Been trying to get sharer

[hobbit]

I work nights and my horse isn't getting attention he deserves. He's physically fit and as I don't have much time to ride him he's getting bored.

Any ideas on why not getting any interest?
Ive posted local equestrian shops, on facebook and preloved.

Most people want fullbloan rather than sharers. But wouldn't a share be ideal?

Am I asking too much to have sharer pay half livery and half farrier? I have insurance so no issue for them to contribute vets. And I'd buy his feed.
He's super sweet and has done hunting, fun rides, comps and shows.

How can I get people interested in share? Really struggling financially atm and with time. Dont want to sell him or send him out on loan as I still want horse in my life.

 

[MerrySherryRider]

I've had some lovely sharer's from the local university by advertising through a horsey student. Some were horse owners who missed riding during term time and were therefore experienced. Although, they do tend to disappear during the summer holidays.
Friend worked for a large company and advertised there with good success.

 

[JennBags]

Sorry but I think asking someone to pay half livery & half farrier is way too much! Other than that, if you're not getting any interest, maybe the wording in your ad needs to be reviewed.

 

[MerrySherryRider]

I've asked for half livery and half shoes cost without a problem. I've also shared for no money, and often people tend to have a better sense of commitment when they are paying.
Hobbit's horse sounds nice, the type of horse a sharer could get out and enjoy. As Jennbags says, maybe its the wording of the ad ?

 

[hobbit]

Although if they had him on full loan they'd have to pay all livery, all farrier and general healt stuff like dentist, worming, and feed etc...so I didnt think half livery and farrier would be too bad. But maybe I'll review it. What would be reasonable request on contribution? Atm theyd pay £55a month livery snd £30 every 8weeks farrier.

When I get home will post ad so can check if comes across ok

 

[hobbit]

http://m.preloved.co.uk/m/showadvert/110446002

Thats the ad.

 

[TheresaW]

Have you put how much costs would be? My sharer pays £20 per week, but nothing towards shoes, for 2 days a week. How many days would you want a sharer? That's not half my livery, so maybe people think half the livery costs would be a lot more?

Eta, just seen ad, it doesn't cover what I've mentioned.

 

[hobbit]

It'd be 3-4 days a week with alternate weekends

 

[Booboos]

I've found 3 sharers from Universities. Have you tried Unis, local colleges, equestrian colleges, etc.? Most students are a bit skint though and may not be able to pay towards any costs. Do you also need the sharer to muck out, etc.?

 

[Pendlehog]

I think he sounds like a really fun chap to share so I'm surprised you've had no offers. I really think you need to put costs and days down though, people may be put off by not being clear on exactly how much time/money you're after.
If you're asking £55 pm livery plus £15ish pm for shoes thats less than £20 per week which is very reasonable IMO but make sure you advertise it like that as "half livery and shoes" sounds more expensive than it is!

 

[WelshD]

Yes i agree the 'half livery and shoes' does make it sound expensive - look at the immediate reaction of one of the posters above! £20 a week sounds better

I would also tweek the title to say you are looking for a sharer or at least 'part loan on existing yard'

 

[Shay]

We have long experience of shares for my daughter's first pony who has a forever home with us but our daughter has moved beyond him.

I've never really had much success with the advert sites you have tried - we get out best results (and best value!) from horsemart. That would be worth a try. The sort of people who pick up adverts from horsemart etc tend to be more realistic about costs, work involved etc. Pony Club is OK too - but a bit more expensive. The free ad sites tend to just produce a lot of kids who go quiet when asked for an adult to contact me. (Although probably less of a problem with a horse!)

Secondly - I would not put part loan. In a loan situation the loaner has full control over the horse. With a share the owner has control. You might well say I am a bit of a control freak - but our lad is very special to us and I want him kept as I would keep him. With a share you have that option.

Your costs are more than reasonable. I work out our charges on the same basis. When I first posted - some years ago - about what I was thinking of charging I got a load of replies asking pretty much "what planet did I think I was on?" and that I had appalling cheek to think of changing so much. But we have never lacked a sharer, often have a waiting list and have had no complaints about the costs. We don't make a profit - but his costs are covered, plus we take the risk, replace capital equipment etc. Don't let people put you off charging what is fair for your area and your livery arrangements.

 

[Tickles]

You may like to include some more details about riding facilities at the yard in the ad (because a sharer is sharing the yard unlike a loaner who may sometimes be able to choose where the horse lives). So, "We're on a fun and friendly yard in Guilsfield with 24/7 turn out in summer, and an instructor on the yard." becomes something like "We're on a fun and friendly yard in Guilsfield with 24/7 turn out in summer, [a floodlight all-weather menage/off-road hacking/set of show jumps/whatever you have!] and an instructor on the yard."

Good luck!

 

[hobbit]

Brilliant, thanks for all advice gunna make some changes to my online ads

 

[Evie91]

Couldn't see the ad.
I may be looking to share in the near future - yours costs sound reasonable.
Don't think I'll have much look in finding a horse though as want fri,sat and sun (as these are my days off). I'm hoping there will be someone who works weekends!
I shared for years and always worked out really well - keep trying the right person will be out there

 

[exracehorse1995]

I am having the exact same problem as you! After a while you start to think what's wrong with my horse?! I am asking for £70 PCM Which I thought was about average. I'm moving yards soon so hoping to find one through word of mouth. I do nights sometimes too and 13 hr shifts so he just needs a couple of extra days riding while I'm at work! I hope you find someone soon x