feeling down.. need some help

[LMR]

So ive just started my own business and currently have 2 horses. I have barely done anything with either of them lately but the one who is out competing generally gets worked if I have time.

I feel awful about not having enough time to spend grooming, riding etc with both of them. I end up just doing the 'chores'

So Im thinking about loaning or selling my older horse. Have never loaned a horse so no idea how it all works.

My older horse has EMS which is managed successfully and is 14years old. He previously showjumped to 1.30 and done dressage to advanced medium. He then had 2 years off and has been back in work a year now although is unfit just now. He would be able to do a little jumping and can hack and do dressage. He is quite a sharp horse not nasty but would require a decent rider.

I just feel he is being wasted with me just now as he loves working and I just don't have the time for him. Do you think someone would take him on? How does loaning work?

I feel awful about this so please only constructive help.

 

[khalswitz]

I know how tough it is trying to run your own business and do horses - and I only have one, on full grass livery so I can do as little as I like when I'm busy!

I would say it depends on how sharp he is. Someone who is good enough to ride a fairly sharp horse sometimes wants something a bit younger and on the up, rather than the down... but if he's not too bad, could make a great horse for a decent enough rider who would enjoy getting him fit and going again to maybe compete riding club level.

Loaning I normally see as the horse going to the loaner, and essentially them managing it and paying its keep/bills etc. You could also consider a sharer if you want more control, and him to stay where he is, which if time is an issue but finances less so this could be a nice compromise. Plus you can always see how they are getting on, and even go to comps with them/hack with them if you have time, rather than just going to visit every so often. Plus with his EMS you wouldn't then have to worry so much about correct management of it?

Hope that helps, it is a tough decision.

 

[LMR]

Thanks for your reply, I was thinking a sharer would probably be a better idea as I can keep an eye on him. It's always such a worry with his EMS but at the same time he doesn't really take that much management its just strict management if that makes sense? He's a lovely horse, got such a kind nature but he is the typical warmblood so can have his moments, he doesn't buck or rear just has a quick dart to the side. Hopefully I can get someone sorted for him. Sharing wise, someone had mentioned that I could get someone to ride in exchange for mucking out etc. Is the norm?

 

[tanira3]

I agree with Khalswitz What about sharing? That way he could be ridden say 2-4 times a week and you could ride on the days he isn't being shared if you had the time? That way you wouldn't have to let him go?

You could ask people to ride in exchange for mucking out or you could ask them to do that and pay a contribution for riding him. When I moved I sadly had to sell my horse and I shared for a while. I carried out all the yard duties on my day and then paid for the privileged of riding. I have also shared one of my horses and expected the same

It will just be the case of finding the right person that suites him. I'm sure there are capable riders who can't have a horse of their own, for whatever reason, who could help you with him.

 

[khalswitz]

Thanks for your reply, I was thinking a sharer would probably be a better idea as I can keep an eye on him. It's always such a worry with his EMS but at the same time he doesn't really take that much management its just strict management if that makes sense? He's a lovely horse, got such a kind nature but he is the typical warmblood so can have his moments, he doesn't buck or rear just has a quick dart to the side. Hopefully I can get someone sorted for him. Sharing wise, someone had mentioned that I could get someone to ride in exchange for mucking out etc. Is the norm?

Agree with Tanira, shares usually seem to be a small monetary contribution (Often ~£25 for three days a week, some pay for shoes or something instead) plus doing the chores on their days. Could be a good option.

 

[siennamum]

I have a sharer for my older mare, have had one on and off for the last 10 years or so. I have a couple of other horses to ride and don't want her to feel like she is forgotten, also she needs to work, and is wasted stuck in the field - so a bit like your position.

Because I don't use her much (though it's handy to be able to ride her occasionally) I just charge £20 per week, which covers her shoes & food really. Sharer gets pretty much free rein, she has lessons on her (with trainers I suggest usually) she takes her for lots of lovely long hacks, she competes her and she spends lots of time grooming and fussing her. I also rarely have to 'do' her which is great.

We have an informal arrangement, and I always pick sharers who are happy to let me oversee how horse is managed & who are keen to get experience rather than thinking they already have all the answers.

I would happily have a teenage sharer, so long as they have the right attitude, a lack of experience is ideal really, so long as people have some sense, worst scenario is that people determinedly do things you disagree with I think.

Definitely a recommendation from me, and the money is always useful.