Can’t find a share. ?

[pistolpete]

I’ve been looking for a share since April. My boy is retired and I really don’t want to buy another until I know what’s happening with him. He could end up long term retired. So I’ve paid to advertise. I’ve asked on social media. I asked all my friends. Tack shop ads next in the list. Really just want to hack. It’s so hard! Any tips? How did you find your sharers or shares. Handsome retired pony pic for attention!

 

[quiteniceforacob]

Local Facebook groups and preloved! Where are you based?

 

[IrishMilo]

I have two - one was through word of mouth and the other is a pony I used to own so already knew the owner.

Posting an ad on your local horse groups on FB is definitely your best bet if you don’t have friends’ horses to pinch (which is what I did before these two!)

 

[Merry neddy man]

Ask vets farriers feedstores transporters tack shops put notices up at shows local riding clubs etc

 

[I'm Dun]

I always put an ad on Facebook looking for people. I've used preloved once, but Facebook seems to get a better response.

 

[Lintel]

Where are you based OP?

 

[pistolpete]

I’m in Hampshire. Close to the A3 bearish to Petersfield.

 

[pistolpete]

Wow. Put another ad on Facebook last night and now have three to look at! Just like the buses. Nothing then all come at once! What questions do I ask. Obviously insurance and cost. What else?

 

[quiteniceforacob]

Ask the owner to ride first. What do you want to do with it? Hack alone? Compete? Ask the owner whether they are happy for that

 

[ihatework]

I’d start off with asking what the owner wants and needs from a sharer, then assess if you are happy to align with that.

Then general quirks, vices, traffic, medical issues etc.

 

[rosesquared]

and be clear on costs, e.g. weekly/monthly, shoes/no shoes

 

[pistolpete]

Thank you.

 

[Merry neddy man]

Insurance and veterinary bills

 

[teapot]

If I hear of anything will let you know - have a few friends that way!

 

[pistolpete]

Thank you teapot!

 

[Fjord]

Exciting! I'd ask what chores they expect and what they are happy for you to do? Any limitations on workload etc.

 

[Reacher]

Hope one of those is suitable - looking forward to updates!

 

[ArklePig]

Fingers crossed! I looked for a share for ages and then all of a sudden my share boy popped up (in avatar) and I've never been happier!

Be clear on costs you're expected to cover, watch the owner ride first, ask about lessons- your instructor or theirs (if you think you might like to have lessons), contingency plans for times you're ill or on holidays- for example, does the owner have a friend who could do the horse or would you have to pay the yard for services? I think once you ride the horse and like it, then the most important thing is that you like the owner or can get along with them!

Let us know how you get on

 

[pistolpete]

Will do. Got two I’m very keen to meet. One is another highland! ?