Do any loan homes actually work out? Frustrated and Sad - Rant!

[marmalade76]

I hope so! I have just loaned one and in the process of loaning another. These have both been in reply to wanted ads by people looking for companions they can also hack (if you have to keep another horse, it may as well be one you can ride). Both people have their own yard/ground and one lonely animal. Both mine aren't big, though, are fairly low maintenance and TBH, it would 't be the end of the world if they both came back, even at short notice. I only offered them because they are doing nothing really, so they may as well go to someone who needs them.

Sorry you've had a bad experience

 

[ArabianGem78]

Another one who has had positive loan experiences. My mare was with me on a year-long LWVTB, and it worked well and I did indeed buy her after the year.

My older mare is on loan with my Mum after she lost her old gelding and was looking for a new, loan horse.

 

[Firefly9410]

My experience is that loans rarely work out how both parties want them to. I have had loan horses taken back as soon as their schooling had improved and behavioural problems sorted out. I have had to buy tack, rugs, feed and hay for share horses because the owner could not afford to. I have had friends who had share or loan horses dumped on them by the owner who refused to look after it or take it back. One friend had to fetch a pony back with police help, minus all the tack and equipment which the loanees had sold. Others have had horses returned to them in a sorry state having been used as a riding machine with little thought to welfare. I did see one share work out fine for horse, owner and loanee, but only one.

The problem with putting a large horse in a riding school, trekking centre or RDA center is that larger horses are wanted to be used as weight carriers. If your horse is only suitable for light hacking he may not be suitable as a weight carrier. It is hard work for a horse to carry heavier people, especially unbalanced novices. My arthritic horse can only carry my OH for half as much time as he can carry me, my OH is not that heavy and can ride well enough, but I am significantly lighter and there is no doubt the horse feels the difference. When my horse was younger it was never a problem.

 

[Lammy]

My only experience in loaning a horse resulted in me buying said horse this year after having her on loan for 4 years. I couldn't stand to give her back and so she'll now be living out her days with me, although she's only just coming up to 17 so we should have a while to go yet, touch wood.

My friend has loaned a mare once from an owner I field shared with and it just went terribly. It was pretty much a rescue case and once me and my friend had built up it's weight, had it's feet and teeth sorted and got it going nicely under saddle, she made an offer to buy her (based on what she had been like before she put the work into her). Owner refused and asked for a ridiculous price and told her to either take it or leave it and that she would end the loan by not buying her. Friend refused and we both left the yard. Owner called my friend non-stop to say they could have her at a slightly reduced price and could she please come back. The answer was a no, plus she'd already proved she was completely mad...

So it definitely goes both ways, yes some loanees are unreliable and not fit to have a horse. But not all of us are (by a mile) and shouldn't be tarred with the same brush.
And the same goes for loaners.

 

[Ddraig_wen]

Some loan homes do work out. Our old lad has been out in the same loan home for 4yrs now. They adore him and I can see him ending his days there.
I have a mare here who's been here since 2009.
Sometimes things can go wrong though I had one loan horse who's owner never even gave notice she wanted him back. I thought he'd been stolen. I had to find out what had happened from another livery. The owner had the cheek to phone me up a year later and ask me if I wanted him back...erm no.
I had another taken back by the owner on short notice because she said she wanted him back for her daughter. Turned out she had promised him to someone else. I had effectively been used as free schooling.

 

[OldNag]

I am loaner and loanee and it has worked well for me. I do treat my loan ones as if they were mine and they want for nothing.

I have our outgrown pony out on loan to a wonderful home, couldn't ask for better.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

OK: so I've been both a loaner and a loanee.

I put my quirky traddie boy on loan a few years ago: when the loan advert went out I got every numpty, novice, and nutcase all contacting me wanting to have him. I picked what I thought was a good person, she was going to keep him on livery at a riding school some 25 miles away - I'd been there to inspect it, spoken to the YO, drawn up a VERY detailed loan agreement as he's got sweet itch and must wear his rug at all times when turned out. He had a lovely full mane and tail and you'd never have guessed he had sweet itch, he was just beautiful. I'd paid for the transport to get him there, thought that was it, end of.

The very first weekend he was there, he'd been turned out without his sweet itch rug on; it was a "heatwave" weekend which came at the end of September, completely unexpectedly. I'd gone up to see him on the Sunday afternoon, and he'd rubbed himself raw; my poor lovely boy, if it were possible I'd have jumped on his back and ridden him straight home, but not having my own transport I wasn't in a position to bring him back then, other than to issue strict edicts about his regime. I kept an eye on the situation and all seemed to be progressing OK'ish after that.

However after only five weeks into the loan, the loanee contacted me and said she "couldn't afford" the livery any more. It then transpired that she hadn't paid a penny for his keep from Day One, and the Yard Owner wasn't exactly a happy bunny about it - and expected Yours Truly to pay.

So that was it, he came home as soon as we could make-up additional barn space for him......... I'd never loan anything to be kept at a RS ever again; there are too many people "messing about with ponies" and apparently it was some kids who'd turned out my boy without his rug; not their fault, coz no-one had told them! But there seemed to be no-one in overall charge; the Yard Manager was excellent but the Yard Owner was consistently telling her NOT to bother with the livery horses only "do" the riding school ones

So he came home and has been back with us ever since.

The other side of the equation is my experience as a loanee! Completely different. An old school friend has loaned me her lovely Welsh D mare. No written contract (yes, I hear some of you having screaming heebie-jeebies!), owner is also my trainer and we keep in regular contact. Any problems I know I can always discuss with her. Mare is on long-term loan by mutual agreement and we are both happy!

The key I think is communication, and trust. Me and the owner trust each other implicitly; she trusts me to look after the mare and I trust her implicitly for her advice and training input. There has to be a very strong mutual trust and I know that the relationship I have with the mare's owner is very rare and very exceptional.

So to go back to the original question: YES loan homes CAN and DO work out. I've got a lovely mare who I count as my own and treat her as such, and I've got a lovely owner who is a friend. I've learnt so much from this mare, she basically had to teach me to ride her, bless her, she's that sort of mare who'll give her heart for you and is such a loyal, protective, honest sort of mare.

The ONLY loan arrangement I would consider, depending on the horse, is to an equine college. I offered my cob on loan to an equestrian college for two years and it was a good solution for both of us, but it wouldn't suit every horse or owner.

 

[Annette4]

I've had a couple of loans, one very successful, the other was successful for almost a year but I had a dramatic change in circumstances including a drop in income and going back to college. I had to sell the mare I owed as well as returning my loan horse so it was not a case of getting rid of the easy option, I had to give up totally. Prior to this, I had been saving to buy him!

 

[EquiEquestrian556]

We loaned Sunny for 6 months before purchasing her, even though I knew from the moment we loaded her into the lorry that she was never leaving us - 3 years later, she's still here, and the best horse I've ever had.

We also loaned another horse once - a Welsh Cob from the Blue Cross, he was a really naughty gelding, and after 3 years of trouble & mischief we finally decided he'd be better off with a stronger loaner, as I couldn't handle him, only my Father could, who's SO strong, so keeping him wasn't practical. I still really miss him though. Would love to know how he is doing now.

Sometimes loans do work, sometimes they don't.

 

[thatsmygirl]

I have my sons first pony on loan but he stays at my yard, good Job as well because the kids always lose interest so he keeps getting different kids but at least he's at home so I call the shots and he's with his horse family
Iv got a 23 yr old half blind horse I picked up which was ment to be a loan but owners had found that he kept coming back of loan so if I wanted him it was a free to good home, I found out why as he was a nutter but 4 yrs later iv worked with him and he's settled and is v much a family member and has such a character I love him to bits.
Iv loaned out a couple of horses and 1 worked out and the loaner brought him of me and the other horse well, it was a rescue mission in the end, I know I should of made visits but it was quite far away and by phone all seemed fine until I got a phone call from their naighbours about the state of the horse which they believe was mine. I went stright away to see her and brought her stright home I was disgusted not only with them but me as well for not checking.

I love my older horses, yes I have my ridden horses but I enjoy looking after the old ones as much as riding,

I'm not sure where u are op but if u wanted retirement livery I would be willing to help for a sensible price as I would enjoy the looking after part just as much and could look after him by your instructions. Pm me if interested your more then welcome to visit my family herd and see how well looked after they are.

 

[Peregrine Falcon]

I loaned a pony out to someone whilst they were pony hunting (for something a bit bigger) but they ended up buying her. I had a pony on loan for my son and she ended her days with us. I basically treated her as our own and did everything I would have done if we owned her. I think this is where some loans fall down in the terms of care that they provide. I knew something wasn't right with the pony so called the vet. It is a tricky road finding the right people for your pride and joy and likewise why should someone trust you to care for their pony/horse. WOM reccomendations are best in these situations and always have a contract to protect both parties. Annoying when it goes wrong but I've been lucky so far.

 

[zoelouisem]

I've loaned a few ponies for my daughter.
Her first ridden owners daughter lost interest I had him for 2 years then when my daughter had outgrown I kept him and sold him for her at treble what she paid for him to a fantastic home. He was a far better pony when I had finished with him than when I got him.
I have another pony on loan now that I have alongside my daughters jumping pony. She is treated exactly the same as my pony, and is already looking better than when I got her. Had some lovely messages via Facebook from the owner.

Both of these ponies were not advertised but I was recommended through friends.
I think word of mouth/recommendations are far better. Spread the word through horsey friends/yard owner/farrier/vet and see what that brings up. He's more likely to stay local then too and can be easily checked in that case.

 

[zaminda]

Loans can work, but I think it depends on the horse in question, the owner and the loaner. Personally I would say a loan of a 17.3 older horse is going to be very unlikely to work.
My pony has been out on loan several times, it has worked reasonably well. I have friends who have had horses on loan to compete, and this has also worked, even though in a couple of cases the horses have gone lame. However, due to the age of the horse this wasn't entirely unexpected, and had been prepared for prior to the loan commencing.

 

[Undecided]

It does work out with some, I had a lovely Morgan gelding for about 4 months, unfortunately I didn't imagine I'd also be taking on his neurotic owner who would follow me everywhere (on foot out hacking ) and comment that everything I did was wrong, stick her nose in and believe the vicious lies other liveries would tell her knowing that she would believe them and ring me up at stupid I clock at night to tell me her concerns. I have him back shortly after she accused me of beating him with a stick even though I had been terrified to ride him for about 6 weeks because she would either follow me or the liveries would start up their rumours again.

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Is he rideable/sound? I absolutely adored my loan horse and treated him like he was my own at all times. He was spoilt rotten! It can work out well, but you need to find the right person, like me!

Are you getting him back soon? Could you loan him out from a local yard instead of having him miles away? Is he sellable, if you want him out on permanent loan, why not just sell him? What meds is he on?

 

[Polar Bear9]

When I tried to loan my girl we were inundated with calls.

Not sure what happened here, only just noticed that only half of my post went up and it now sounds like a weird boast D:

So....

When we loaned her we were inundated by calls from idiots including a complete novice (told me she was experienced but had clearly hardly sat on a horse before) who wobbled about in walk for one lap of the school then said could they take her to their yard the next day?! .

In the end she went to an older lady in the new forest who wanted her to hack and gentle schooling. I told her repeatedly that she didn't hack alone, the lady said this was fine.

2 weeks later she was sent back for not hacking alone. Couldn't be bothered with that again and she's staying with me forever now

 

[millikins]

Mixed results for me. I've loaned out two, one a complete disaster and despite a BHS loan agreement and frequent checks ended up fetching him home with 24hrs notice. Then loaned little pony, had a wonderful summer, won mini camp and hoping she'll go back next spring if rider hasn't grown too much. This family are also on their second loan pony for older child with great success so good loaners are out there.

 

[OwnedbyJoe]

I have had four loans: one was the kids first pony, a Shetland. He was with is for seven years then went back to his original owner as her grandkids were ready for their first pony. Second was a Welsh B who we ended up buying after two years. Third an aged Connie who taught my elder daughter a massive amount. She is now retired and will end her days with us. The latest is a little Standardbred who I am starting under saddle for the elder daughter to take on. All of these have worked very well.
When I have a loaner I send at least weekly updates (quick text or FB message with a photo) as a rule, at elast at first till everyone is happy. I ALWAYS insure them, and the owner is welcome to visit any time. I also let them know when we are going to shows etc in case they want to come and say hi. I always have a contract, which protects both parties. The contract specifies at least a month's notice if either side want to return/repossess the horse.

 

[Goldenstar]

The main advantage of loaning for the person who has the horse is that for what ever you decide you can wake up one morning and decide I do want to this any more and return the horse .
So I think it just goes with territory .

 

[twiggy2]

I have just been handed notice from the loanee of my stunning older gelding after only 4 months of rehoming him. The previous loanee lasted 4 months also. I am a sensible, considered person and thought that I had made sound judgement for both loanees - they both presented a great case and practically begged me for my gorgeous 17'3 ID. I thoroughly checked them both out, the homes they were offering etc etc and spent plenty of time with each settling him in - even though my heart was breaking at the idea of having to let him go out on loan in the first place due to my working circumstances changing over the past year or so. Both loans have failed due to no fault of my boy, the first claiming ill health and personal situation changing (though didn't envisage I might learn otherwide via facebook!) and the other through having her 'helper' no longer around and suddenly it is all too much for her to manage. Both of these reasons are pretty feeble given that both loanees were committed to giving my boy a long term, permanent home and this was what they both claimed (and I kept checking!) they wanted and could manage. I have been exceptionally fair and also paid for his medication and extras as needed and I will ensure he doesn't go without anything he needs. Neither has managed to ride him as they had claimed they would and he was moved to a 2 hour drive away for the last home as it all seemed so perfect. What am I doing wrong? Do any loanees actually understand the responsibility of loaning a horse? This has been such a stressful time - for my boy and for me - and I am now looking at permanent retirement homes as I have lost all faith in loaning. This is such a shame as he has some riding left in him and enjoys light hacking - unless anyone has any other ideas? Someone mentioned trekking centres might like a bigger, older horse for some light work - again any ideas welcome as I am so disillusioned and sad about the whole thing :-(

Thanks for listening!

They can work,but many people loan as a stop gap to owning-it means they can see if it is really for them without being stuck-I don't think trekking centres have horses that do light work though-good luck

 

[measles]

I haven't read all of the posts but do take heart as it does work out sometimes. We loaned our former brood mare out to hack and her loaner had her over 10 years until she passed away. Word of mouth is the best way to find someone, and the very best of luck.

 

[JLD]

I have my boy on permanent loan - I guess some would say he is wasted as he isn't ridden and is pretty much a field ornament, but his owner ( who also ended up with him by default ) tried to sell him for 3 years as a ridden pony and no one wants an unschooled 13.2 9 year old with a buck on him and a dubious although undeserved reputation, he needed a loving home and I could provide one, I don't really want to ride but love caring for him. He wasn't a great companion pony as has 'bully me' tattoo'd on his forehead and needs careful Lami management but he wants for nothing although isn't 'spoiled' - has good hay and feed if needed, shelter turnout and care. ( and a few eye watering vet bills ). So yes there are good homes for the most unlikely candidates ! He turned out to be a complete saint round my very small children so to me a pony worth meat money on the open market is priceless.

 

[chestnut cob]

Loan homes can work. I've had two horses on loan - one I only had for a year and the other I had for maybe 6 years before he went home to his owners (who have lots of land) to retire. I also loaned out my first horse. First loan home were a disaster but the second were fab and they bought him after 2 years. They still have him, he must be nearly 20 now, and they still adore him.

so they can work out

 

[Nannon]

Think I have been very lucky with my old boy - he was originally loaned back to his old owner for 2 years but she had a baby so he came back. My aim was to keep him and find a sharer but other circumstances meant disaster and I had 2 horses on 2 yards and no time. Luckily one of the girls on my yard knew a young girl who was looking for a experienced horse to jump, I said I'd try it before looking for a sharer and she loved him and has had him for nearly a year now and he looks great and is having a great time (he's 21 this year and not a retiring anytime soon!)
I think it must be difficult when advertising to sort the time wasters etc out, word of mouth etc has always worked for me luckily so far.
I have loaned horses too before, one was a year term and we offered them any price to keep him but they took him back and it was gutting, I had put so much work into this horse and loved him to bits! I don't think I'd be put off loaning again though, just be much more aware of what can happen.
I hope you find a set up that works for you and your boy

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Word-of-mouth definitely is best.
A neighbour is now on her 4th loan horse. The first, ex-racer, had retired from eventing because of COPD, she hacked him for years and then he lived out his retirement here. The next went back to his owner by agreement when she had to pts her ridden horse. She now has 2, a pony which her daughter rides and another ex-eventer which retired owing to a heart murmur but is fine as a light hack. They were all local to her and arranged by wom. Never a good idea to allow a horse to move miles away to someone you don't know, imo.

 

[wingedhorse99]

I've had 4 on loan. Bought 3 of them. Still in contact with owner of most recent purchase, who comes to visit and ride occasionally.

Loaning can work, if have good people on both sides, and people put the horse's first, and are clear and up front.

I helped second loan horse owner sell her horse from my yard, as she wasnt in a position to do so at home.

 

[B&J]

After selling my mare to a friend as she is the perfect child's pony and wasted with me, I've been looking for a sensible older gelding who would be happy to just plod out solo at the weekend with me. I just want no frills Sunday afternoon fresh air, walk mainly and a little trot when the ground is good. I'm located at a gorgeous farm with an incredibly experienced and capable yard owner, excellent facilities, my horses have everything and more but with confidence struggles I am having my boy professionally sorted soon and want something to pootle around on, once confidence is sorted I aim to show current horse and do the fun stuff with and keep the loan horse for me to relax with and occasionally let the family come out for a plod. Can I find a horse, no Since my search, I've found they are either painted as a saint but aren't at all or there are dark hidden secrets lurking round the corner.

I've loaned in the past and it went swimmingly just sadly outgrew the pony, kept in regular contact with owners and went well. It must be possible or people wouldn't still do it but with all the time wasters out there it puts genuine owners and loaners off from both sides.

Hope you find someone genuine soon OP

 

[OWLIE185]

I loaned a horse about 17 years ago and still have her (she is now 27 years old). Sadly her owner passed away a few years ago but gifted her to me be fore she passed away.

 

[JJS]

As someone who has loaned four different horses, I can say with absolute certainty that they can work. I feel loan homes have a very bad reputation on here, and I don't think that's very fair. I never viewed any of my loan horses as a lesser responsibility, or loved or cared for them any less.

The first horse I loaned was a lovely Friesian mare. She was only on part loan but the owner never had any complaints about how she was cared for. She was pretty much sold from under me, so it was definitely me, as the loaning party, who got the short end of the stick there.

My other three loans have all worked out wonderfully. My first horse was gifted to me after a matter of months because her owner was so pleased with the home we'd provided, my second loan is still with me and I intend to keep him here until the end of his days (his owner is very happy with this arrangement), and the third was only a year long loan, but there were no complaints or problems on the part of either party.

Good loan homes are out there, I promise.

 

[peaceandquiet1]

The last pony I loaned out died of laminitis. The loaner was on a DIY yard where the owner had silly ideas and was against box rest. I think if you loan you have to give up control of your horse's care and management-all seemed well until she became ill.