Experiences of horse sharing

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sallybess

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Hi all. I am thinking about getting back into riding after a break for uni and getting my career started.
I am thinking of buying a "riding club type" horse. As I have a demanding career and I was thinking of then looking for a sharer to take on 50% of the riding and costs.

Just wondering what people's experiences are of horse sharing and how easy it was to find a suitable person to share with.

I would be looking for someone to contribute up to £200 per month (50% costs for livery, shoes, insurance) and they would have 50% use including weekends and plenty of freedom (i.e. could compete etc).

I should point out that I could afford the full costs by myself if a share agreement were to break down but it would be more financially onerous and the horse would probably be relatively underused.
 
That's pretty expensive for a share.

I would think many people pay that much (or less) to keep their own horse full-time, I certainly wouldn't be paying that to have the horse 50% of the time.
 
£200 a month is a lot of money for half a horse! As quirky said you could easily keep a whole horse for that or less.

If the horse is something special and the facilities are fabulous then you may have more interest, but otherwise i'd be suprised if many people would go for it.

Also, with a 50/50 split you risk 'loosing' your horse to someone else - although you own it they will have as much say over it management as you do - that inevitably leads to arguments.
 
I agree, that is a lot to ask for a month. I paid £50 a month for my last share (although he was only a happy hacker) I know i wouldn't be willing to pay £200 a month even if i was able to have 'plenty of freedom'.

I personally don't think a sharer should have to pay towards livery. Shoes and feed - yes - i would be happy to contribute towards but not livery. That is just my personal opinion though.
 
That is a lot for only 50% of the time! My sharer pays £15 a week and that inc everything including transport to shows etc, and we have no set days/times
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My friend has her 13hh Gypsy Cob on full loan since her owners out grew her and she's only tiny!

She pay for everything for the horse livery, insurance, vets everything - although this is because she has it on full loan. If she was sharing it i'm sure she would have to pay some contribution but just to give you some idea.

£200 a month is way to expensive though and i think most people who could afford that would consider buying their own horse.
If you do agree to a loan you should get a solicitor to write you up an agreement so nobody is messed around.
 
i have lovely sharers how have my RC horse 2 times a week they have all the freedom they want and can compete him if they want. i only charge £20 a week. they also don't have to muck out of do any stable duties if they don't want to (they usually do but i will do it if its going to cut there riding time short as him getting exercise is more important)

i have had sharers in the past and the most they paid was £25 a week and half shoes for 3 days a week. i think £200 is a little excessive. but saying that i have a few people to try him before these people all of whom said i was asking a very small amount compared with others.
 
there is a lady at my yard that has a sharer, although she gets to do what she wants the horse, but she ony pays £20 a week, so i think £200 is a lot, my horse in DIY livery plus feed ect doesnt usually equate to £200 a month.
i think many people would end up getting thier own horse if they were paying £200 a month.
i would say charge £20-£25 a per week, but it depends how much riding they will get as well, and i think most people once they have shared for a while do end up getting their own.
its finding someone who does not have the time for their own, and enjoys the feeling of not having the 24/7 commitment.
good luck with finding one, and let us know how you get on.
 
In the summer I was being charged 20 quid a ride and I kind of put up with it as I loved the horse however everytime I told someone they were in shock. £80 a month seems the norm
 
£200 seems rather expensive, I have a very reliable, competent lady share my horse for £10 per day - she mucks outs/rides/feeds as necessary as he is kept at a DIY yard
 
My sharer gives me £30 a week. She can ride my horse whenever she wants, as many times a week. He is on full livery (7 days a week) so she has no chores to do at all apart from poo picking if she wants to.

Up until recently she used to give me £20 a week - but she felt she should pay me more. If I could afford it, she could share him for free as she is an absolute star and I'd be lost without her! My horse adores her too!
 
Thanks for your comments.

The money aspect is very much based on back of an envelope sums. The high cost was mainly due to the fact I was accounting for part livery rather than DIY (livery being the single biggest cost)
It is useful to know that £200 is more than people are willing to pay and this knowledge will help me to decide on whether buying my own horse is a viable option.

There seem to be a number of adverts looking for £30 per week for a horse - perhaps this is more reasonable. I think it sounds pretty reasonable when you consider a group riding lesson round my way is £25 per hour!
 
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