Chances of finding a horse to share?

[chaps89]

I have just decided to retire my horse but at the moment I can't afford another one. I start a new job at the end of the month so I'm going to wait until I settle in to look for something else to ride. In the meantime I'm lucky one of the girls at the yard I work at part time is giving me a lesson here and there which is keeping me sane. Tbh I'm not sure why I'm struggling to adjust so much, I was only riding 4 times a week and mostly sedate hacks and I still do my boy every day but I am already missing riding.
Sorry, ramble over, but my point is, once I start to look how easy is it to find a flexible share? I'm just looking for 2 times week and doesn't even have to be weekend days if owner wants them themself, so long as I can go up before or after work in the week. Most people seem to want sharers to contribute financially (sometimes as much as it costs me to keep my own horse ) but I really can't afford financial contribution, just time and I would of course be happy to do jobs in return.
I've always found horses to ride through word of mouth (could provide references if needbe) but I only moved to the area a year ago and don't really know anyone, I've looked on the normal websites/tack shop windows just to get an eye for whats out there but I'm wondering how realistic/likely it is that I might find something really? Have never had an 'official' share before so any tips on what to expect/look for would be handy!
Thanks.

 

[111ex111]

you just got to keep looking and one will come up eventually. look on preloved, horse mart etc etc and your local area horsey facebook groups. I just found a share and its going really well, 2 days a week but I have to pay £10 a day. I have come across some that dont want any money! just keep looking x

 

[shampain]

Perhaps try putting yourself out there. I was able to find very little in my area by just browsing Preloved. So I put up an advert myself (it's free to do so), stating that I was looking for riding locally (admittedly, I'm not particularly fussy in my preferences, as I already have one of my own and was simply looking to broaden my experience), that I couldn't afford to contribute financially but that I was more than happy to help with chores, etc, on the days that I rode. Within a few days I had three replies, all of whom have turned out to be lovely people with lovely horses. I'm in the south-west, so not close to you, but they will be out there. Just make your presence known.

 

[kc100]

If I were you I would advertise yourself on the usual horsey websites (Preloved etc) as 'rider available' rather than looking for a share. I'm a sharer, and currently looking for a new share horse as his owner is selling him - but I have him 4 days a week and pay approx £140pcm, and I'm struggling to find a new horse to share at the moment even with me willing to do all that!

If you dont want to contribute financially then I think you will struggle to find a share, as most people putting their horses out for share need the money or need someone to be there at least 3 times a week. If you just want the riding side of things (I share for both the riding and chores as I like the bond with the horse that comes with all the chores) then advertise yourself as a rider available, someone who can exercise other people's horses.

Good luck!