Eek, thinking about loaning!

[pookie]

OH is more and more behind me having something to ride while I bring Millie on so I'm seriously considering loaning soon! There aren't loads around, understandably, and I've never loaned before ...any advice from the loaner's (loanee's?) perspective? My biggest concern is getting too attached, esp if it's short-term, followed by having an owner who metaphorically looks over my shoulder the whole time.

 

[Lolo]

We've always loaned, as buying a horse is not something we can afford to do.

Top tips?

-Watertight contract being very specific about what you both want.
-Keep the owner updated about what's going on- it stops them from worrying, and also means if you run into problems or are doing something that they know the horse hates then they can help you/ warn you.
-Make sure you know who's paying for what and what will happen if the vet is needed/ in the worst case scenario. We've always paid the insurance, and had the clause that if the horse needs to be PTS in an emergency situation with the advice of a vet, we will act on that advice.

 

[Tilda]

I loaned my boy to start with as I had been badly scared not to mention scarred by my previous horse and was just about ready to give up!

Was perfect scenario I didn't have the up front cash after selling my previous horse for a pittance and Max's owners loved him so much they wanted to find him the right home. They let me treat him as my own really and although they visited my yard regularly to ride other horses they were quick to assure me they weren't checking up on me they just enjoyed it down there.

They were so happy with our partnership that after 3 months they offered him to me to buy and now he is all mine and except for a few little quirks he is my perfect horse

 

[pookie]

Thanks, both of you There're definitely pros and cons that I can see...and I'd definitely make sure the contract was watertight

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Ditto "Lolo"'s post basically.

I've loaned my boy out, AND I've got a mare on loan from a friend, so have seen it work both ways.

The important thing as an owner is that when you loan yours out, don't get too "precious". Accept it will get fond of the "new" person and will bond with them; you have to let that happen and not get clingey.

To those with (someone else's) horse on loan: sensitivity needed when the owner comes to visit - I've got an open arrangement with the mare's owner that she can pop over anytime - and when she does I just leave her in peace with the mare to have a little chat and renew acquaintance rather than hover and make her feel awkward. When the owner visits is NOT the time for the loaner to throw themselves around horsie's neck and get all sloppy; its the time to draw back and let the owner have a good look at their horse and its surroundings and just make sure they're happy with everything.

Its important for owners and loaners to talk & communicate regularly; especially early on in the loan when there may well be problems. An owner should not "dump" their horse on a loaner and just expect them to figure out its quirks - and they loaner should be warned if the horse has anything that might catch them unawares like bucking or whatever.

And yes, a written agreement is vital; especially the PTS clause for if something does go wrong - hopefully it won't, but these things can happen.

But communication is the key IMO.