Helenabbey
Well-Known Member
Would love some advice on the following please... I have had someone ask to loan my pony, who is getting on a bit. My pony is very fit and well, not stiff at all and still happy in himself. I have had the pony for 14 years, he has been loaned (mostly staying on same yard) to 4 different teenagers over the last 8 years. His latest rider has moved on to a younger jumping .
The pony has now not been ridden for about six weeks. This isnt a problem when he is turned out but I fear he will be stiff and bored when kept in in winter if not ridden. The girl who has asked to loan him wants to move him to another yard, (only 5 mins away) which is not ideal because of his age, and the fact I like to keep an eye on him. However she is a very nice gentle person, finishes work at 1 pm each day, so has lots of time and just want something to hack and groom and love. She made the mistake of buying a young fizzy pony last time and now just wants to hack without the need for lots of schooling.
I feel that letting him go to her might be a very good thing for him, but wondered whether it might be a good idea to write some sort of agreement up for us both to sign. The main points I would include would be (please advise if these are reasonable):
Loan would be subject to a 2 week trial, after which I will visit, check pony and check she is happy to carry on with him.
Pony would go with tack and rugs. Any loss or damage to these would be paid for by loanee.
I would like to visit at convenient times with prior notice. (I am aware this can be tiresome when loaning a horse so as long as he's ok this would only be approx every 6 - 8 weeks, as I would be able to see him in the field each day while driving past anyway)
If I think the pony is unable to cope with the work required of him or is not being cared for correctly he will be collected and return home. Likewise if the loanee wishes to return him for any reason, he will be collected immediately.
The pony has now not been ridden for about six weeks. This isnt a problem when he is turned out but I fear he will be stiff and bored when kept in in winter if not ridden. The girl who has asked to loan him wants to move him to another yard, (only 5 mins away) which is not ideal because of his age, and the fact I like to keep an eye on him. However she is a very nice gentle person, finishes work at 1 pm each day, so has lots of time and just want something to hack and groom and love. She made the mistake of buying a young fizzy pony last time and now just wants to hack without the need for lots of schooling.
I feel that letting him go to her might be a very good thing for him, but wondered whether it might be a good idea to write some sort of agreement up for us both to sign. The main points I would include would be (please advise if these are reasonable):
Loan would be subject to a 2 week trial, after which I will visit, check pony and check she is happy to carry on with him.
Pony would go with tack and rugs. Any loss or damage to these would be paid for by loanee.
I would like to visit at convenient times with prior notice. (I am aware this can be tiresome when loaning a horse so as long as he's ok this would only be approx every 6 - 8 weeks, as I would be able to see him in the field each day while driving past anyway)
If I think the pony is unable to cope with the work required of him or is not being cared for correctly he will be collected and return home. Likewise if the loanee wishes to return him for any reason, he will be collected immediately.
