BRAIN PICKING TIME! - Amateur getting 'the ride' on a potential/current comp horse?

Chloe_GHE

Chloe_GHE

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Prepare for a bit of a ramble, but I'd really love your advice, thank you :)

OK I'm just musing here been thinking about my situation over the past few weeks and this about sums it up....

Soap now on the correct training path (with mega instructor) showing real signs of scope, so plan to aim for Novice maybe further. He's going nowhere as he's my No1

Jack total nightmare, constantly getting injured or doing something that means he's super hard to keep in regular work hence no clue as to yet if he is ever going to successfully re-school enough to event, past injuries, treatment, habits learned may be insurmountable. When Dustry is sold he will come back into work with a 6 month deadline to either show promise or be retired.

Dustry absolute doll, love working with him, but must be re-advertised in the next few months when he has more experience and sold as can't currently afford 2 having just taken on mortgage, and need to put money from him towards new 4x4 so I can tow and not have to rely on my long suffering mother!

My Aims for 2011

To compete MORE and progress to a higher level with Soap
To be aiming at competing 3 out of 4 wkends a month
Aiming to do 2 ODEs a month
Find a 2nd ride

So if I tell you what I would like to do, please can you knowledgeable HHO peeps tell me if you have ever heard of such a situation, if you think it would work, and where to look for such a thing?....

Ok so in an ideal world I would like to find the ride on a horse say 15-16.2hh 5yrs and upwards preferably it would have done a little unaff of everything and be suitable to event.

I would take it on 'competition loan' where by I pay for its....

livery
feed
shoes
routine vets bills
normal daily costs etc

and the owner would pay for its...

entry fees
lessons (maybe half the lesson fee as my lessons are pretty £ and after all I get half the benefit!)

Do you think anyone would be interested in that kind of set up?
Would they think I was too amateur to 'risk' their horse on?.... or to foot the entry fee bills?...
Do you think that balance of expenses is reasonable or unrealistic?...

Trying really to find a way to take on another ride as I have the facilities, time and money to care for another one, just not the budget to buy one outright or pay for 2x entry fees....

Thoughts please HHO I know you lot will come up with lots I've missed out and give me a good idea of if this is hair brained of feasible! ;)

rice, pastrami, egg mayonnaise, and soy sauce to all who managed to get through that, and yeah I know that sounds gross, but it sounded good in my head but in reality it tastes like feet! Blurgh!!!
 
No offence, and I am sure you are very good rider, but why would anyone give a horse on loan that is that good. You may be lucky, but I think you would maybe get one that is a pillock or very green, then the owner would take it back. Top riders may get rides, but I don't think anyone would get their horse ready to go affilated and then give it to someone and still have to pay for things?
 
i don't mean to be negative but i think you'll be having an up hill struggle but its not impossible.

Your positive is that you have the facilities and your an adult

but i constantly see Wanted ads in horsequest, horsemart h&h etc offering simular things - most are juniors/ working upils but sometimes you even see pros

i think you need to make some good contacts and get really good references. if you put an ad up somewhere try and some film of yourself riding different horse - i've seen far too many ads with just one pic and if i was in the position looking for a loan home for a horse i would want to make sure the rider was putting into action what they preech so to speak ;)
 
dominobrown said:
No offence, and I am sure you are very good rider, but why would anyone give a horse on loan that is that good. You may be lucky, but I think you would maybe get one that is a pillock or very green, then the owner would take it back. Top riders may get rides, but I don't think anyone would get their horse ready to go affilated and then give it to someone and still have to pay for things?
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No offence taken.

I'm not looking for a good/ready made horse maybe I didn't make that clear I'm looking for something the owner wants to be brought on which has maybe done the initial stuff (I mean v low key low level comps, maybe even at the stage that it is ready to start doing that...)

It's a musing really, I'm not writing a shopping list for a brilliant horse that I want for free and with all expenses paid it would be a normal owner a normal horse with an owner who maybe wants to see it go further but can't pay pro prices and would be prepared in return for it's continued education (all be it by an amateur) to pay towards comp fees.....
 
langside said:
i don't mean to be negative but i think you'll be having an up hill struggle but its not impossible.

Your positive is that you have the facilities and your an adult

but i constantly see Wanted ads in horsequest, horsemart h&h etc offering simular things - most are juniors/ working upils but sometimes you even see pros

i think you need to make some good contacts and get really good references. if you put an ad up somewhere try and some film of yourself riding different horse - i've seen far too many ads with just one pic and if i was in the position looking for a loan home for a horse i would want to make sure the rider was putting into action what they preech so to speak ;)
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Hhhhmmmmm seems like maybe a bit too ambitious?....

It's frustrating because I have the time, facilities, etc to compete another just not the £ to buy one or pay for additional entry fees (especially NOT BE ones!)

Thing is at the point that I would be looking to find this (if 'this' is even possible) I would be a one horse band, all the other project horses I have ridden although they did very well and have lovely new homes only got to unaff level before they had to be sold, so that doesn't look that impressive....

Hhhmmmmm maybe it is just a pipe dream.....
 
I think it's feasible, but, looking at it another way around. I can think of a few people in my area (sorry, they're probably a bit far from you!) that have a horse, love it to death, like doing the day to day stuff with it, but don't have the time/ambition to compete. I think those type of people would be far more likely to want a rider like you, where they keep the horse themselves and pay for all the day to day costs, then you go and ride it once or twice a week and compete, paying your own entry fees.
 
I have had offers of horses on that sort of basis before, some even willing to pay part of keep.
My current horse is fully paid for by owner inc training / comp expenses. I just look after him morning and night (owner mucks out :) ) and train / compete him. He was bought specifically for me to bring on and compete.
So yes it is possible but I've built up a lot of contacts over 46 years of playing horses which helps but I am a true amateur :o
 
Well I would say that yes it is possible, I was looking for someone like yourself to take on my boy as he had all the qualities and attitude to make a super eventer, but I'm not that way inclined and he became too much for me.

I would have been happy to pay your owners costs, so I feel sure that there are others out there that feel the same.

The key element is how you market yourself in order to stand out from the other riders that advertise themselves via Horse quest and the likes.

Tbh I don't know if I would ring up anyone from an advert , but would rather source via word of mouth, but that is just My opinion.

Really good luck and I hope it works out for you.
 
oofadoofa said:
I think it's feasible, but, looking at it another way around. I can think of a few people in my area (sorry, they're probably a bit far from you!) that have a horse, love it to death, like doing the day to day stuff with it, but don't have the time/ambition to compete. I think those type of people would be far more likely to want a rider like you, where they keep the horse themselves and pay for all the day to day costs, then you go and ride it once or twice a week and compete, paying your own entry fees.
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Well that does sound like an option but having the facilities (mum's yard) means having both horses (Soap +1) based at mine would be easier.....
 
JunoXV said:
I have had offers of horses on that sort of basis before, some even willing to pay part of keep.
My current horse is fully paid for by owner inc training / comp expenses. I just look after him morning and night (owner mucks out :) ) and train / compete him. He was bought specifically for me to bring on and compete.
So yes it is possible but I've built up a lot of contacts over 46 years of playing horses which helps but I am a true amateur :o
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Thank you for that little ray of hope JunoXV :)

I will start networking about it now then put the word out that I'm looking for another ride in 2011 see what it throws up. I've had a few situations like this before sort of just happen but I've never taken them on as I haven't been able to so maybe *fingers crossed* the ideal horse and owner will crop up.....

gotta start making contacts, I'm writing your name in my filofax for starters! ;)
 
I think its extremely do-able and you should focus on the "mums to be" market.

Could be extremely handy that they have someone competing their horse, whilst they are pregnant, i'm sure the extra money through not paying for it, would go towards baby stuff etc.

They could effectively take on the roll of owner, which takes all the pressures off them and they can concentrate on a new chapter of their life, until they feel they are organised, in a routine with new baby and can look after and want to compete again, this could easily be 6 months! But they don't have to sell their horse and can still enjoy watching it compete.

I'd love my horse to still be competed and brought on, if i couldn't do it for a while, then you could pick up where you left off, or even further, when back in the saddle again!
 
elo

to pick this sort of ride is defo word of mouth job........... someone with good jobs say......who fallen preggers....... or now has to work away etc..........

get networking :)
 
SamuelWhiskers said:
I think its extremely do-able and you should focus on the "mums to be" market.

Could be extremely handy that they have someone competing their horse, whilst they are pregnant, i'm sure the extra money through not paying for it, would go towards baby stuff etc.

They could effectively take on the roll of owner, which takes all the pressures off them and they can concentrate on a new chapter of their life, until they feel they are organised, in a routine with new baby and can look after and want to compete again, this could easily be 6 months! But they don't have to sell their horse and can still enjoy watching it compete.

I'd love my horse to still be competed and brought on, if i couldn't do it for a while, then you could pick up where you left off, or even further, when back in the saddle again!
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Is there something your not tell us? :p ???!!??? :p:eek::o;):rolleyes:
 
sweet-tooth said:
The key element is how you market yourself in order to stand out from the other riders that advertise themselves via Horse quest and the likes.

Tbh I don't know if I would ring up anyone from an advert , but would rather source via word of mouth, but that is just My opinion.

Really good luck and I hope it works out for you.
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Well.....I guess what I would like to get across is the level of interaction the owner could have. Via my blog they could track their horses progress and see videos pics etc of it in action. I would really be looking to make a new friend rather than just find an owner so that they can come to comps, drop in at the yard and feel happy to be part of it all.

It's that relaxed but professional attitude to the situation that I would like to convey.

and when it came to owners costs I would set up a google doc for the entry fees and give them shared access so that they had a full breakdown to see what their money was getting spent on, so there was no secrecy.

Just openness, fairness, correct training, relaxed attitude, combined with a 'professional amateur' approach kinda make sense?....

Also they could have full references from my trainer who is BD/BS/EHOA accredited and is more of my mentor than just someone who I pay once a week. She has many years experience and any horse of mine is then a client of hers so she would be involved in all training and care decisions too :)
 
Hard but not impossible I'd say. Have you thought of smaller time breeders who are desperate to get their youngstock up and doing and getting recognised but maybe don't have a jockey to get them there. Just a thought!
 
SamuelWhiskers said:
I think its extremely do-able and you should focus on the "mums to be" market.

Could be extremely handy that they have someone competing their horse, whilst they are pregnant, i'm sure the extra money through not paying for it, would go towards baby stuff etc.

They could effectively take on the roll of owner, which takes all the pressures off them and they can concentrate on a new chapter of their life, until they feel they are organised, in a routine with new baby and can look after and want to compete again, this could easily be 6 months! But they don't have to sell their horse and can still enjoy watching it compete.

I'd love my horse to still be competed and brought on, if i couldn't do it for a while, then you could pick up where you left off, or even further, when back in the saddle again!
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That's a good point

So.....ummmm if you could just get up the duff and drop Samuel Whiskers off on your way back from the clinic that would be great! ;)
 
Salcey said:
Hard but not impossible I'd say. Have you thought of smaller time breeders who are desperate to get their youngstock up and doing and getting recognised but maybe don't have a jockey to get them there. Just a thought!
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No I hadn't thought of smaller breeders, but the local breeder route may well be an option.....hhhhmmmmmm but HOW to network for this type of thing?.... just put it out that that I'm looking I guess?.....
 
I am looking at a loan horse this week, he has been competing at Open Intermediate level recently and the owner is looking for some one to have him and compete him. And he is still fit and sound( which is hard to come by!)
However, I will be paying for all the bills inc entries.
 
charlie76 said:
I am looking at a loan horse this week, he has been competing at Open Intermediate level recently and the owner is looking for some one to have him and compete him. And he is still fit and sound( which is hard to come by!)
However, I will be paying for all the bills inc entries.
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Good luck!

I will be looking to find something capable of I level (that's Intro not Int! hahahahahhaha) ;)
 
If he isn't for me would you like me to give you the owners details? PM me over the weekend and I will let you no how I get on. I think you are in Wilts aren;t you?? If so he is in within travel distance from you,
 
Chloe_GHE said:
That's a good point

So.....ummmm if you could just get up the duff and drop Samuel Whiskers off on your way back from the clinic that would be great! ;)
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LOL......... please don't, not just at the moment anyway!!!

But in all seriousness, if i was, i would much rather have my horse with someone like you, where i could still feel very much involved, know he was no.2 and not no.48/49 or however many other rides said pro's have and that you'd include me with all decisions, training, sympathetic etc etc etc

With regard to marketing, just go for that angle, start on your web and just pop the word about, esp if you only want 1 horse extra at a time.

Personally, i think there's a market for it, done correctly.

Good luck ;-)
 
charlie76 said:
If he isn't for me would you like me to give you the owners details? PM me over the weekend and I will let you no how I get on. I think you are in Wilts aren;t you?? If so he is in within travel distance from you,
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He'd be way too advanced for me, wouldn't he?.... If he's competing at OI?.... I've only ever briefly made it to the giddy heights of PN!

But you have kinda given me another idea, maybe looking for an older horse with more mileage on loan might help me progress?...... Say if I found an established Novice horse....
 
The market wouldn't be flooded but it's not necessarily impossible.

It's something I would consider next year for my horse although there would be a couple of people I'd give the chance to first before offering a complete stranger (no offense).

I have a lovely horse, complete event stamp. 6yo now and I've had him since 18 months. To be honest I've never really gelled with him and have on numerous times considered selling him to buy myself something more suitable.

He has recently been diagnosed with PSD and in April was operated on. The chances of him being fully cured are quite good but obviously this would really lower his value if I wanted to sell. In addition to this I am now in a lucky position to be able to finance another horse without the money from his sale needed. Plus my job situation is such that I can afford a contribution towards him.

So in short I have a nice horse, who I care a lot about, but who isn't my ideal riding horse. I've been considering his future and while I am not keen to pay full competition livery on him I would certainly be open to loaning him and partly funding his competing on the proviso I have a small say in what he does.

He'll be coming in from field early 2011 and then my search will be on, like I say he'll be offered to a couple of friends before being advertised.

The big grey beastie
img019.jpg
 
ihatework said:
The market wouldn't be flooded but it's not necessarily impossible.

It's something I would consider next year for my horse although there would be a couple of people I'd give the chance to first before offering a complete stranger (no offense).

I have a lovely horse, complete event stamp. 6yo now and I've had him since 18 months. To be honest I've never really gelled with him and have on numerous times considered selling him to buy myself something more suitable.

He has recently been diagnosed with PSD and in April was operated on. The chances of him being fully cured are quite good but obviously this would really lower his value if I wanted to sell. In addition to this I am now in a lucky position to be able to finance another horse without the money from his sale needed. Plus my job situation is such that I can afford a contribution towards him.

So in short I have a nice horse, who I care a lot about, but who isn't my ideal riding horse. I've been considering his future and while I am not keen to pay full competition livery on him I would certainly be open to loaning him and partly funding his competing on the proviso I have a small say in what he does.

He'll be coming in from field early 2011 and then my search will be on, like I say he'll be offered to a couple of friends before being advertised.

The big grey beastie
img019.jpg
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He is lovely.

See you are also a ray of hope as it seems although rare the sort of set up I'm looking for is possible....Hhhmmmmm more food for thought........time to do some more research I think...
 
One of mine I would quite happily send on loan... but.... I wouldnt be paying for lesson fees and realistically, one BE event a month.
 
I was thinking about this just yesterday!!! :)

Zoomy is a super duper little mare and has taught me alot and got me from being scared of jumping to doing 2'6 hunter trials. However, she is at the end of the day a one-eyed polo pony who can't really go any further :(

We are seriously considering breeding from her while I am at uni since she a nicely bred, well put together mare with a heart of gold. I am getting more confident jumping, however I am not experienced enough to bring a green horse on jumping (even though I have with Zoom....but she's not a youngster!).

Something like this would REALLY work for me. I am not good enough to BE compete but would like to do unaff ODEs etc and having somebody get the horse out competing would be awesome. I think you would definately get some interest.....I suppose it depends what caliber of horse you are looking for.

Do you want to wait 5 years and bring on Zoom's baby??!! ;)
 
i think it is definitely doable- when i wasn't working fulltime and the horses were at home, i picked up quite a few rides (the best was bizarrely from a lady my mum played golf with who was having a few issues with her horse) and the owners were paying for more than just entry fees.

my only consideration would perhaps be to swap the owner paying for lessons and instead ask them to pay for shoes?
i'm not sure about many people being comfortable paying for lessons but not riding.
 
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