Finding a new share

chaps89

Well-Known Member
Joined
8 July 2009
Messages
8,897
Location
Lincolnshire
Visit site
I am contemplating finding another share horse closer to my neck of the woods (in addition to my existing share who I've had to cut back on now I've relocated my own pony).
All previous shares I've found through word of mouth - either horses on the yard I'm at or through instructors. Mostly it's been a mutual favour agreement - I ride the horse, owner doesn't have to pay someone to do so, so everyone is happy.
I'm in a new area so no-one knows me and not in my instructors area.
I'm not on Facebook so if I decide to look for one, where's best?
Also, if you were looking for a sharer, what would you like to see in the ad?
 
what about any local riding clubs or feed merchants to put an advert in...does your instructor know any other instructors in your area so they could recommend you. have never been interested in having a sharer so wouldnt know what people are looking for
 
I would want to know:
General riding ability
What you want to do more of (dressage / happy hacking / jumping etc)
Ability to commit (exceptional circumstances notwithstanding)
Expectations re: financial contribution
General location

If I was looking for a share horse I would probably craft an ad similar to this one:
Reasonably competent amateur, competing at elementary level, looking for share horse for general riding activities. I enjoy hacking, dressage and a bit of low level jumping so ideally would be looking for a horse who enjoys the same.
I am based in ....
I am in full employment, 9-5, so envisage riding evenings and weekends.
With past share arrangements, no money has changed hands, and the share has been in respect of yard jobs and riding. However, I would be willing to make a financial contribution if necessary.
References available on request.

Or something like that.
 
A lot of ads will be on Facebook still, do you know anyone who can search if you don’t want to be on there? I have my two on local share or loan groups in fb at the moment. The other place is Preloved. There’s lots of shares atm due to time of year so hopefully you’ll be able to find suitable

top attributes for me is reliable, responsible & caring. Riding wise doesn’t want to rag my horse around constantly (fine for gallop up the hill but when ground is good) etc.
 
Thanks everyone.
I still haven't discovered the local feed store (I really need to adapt to change better, especially when it's self inflicted!) But that's a good motivator for doing so.
I'll try preloved too, then if I get stuck I'll look at Facebook!

Pony has relocated from near Guildford to near Beaconsfield, I live near Heathrow so Bucks area, although also on the edge of east Berks and south Herts if anyone knows which riding clubs that might be off the top of their head!

I definitely don't do ragging around and I think I've only ever once in 4 years cancelled on my current share unexpectedly, due to waking up on the day really ill, so hopefully that confirms I'm reliable - I'm sure my existing share owner would give a good reference :)
I just enjoy having different horses to ride, but don't have the funds or time to commit to more of my own!

How's this? (Shamelessly pinched and tweaked from above)

Reasonably competent amateur looking for share horse for general riding activities.
I enjoy dressage (currently riding up to Advanced Medium) and hacking (previously competed in endurance which I love) so ideally would be looking for a horse who enjoys the same.
Whilst I am happy to do some jumping on the right horse, I do generally prefer to keep all 4 feet on the ground!
I am based in ....
I am fully employed, but have flexibility with my work which allows for day time riding all year round and can be flexible on days (ideally looking for 1 or 2 days a week)
I have had my own 14.2hh mare for the last 5 years and have been sharing my current share horse (15.2hh part bred lusitano) for almost 4 years (only looking for a new share due to relocation - current owner happy to recommend) I also have my own rider insurance.
References available on request.
 
Top