Finding a 'free' rider?

RachelFerd

RachelFerd

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Although I am not keen on the idea of sharing/part-loaning horses for various reasons, I have recently been thinking it might be a good idea to find someone who would like to hack out my event horse on a regular basis - no money changing hands.

What is the best way of going about finding someone? I am new to the area and therefore word of mouth is probably unlikely - I can place a couple of notes up in tack shops, but they are predominantly racing orientated around here, so not sure if I would be attracting the right audience.

Also could do something online, but no idea which websites are worth posting on (don't really want to be paying for an ad either...)

Horse is a lovely quiet ride, but is eventing fit and wouldn't be suitable for a total numpty for that reason. He is nicely schooled (nov/elem dressage) but I am not looking for someone to school him as I have time enough to do that myself - I am a qualified instructor so wouldn't mind doing the odd unpaid lesson as a favour in exchange for him getting hacked out. There is plenty of off road hacking at the yard, and he is great in company or out by himself, brilliant in traffic if you do venture further afield, and never gets strong.

What do you think are the chances of finding someone suitable? Was thinking about contacting the cambridge university riding club (if there is one) but it's probably the wrong time of year coming into the summer holidays. I am newmarket/cambs area by the way!
 
Where exactly are you? I might know some one close enough, can also tell you a few to aviod that will reply if you put one up on the fb groups :cool:
 
I've been in the same situation for the past few years, apart from my horses aren't event fit anymore (although one still thinks she is!). I've really struggled to find riders - I'm an instructor too and would even allow someone to compete when I wasn't around (I'm away at least two weekends a month, so loads of chances..). I find that sharers/riders often think that they would manage a fit horse (safe but forward v. going) and got put off. I also found people were a bit flaky - not always turning up or texting that morning to ask to ride when I'd already been out..

Someone posted about Equiads website, which has a section for rides wanted. Some on there look hopeful! May be worth a look..
 
dafthoss - he's in burwell. Just need someone I can trust to be able to cope with a horse unattended really! Pref someone who has owned/loaned before, or perhaps rode a lot as a kid but got out of it. Or an older teenager. But I am not interested in having him schooled/jumped hence my hesitation at contacting pony clubs.
 
Equine adverts? what about local 'mums' club, see if theres any mums who had to give up horses to have their kids but would probably jump at you for the chance of a few hacks a week?
 
HackingHoss said:
Shame you're not closer - I'd jump at the chance! You

Same here! I looked for a rider for my cob but it never really worked out but then he needs schooling and can be a little difficult with a new rider. Good luck I am sure you will find someone for a horse like that.:)
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RachelFerd said:
dafthoss - he's in burwell. Just need someone I can trust to be able to cope with a horse unattended really! Pref someone who has owned/loaned before, or perhaps rode a lot as a kid but got out of it. Or an older teenager. But I am not interested in having him schooled/jumped hence my hesitation at contacting pony clubs.
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Sadly I dont know any one close enough out that way to reccomend you some one, but there is one person who wouldnt fit the criteria that will possibly put her self forwards if you advertise :cool:.

Might be worth putting the add round pony club to see if any of the mums would like to ride him?
 
I'd stick up the ads in tack shops, yard I worked in had an ex stable lass who came up to hack twice a week. She was past wanting to go on a riding school horse for a hack but didn't have time for a share. Plus try local riding clubs, they may know of someone with one out of action or retired. Stick ads up at local comp venues as well. Plus pony club, know you can't really leave a young teen but older members might suit.
 
I would also try any good riding schools in the area. You might have people who are riding to a reasonable level having lessons but are missing hacking which alot don't provide.
 
I would literally bite your hand off but you're about an hour and a half away from me and I'm off to university in October anyway :(
I'm sure there are lots of people out there that would be suitable/jump at the chance, its just finding them!
You've already had lots of good replies above so I won't repeat their ideas but perhaps you could try contacting a racing yard or polo yard as lots of them have people who just come and ride out and may have time to ride yours as well. I'm working at a polo yard over the summer for example and am normally done by 2pm which in theory would leave time to ride out another horse.
I know Cambridge uni has a very good riding team and a club as well so it may well be worth contacting them. I'm pretty sure they have a fb page for the equestrian club so it may be worth posting on there as not all of the students will leave for the summer and even if they have you might find someone for October onwards :)
 
Cambridge university have ariding club. They also have a polo club. I would have jumped at the chance for something like this as a student. Maybe try emailing them ? also they have a vet school and I'm sure there must be some vet students who've not been able to take their horse to uni. They are often there during the holidays too when other students have gone.
 
My sister is always saying she wants to find an offer like this when she's at uni. Unfortunately you are only about 20 mins from home for us so that doesn't really help but I'm sure there would be interest!

I would suggest local tack shops (Alan's ark is the only one I know of that way) and the Ely, soham & Newmarket Facebook group is quite popular.
 
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