Complete beginner Loan/Share

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Shrimpy

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Hi everyone :)

I've been lurking in the background for a few weeks and thought it was about time I joined in But I do have a question......

I started riding lessons in January (at the grand age of 34!) so I'm a complete beginner. I can walk/trot/canter and my instructor tells me I'm doing really well. Just can't believe I left it this long as I love it!

While my lesson is great, I would like to get much more practice and also learn more about what its really like to own a horse before I think about buying my own in a few years time. My question is am I being unrealistic to hope there are some people who would be prepared to loan their (understandably) precious horse to a beginner? I'd happily help with any stables chores and could make a financial contribution if required, I'm just really eager to learn more.
 
Can you help out at the stables you ride at before/after lessons? Handling different horses, changing rugs, bringing in, turning out etc. in a safe environment where there is always someone on hand to ask.

You could also try putting cards in tack shops to see if someone with their own horses would like a hand, ideally in exchange for the chance to ride - explain what you did here, that you are fairly new to all this but keen and willing to learn. I expect there are plenty of people who keep their horses at home/in a private field rather than at a yard who would actually like some company and someone to help with the chores (especially poo picking, goes so much faster with two of you).

I think it would be unlikely there would be many people willing to loan you the type of horse you would be best with right now....but you seem to have the right idea about wanting to get experience.

Also, I know I'm an old cynic, but do be careful not to get taken advantage of. Good luck with it all :)
 
Its lovely you are having such a great time with it :)

Could you talk to your instructor and let her know what you'd like to do?
I think you will need to have enough knowledge and confidence on the ground on your own before looking for a share.

Good Luck
 
I would! My lad would be perfect for you and he's on full livery so I wouldn't have to worry about anything going wrong with his care. I'd much prefer a sensible adult with a bit of experience wanting to know more than a teenager who thinks they know everything and can do quite a bit of damage.

Obviously it helps that there's always supervision on my yard but I think the right person is just as important as the right experience.

Whereabouts are you? :)
 
Agree with suziq, I wouldn't have a problem with a beginner doing stuff with a suitable horse under supervision, but most owners that loan or share need someone who can be left without help. But if you get some more experience now it will be easier to find a share in the future.
 
There are definately people out there who would be willing to have somebody in your position to help out.
I started sharing a lovely gentle mare about a year after returning to riding after a long break. This was the best thing I ever did and taught me loads.
Loaned a few over the years for experience and now 10yr later have my own x
 
I would offer your help at your riding stables and explain that you would like to learn more about the groundwork side of things. You may find a share, but the problem is an owner might expect to leave the Horse with the sharer which they couldn't do. Alot of people want to share their Horses due to lack of time, so would perhaps not be able to offer you the time you will need to learn things.
 
I helped look after a horse for a year when I was a complete beginner. I did it to see what the realities of owning a horse (on diy) were. I did very little riding of him although I could have ridden any time.

I learnt so much and met some wonderful people who then went on to help me find a horse and helped me through the early days of owning.
I will forever be grateful to the family that shared their precious boy with me.

and yes I would do the same to the "right" person.
 
Thanks for all the advice - I expected those sort of replies tbh, just wishful thinking I guess. I had thought about asking at the yard I ride at but it always seems like there are already 150 kids helping out! I do have free time midweek which could work to my advantage? Is an extra pair of hands always welcome?

I'm in West Yorkshire bikerchickone, a smidge too far away but thanks anyway!

So what would people expect in terms of experience? What is more important - experience of looking after horses or a competent rider? Are they as equally important as each other?

Sorry for the incessant question asking but like I said, I'm really keen!

For now I'll crack on with the lessons, read the mountain of horsey/riding books I've bought and watch Royal Ascot while drooling over the horses!
 
shrimpy said:
I do have free time midweek which could work to my advantage? Is an extra pair of hands always welcome?
Click to expand...

Mid-week availability is a massive advantage - mention it to the yard, book a lesson mid week and hang around afterwards!

shrimpy said:
So what would people expect in terms of experience? What is more important - experience of looking after horses or a competent rider? Are they as equally important as each other?
Click to expand...

Do you mean for sharing / loaning a horse? Common sense is the most important thing IMO - many people have ridden for years and still seem to lack it :rolleyes: Recognising when you need to shout for help is seriously underrated as a skill ;)

Don't worry about asking lots of questions, it's the best way to learn and the answers are best given by showing you / working alongside you. Keep us posted on how you get on volunteering your services at your stables :)
 
I am currently looking for a horse and have come across MANY adverts asking for sharers (not what I am looking for). There are lots of sites out there (not sure if im allowed to mension them!) but worth googling 'horse for share'.
If you find a horse that is at a busy yard with people around I dont see why someone would want a helper! Sharing is a good way to start to understand what is involved with looking after a horse. I have always loaned/shared...and everyone has to start somewhere!
 
TBH - and being as gentle as I can here - when I loaned my boy out last autumn; I wouldn't ever loan any horse out to a beginner/improver/novice. There's nothing personal in that, but I wouldn't ever do it. A horse can be ruined by being allowed to get away with stuff if only for a very short period of time; and when the horse does get out of hand if its on loan it just gets sent back to the owner, who then has to sort it.

Also: you should bear in mind that the vast majority of horses being put on loan have "issues": either through simply not getting enough work, OR basically the owners just don't know what to do with them and fob off their problems onto someone else. TBH you'd be very unlikely to get something which would be suitable for your needs; though you might just be lucky. But even so, I think you'd pretty soon come up against some "issue" or other and if you don't have anyone experienced around that can be pretty scarey. Sorry, I'm probably sounding patronising here.

There's a stables near us where they (used to, don't know if they do now) do/did like a "horse-share" scheme. The plan would work that you and a.n.other would "share" a horse, i.e you'd have part of the week, the other "sharer" would have the other bit: for shows etc you'd have to come to an agreement to maybe do one class each. Each sharer would "do" the horse when they were responsible for it and that would include all aspects of care, management, etc etc. The horse was kept at the riding school; and that meant you'd always have someone experienced to refer to; plus there was so many lessons included in the deal. I don't know whether there's anyone in your area doing this; but IMO it was an invaluable way of introducing someone to the whole horse-owning thing, with minimum risk.

Perhaps during the summer hols you could ask your yard if you could "adopt" a horse for a week or whatever, and "do" that horse for the duration. Or maybe go on a riding holiday somewhere? There's nothing like having a week or so totally dedicated to horses where you'd live, breath, eat/drink & sleep horses. Bliss! Also - IME there's nothing like a good fast hoon over open country to build up your confidence; so mebbe when you/your instructor feels the time is right, this might be something to aim for?
 
You go girl, well done in realising your dream :)

Offer your services mid week, I would be surprised if the did not snap your hand off, there are always loads of kids at weekends, but the horses are still the same amount of work during the week ;)

Get stuck in, in all weathers, to get a reall impression of what it is like, good luck and have fun :)
 
Agree - I know of people (sadly down south so no use to you, but there are prob some up north too :-)!) who have two (or more :-o!) horses and would like someone to exercise one, often meaning someone to hack with is a great advantage - I've even done it myself and not minded them being novicey as I'm there too. Means they get experience and I only have to ride once :-)! Just put up cards, join riding clubs (that really helps too, give up a bit of time to help out at comps/clinics and you'll learn tonnes), that sort of thing, you'll find something. Good luck!!
 
Shame you're not closer to me OP, but being so keen I'm sure you'll get some experience soon. The riding school my daughter goes to do Monday morning coffee mornings where adults go for 3 hours, have an hour lesson, do some theory and then a coffee and cake with a nattering session to discuss what you've learned and any questions. They only charge £25 for these. It might be worth calling around and asking if anyone else does them, or suggest them to your riding school, you never know it might take off. :)
 
We are in West Yorkshire, if you are anywhere near us I have a little cob who you would be welcome to play with :D

I dont want to loan her out, she has to stay with us. She needs someone who will give her some attention. She is 22 and as steady as a rock in the school or hacking in company. Does need someone more confident if someone wants to hack alone.

I dont see why other people would not have similar horses they would be happy for a beginner to practice on. As long as ground rules are established I cant see the problem.
 
Snap! I am exactly in the same position as you OP. I am in Leeds, where are you? I have asked a few HO & a local livery but nobody was willing to let me help - not wanting to ride their horse/pony but just doing the basics in a view to owning my own horse. HO would say 'yes' but then two of them let me down by not contacting me back & the livery said they didnt want someone who they would have to watch all the time. Bit disheartening but i continue my search. I tack/untack, lead my RS horse before and after my lesson tho have to fight the kids off but I am exactly same would love to help a HO with the basics. And i can help through the week days/nights.
Let me know how you get on and good luck.:)
 
I would start with the riding school, ask if you can help out/learn on the job. Some also offer horse care lessons, if your RS does not, look on the BHS website, some BHS Registered Instructors offer the BHS Horse Owners Certificate (you don't actually need to OWN a horse).
 
If my old dear was still working and u were local, i'd consider it. She'd have looked after u both but taught u a lot and I could have supervised while I did the other 2. She's retired and we're miles away but the point is it may be possible. try also going to some local competitions to get a feel for it. Don't get caught in conversation u don't understand but if u get it and think u could cope with 'fetch this pass that` you could help at shows too.
 
Have you thought about maybe volunteering a bit at somewhere like Hope Pastures (if you're Leeds area?) or another charity to get some more experience of the caring side? x
 
lizziegoos said:
Snap! I am exactly in the same position as you OP. I am in Leeds, where are you? I have asked a few HO & a local livery but nobody was willing to let me help - not wanting to ride their horse/pony but just doing the basics in a view to owning my own horse. HO would say 'yes' but then two of them let me down by not contacting me back & the livery said they didnt want someone who they would have to watch all the time. Bit disheartening but i continue my search. I tack/untack, lead my RS horse before and after my lesson tho have to fight the kids off but I am exactly same would love to help a HO with the basics. And i can help through the week days/nights.
Let me know how you get on and good luck.:)
Click to expand...

I am on the edge of Leeds, same offer applies as to the OP. PM me if you are interested
 
Don't be too put off op, apart from the odd person most people don't mind beginners learning with their horse if its suitable. The problem isn't personal, its just a time issue. For me & I'm sure many others, I don't have the time to supervise someone with my horse & I don't have a set up where someone else is around to do so either. I have lost track of how many kids & teens have learnt stuff with her, but they tend to be hanging about anyway all day so its easy to say do you want to catch her, groom her, rug her, have a ride while I lunge etc. But there will be the odd one that has a set up that would suit, but it just widens your chances if you can get to a point that you can do basic stuff just to need someone around in case, rather than directly helping.
 
shrimpy said:
Thanks for all the advice - I expected those sort of replies tbh, just wishful thinking I guess. I had thought about asking at the yard I ride at but it always seems like there are already 150 kids helping out! I do have free time midweek which could work to my advantage? Is an extra pair of hands always welcome?

I'm in West Yorkshire bikerchickone, a smidge too far away but thanks anyway!

So what would people expect in terms of experience? What is more important - experience of looking after horses or a competent rider? Are they as equally important as each other?

Sorry for the incessant question asking but like I said, I'm really keen!

For now I'll crack on with the lessons, read the mountain of horsey/riding books I've bought and watch Royal Ascot while drooling over the horses!
Click to expand...


I know a very friendly RDA group who would love to have horsey helpers. When they got to know you, they would no doubt be more than happy to include you in any yard duties etc going - although I don't know that you would be able to ride, as the insurance these days is only for RDA.

You could also join a RC, maybe as a social member and get to know other horsey adults who might be happy for you to become involved with their horses.

If you would like any more details PM me.
 
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Thanks for all these replies! I was only expecting a couple! Everyone seems to be saying the same thing really.

I can completely understand why people would be unwilling to have a complete beginner on their horse after spending years training them and I can see why a loan isn't really suitable for me right now. But I'm definately going to see if I can help at my RS. Obviously any extra time riding would be amazing but if poo picking is how I'll get experience, then I will pick poo!
 
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