General help and advice.

[htfc1984]

Hello, i'm new to this so be gentle!

I am wanting some / help some advice.

My fiancee has always had a keen interest in horses and has always wanted to own one basically.

After much thinking on my behalf i have half thought about looking into this further as a gift for her. As she is a complete novice in riding, handling and to a certain extent overall care of a horse i thought that a share or loan might be the best route to go down in the hope that a more experienced 'horse person' would be able to help her/us along every step of the way until one day we can possibly own our own. I do hope that this ad doesn't cause any offence with my obvious lack of knowledge in all this but i am very genuine and well aware that owning an animal such as a horse is not 'just for xmas' so to speak.

We live in West Yorkshire, (Liversedge) and do have a car so travelling around the area wouldnt pose much of a problem but ideally the closer to us the better as she could spend as much time as work allows.

Any help and adive will be greatly received, thank you in advance.

Paul

 

[Ginger Bear]

Hi Paul & Welcome..

Firstly does your fiance ride/had lessons? Is not then this is probably the best gift to get her to get her to learn the basics... I have been round horses from being around the age of 7, my mum always had them & when I was old enough I then always had loans/shares..once your competant enough to loan it will give you a feel of owning but it NEVER prepares you for owning your own. I got my own a year ago & it's a totally different ball game & you feel & worry about them a lot more when they're actually yours! Hope this helps.. Does she have any friends who she can help out to get a knowledge of handling & caring for them?

 

[Slightly Foxed]

Agree with Ginger Bear, I think the best gift for your fiance would be some riding lessons. Also, the BHS (British Horse Society not the shop!) do courses in basic horse care.

TBH I'm not sure that many owners looking for a share would want to 'teach' their sharer, they're normally looking for someone they can trust to care for their horse when they don't have the time, although I may be wrong (I'm sure someone on here will tell me I am!!).

 

[camilla4]

Hello Paul and welcome from me too!

It's a lovely idea to think of this and you are very sensible to seek advice at this stage. Can I make a sugestion? Instead of actually getting a horse on loan/share at this stage, perhaps the ideal gift this time around would be to pay for her to do the BHS Horse Owners certificate? This is specifically designed to give first time horseowners a basic grounding in horse care. It's not totally comprehensive, of course, and support from a knowledgable person afterwards would certainly be advisable,but it does cover essentials and, more importantly, would give both of you a more thorough understanding of exactly what is involved. If you contact the British Horse Society (which will also give details of the course on their website), they will be able to give you details of the nearest establishment running the course.

 

[Steorra]

Does she have riding lessons?

If not, buying her a course of lessons at a riding school is really the best place to start. Look for one that is approved by the BHS (British Horse Society). Most will offer lessons in horse care as well as riding by request.

It is very unusual for horse owners to offer shares or loans to complete beginners, because of concern over the welfare of their pride and joy, and because most owners don't have suitable horses. There are also certain insurance requirements for teaching riding - and experienced owners will not want to fall foul of these. This is why I'd suggest starting at a riding school where they are set up to teach the basics.

If I have got the wrong end of the stick and your fiancee aready rides, then a share is a good place to start. I would suggest trying to find a suitable horse through recommendation by her riding instructor or riding school. You can also look at websites like Equine Adverts, Yours to Share, Horsemart etc, but obviously anyone can advertise so you need to know what you are looking for. Steer clear of horses described as 'sharp', 'spooky', 'not a novice ride' etc, and if you go to see a horse watch the owner ride and handle it closely. Your fiancee would really need to go with you to try the horse so not a 'surprise' gift I'm afraid.

I hope you both have lots of fun! And when your fiancee comes home late every night smelling of horse and trailing mud everywhere, well, don't say you weren't warned

 

[Janesomerset]

Wow, what a treasure you are! I agree riding lessons sound like a great present, especially if you can find a school which lets you learn how to tack up, groom, do stable jobs etc. as well; sorry, don't know Yorkshire area, but I'm sure you'll get some recommendations on here.

 

[Rana]

What a lovely post Welcome to the madhouse

Agree with what's been said above. If she doesn't ride, then book her a course of lessons at a BHS or ABRS approved riding school. If she can ride but is a novice to horse care, then the BHS horse owners courses are a good way to get started.

Otherwise, how about loaning a horse from a riding school? Plenty of schools offer this - you pay a set amount to have a weekly lesson on your loan horse, plus you can ride 1-2 times a week, and come up and groom etc as much as you like. Some ask you to help take care of the horse, some do everything for you and you can just do the nice bits Worth looking to, especially if she finds a riding school (and horses!) she really likes

 

[Hawks27]

Welcome
As previous posters have said thier is so much knowldege and experience that goes into owning a horse, its a lovely gesture to buy her one but not the best idea till some experience is gained as you will have no idea what your letting yourself in for till you have had the oppertunity to learn what its like to care for a horse everyday. I have worked and laoned horses for 16years and only just bought my first one alst year as it is such a commitment and alot of expense, i would recomend you find a good local yard for lessons not jsut in riding but stable management and horse. I use to teach children in a locla riding school and lessons were 50% riding and 50% stable management. Once confidence is built in the saddle and on the ground around horses i would consider a part loan or share horse to gain further expereince in the responsibilities of caring for a horse full time before buying your own.
I am not to far from you as based in east leeds not too far from Wakefield id be happy to discuss things with you i actually have a horse for part loan but sadly she is just a baby so i need an experienced rider as shes a real handful lol.

 

[Cavalier]

Hi Paul,

You are just round the corner from me! There are several riding schools in the area and I know of a couple who do encourage those who have lessons to come and help out to learn about horse care. One of these will also part loan some of the horses depending on their popularity in lessons and the level the person is at. If you want names and numbers drop me a PM.