask her to come to your yard to do the breaking.

That way you can see what's going on.
 
This sounds a lot better, visit them every day, and learn about how to handle them, you can offer to groom and check them over every day, this will help all round.
I assume you are aware that not every horse is suited to an average rider, and that you will need to school them and keep up with the work she has started.
She can come and give you lessons at your home, she does not need to be an instructor to teach the basics and she knows the ponies inside out.
I think you are very brave.
I think that is what I think, I think
 
Ella19 said:
I probably wouldn't send my horses to someone who replied to an ad, instead I would be sending them to someone who has been recommended to me via word of mouth.
Click to expand...

This! Soudns like you are pretty much just putting the horse out of loan to save paying for it! I don't mean that negatively, but maybe you should write up some contract or something like that?!
 
Thanks for all your replies,

The lady came to visit the horses. she has supplied me with her full details and referances, she has said i am able to visit when ever i like and watch her work with them. I do not have to pay her until after the event and she has to let her know if i have any other questions etc.

I was recommended a person by a few people on here, Which i looked into - her prices are much to high for my budget. It would cost me around £500 a week for both horses, i could buy a new horse already broken for that. lol. :eek:
 
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