Full loan

[Ehound679]

Hi all, after recently losing my Arab we are looking for a full loan. We recently found one that is perfect for us however he is 21 years old. My question is would u consider going for an older horse or would u look for a younger one ?

 

[Shay]

Depends on what it is and how much it has done - and what you want to do.

A strongly built native, especially a pony, will probably have another 8 - 10 years of work in them. A lightly built eventer competed since it was 4 will be lucky to have got this far. If you want to be out every weekend competing this probably isn't the animal for you regardless; if you want to hack, do fun rides etc then it could well be.

The age alone wouldn't put me off - especially not as its a loan. Make sure you get all the bases covered and a good contract you can live with so that if the animal does break down you can get it back to its owners fairly easily.

 

[dulcie_dustyxx]

Depends on what it is and how much it has done - and what you want to do.

A strongly built native, especially a pony, will probably have another 8 - 10 years of work in them. A lightly built eventer competed since it was 4 will be lucky to have got this far. If you want to be out every weekend competing this probably isn't the animal for you regardless; if you want to hack, do fun rides etc then it could well be.

The age alone wouldn't put me off - especially not as its a loan. Make sure you get all the bases covered and a good contract you can live with so that if the animal does break down you can get it back to its owners fairly easily.

this ^

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Be aware that if it is a FULL loan then you as loaner will be liable for ALL vets fees which may be incurred; that is the norm when a horse goes on loan - I've both been a loaner and loaned my horse out to someone else, so you need to sit and count the cost of a "worst case scenario" TBH, and make sure everything is water-tight so that if the horse becomes un-rideable for whatever reason, you are able to return it to the owners. And/or have some arrangement in writing put in place regarding vets fees that perhaps the owner and yourself will pay half??; also things like existing conditions (arthritis?) needs to be borne in mind as you may need to buy regular medication like bute and/or supplements, all of which can work out pretty pricey believe me. It is not cheap keeping an oldie!

Personally I would think twice, more than twice: yes some horses of 21 still have plenty of life in them, it depends on what you want to do with him really, he might struggle and/or rapidly develop something, and my feelings are that at 21 he's earned his rest and unless you're only planning gentle hacking or low-level stuff, it isn't really fair. Having said that, a bit of gentle hacking might be nice for him and a lovely way to finish his active life being loved and cared for...........

My old boy is rising 21 next month: has been fine up to now with a bit of arthritis and a bit creaky generally, poor old boy, but vet is making noises about "retiring" him now..........

Personally if I was taking a horse on loan I'd look for something younger which you can do stuff and have fun on.