Do I loan him out?

[scarymare]

I've got a sensational black cob. 16 year old, bombproof but goes beautifully - used to get 70% plus with me prelim. Will go for the most novice of riders - very responsive and could hack around the M25. BUT although great for light hacking in straight lines, he would need a powder a day for anything more eg schooling, circles, lateral etc as he is pottery in trot (sound walk and canter). Now I've always gone by the mantra 'its either lame or its sound' and so by rights I should let him retire gracefully (he hasn't been ridden for a year anyway) - it just seems such a waste when he could do such a terrific job for someone.

Anyway I think I have found somebody (57 years old, complete loss of confidence, just wants light hacking) but now I'm wondering if its fair or not. He is very obese through lack of work but thankfully doesn't get laminitis. Suspect lameness in trot due arthritis/spavins etc. He was originally brought for my novice husband as was a good servant but hubby lost interest. He was 'pottery' when I brought him but he was just perfect for the job I wanted. Rambling sorry but could I have non judgemental opinions please?

 

[Gluttonforpunishment]

If he is happy being retired then my personal opinon is to leave him be.

If however he is happier when doing something and the prospective loaner is relatively lightweight and only wants to do occassional walk only hacks then it sounds like a good option.

Would he be kept at yours so you could ensure he is ONLY used for very light hacking?

My worry would be that as the loaners confidence increases they may be inclined to do more than may be good for your boy.

 

[ilovecobs]

If hes more than happy to hack out and doesn't get worse on his feet from it then why not. He would probably enjoy it and the light hacking would most likely help him to drop a little weight and surely that would do his legs some good. Alternatively if you don't want to loan him out completely the woman could just come to your yard and ride from there, if shes near by that is.