Finding the right loan home?

[barkinghorse]

So, have come to terms with the fact i'm over horsed, and am thinking about putting him out on loan, so someone more competent can give him what he needs. Not going into too much about him as i'm not advertising him here, just after some advice on how to get the best home for him.
Basicly he's got bigger ideas than me, i like flat work, he loves tearing round a field over jumps and ditches. (ex point to point)! i need a plod..
what are the legalities involved, and what should i look for in the person?
Heard so many bad stories, it gives me the heeby jeebies!
any advice would be gratefully recieved!

 

[loobylu]

Hi,
I have been the sharer/loanee (is that a word?) of several ponies. A loan agreement signed by both parties is a must, the BHS have a good template on the website that you can alter to suit, makes it so much easier on both parties as they know exactly where they stand. You'll need to sort out things like insurance aswell.
With regard to choosing someone, be picky! If you don't like them after meeting or even just over the phone, say so. If that's feels mean tell them you'll think about it then say you found someone else but let them know- it's hard work finding something good to loan too. If you can find someone with similar ideas on the ground and in the saddle to you. Visit the yard he will be kept on, speak to the YO, ask for references- this could be anyone from a riding instructor to the vet, just someone who knows what they are about. I've never had any problems with being asked for references, in fact it reassures me that the horse is properly looked after. Ask them to give you a call in the first few days to let you know he is settling in and then send a few updates on things he has been doing- photos are always a nice touch I think. Maybe visit after a month or so when they have got to know one another and he has settled.
good luck- if you get he right person it works well.

 

[little_legs]

Hard to say really, but you need to be picky and wait for the right home to come along.

I loan my boy, Ive had him for 3 years so far hes coming up 10 this year, and I agreed with his owner last year that I can have till his 15

You need to agree with the loaner what you want, when I tried my boy out, there was also another couple of people that wanted him, one was a boy , that took him SJ to try him out, he fell off, and realised that he was over 'ponied', the other was a young girl that just jumped and jumped him when she tried him out, so the owner chose me, i felt really honored to be chosen, she actually rang me up and begged me to take him on, how could I say no

, he was green and very talented, something I could get my teeth into, not that I had any idea how to bring on a young pony, but I have a lesson on him every week, and we've gone from not being able to trot, to going BE and doing our first elementary in February

The owner knows hes in the best place

the only problem is hes not mine, and she wont let go of the apron strings and sell him to me, so some day he will go back

Sorry to go on, its just people always go on about bad loaners, and we're not all bad

Jane & William

 

[squirtlysmum]

When we found a loan home for my husbands horse I firstly just put the word out through friends and eventually a friend of a friend took him on. I wrote out a contract including what I expected and that they had permission to PTS if need be due to emergency, that he was to be shod and vaccinated regularly etc I made a list of absolutely everything that went with him ie tack, rugs, that we can visit whenever we like (although I'm very happy with them so don't need to check up) and that under no uncertain circs was he to be sold, rehomed or moved without my prior permission, I imade sure each party signed and had a copy of the contract. I have a feeling he will be staying with them for life anyway as they love him to bits.
You must be happy with the people your horse goes to and do not go on what other people may say or know, you know your horse best.
Hope this helps

 

[Blizzard]

I have been on both sides of the loan thing.

I have my yard owners warmblood on loan, no wirtten agreement or anything, he is a star ad I lve him to pieces.

I also advertised for a rider for my mare, who was a cowbag, had a lovely girl coming to ride her, no agreement again but Im lucky in that I seem to find nice people!

If you are letting your horse move yards make sure you have a written agreement.
Heard horror stories!

 

[brighteyes]

All the above PLUS if they have any problems at all with almost on the spot/regular visits, don't touch them. I have loaned both ways and still keep in touch with everyone even though ponies are now 'home'. I too have heard of ponies being moved and found in appalling condition when eventually found. I have no problems with owners calling me and visiting on spec as I am honoured to have been lent a very precious member of their family. They have always been happy with my level of care and I have had the privilege of temporarily caring for some wonderful ponies. You can't be too careful so get your contract tightly worded re insurance, vet's bills and what your horse can and can't be used for! If the people are genuine, they won't mind a bit. Good luck.