Genuine Sharing/Exercising Query

[LillyLou123]

Hi Forum!

I have a question about sharing.

Where we live we see a constant stream of posts on the local horsey Facebook pages of owners advertising for people to share their horse. These ads are usually worded along the lines of "wonderful opportunity" etc etc for someone to "have the opportunity" to ride this particular horse or pony, usually 2-3 times a week, plus do all the chores (feed, muck out, turnout, bring in etc) on those days all for a "small financial contribution" of anywhere between £80-£120 per month. I personally know of someone who had an ad like this - mainly because (a) the horse was way too hot/much for them and they wanted someone else to ride it to take the edge off it and make it sane(r) for when they rode it themselves and (b) to pay part of their livery bill. When the sharer didn't always ride on the set days they got unceremoniously told off (as obviously the horse was still forward/fizzy for the owner). Funnily enough the sharer told them to stick it!

On the flip side we also have a fair amount of adverts of people offering their services for exercising, charging usually in the region of £10-£20ph plus travel expenses.

I've got a genuine query about this kind of thing - where is the line between having a sharer pay the owner to share/be involved with their horse OR the owner actually paying someone to come and exercise their horse for them. It seems a bit of a grey area! I have had my own horse in the past and will be looking at possibly sharing or maybe part loaning at some point in the future. But I'm wary - part of me thinks if the horse is so fab, bombproof, sane, wonderful why is the owner willing to let some unknown come and ride it?!

What are peoples opinions and experiences of sharing?

 

[be positive]

The difference is that if you pay a professional to exercise or school you should expect a certain standard of ability and they should improve the horse in some way if that is what the owner wants, it is a business transaction and will be treated as such by the pro .
Having a sharer means you may not get such an experienced or capable rider and in reality should not expect them to be willing or able to improve it, although many can and many owners expect them to, the owner gains some financial help, can have a day or two off and knows the horse is getting exercised, a lot of people could not afford to pay for this so takes the risk that the sharer will be competent and do no harm.

 

[pippixox]

I agree with it being a grey area! ultimately it helps the owner if they have someone to exercise their horse and do chores, as long as they are reliable. however, at the same time, unless you are a professional who is schooling the horse perhaps with a very specific education in mind, getting a horse to ride for free would seem a bit 'cheeky'! as if not you have to pay to keep your own horse or a riding school.

to me a sharer is someone who wants to enjoy having a horse without the full commitment (both time wise and financially), but therefore you expect them to be reliable and make a contribution, but not a huge amount if they are also helping you out quite a lot.

I think sharing can be a great option for both the owner and sharer, but I only briefly tried to find a sharer for my boy years ago, just to give him a little be more attention and exercise, and found that I only got contacted by a very very novice rider. he is a saint, but I did not feel comfortable with her hacking him out on her own or spotting any possible issues. if I desperately needed to get him worked more or the help I would simply pay someone (I do know a few reliable freelance grooms) but this was more for a general increase in attention for him and because I know I would of loved to share a horse like him is I was not in a situation to own.

I think sharers tend to be thoroughly 'vetted'. I am not very trusting though I must admit! unless they are a friend or friend of a friend no one has ridden or cared of my horses!

I do think some people ask a lot if it is both money and chores.

 

[chaps89]

I think it depends on why the owner needs a sharer - if it's a tricky horse/one that needs a certain standard of riding to keep its schooling up/is unbroken or newly backed then I would expect that scenario to be more likely to have a rider being paid. Occasionally someone competent may come along who will do it for free just for the opportunity.
If the horse is a nice enough all round type then I would expect the sharer to be asked to contribute by doing chores and/or financially in that scenario. Again, occasionally there may be owners just looking for a rider for company or if they're short on time who don't need money or jobs doing but as a general rule I think its fair to expect the sharer to contribute in that instance.

I'm very fortunate to have had a couple of share horses now where the owner has just been glad to have someone riding the horse so that's all that's been involved but it seems those arrangements are quite rate and I consider myself fortunate

 

[Otherwise]

The paying vs being paid depends a lot on ability and experience of horse and rider. An experienced rider can charge instead of paying to school the horse, a schoolmaster horse teaching someone or giving them confidence is the kind you'd pay to ride. If I was paying someone else to ride I'd expect them to improve the horse whereas I wouldn't for a sharer contributing towards upkeep. There isn't a definitive line, really it depends on what arrangement is made between owner and sharer and what each party wants to get out of it.

 

[Polos Mum]

I've had sharers for nice level headed types that just needed more exercise than I could give them. The sharers got to ride 3/4 times a week for £20 and no responsiblity other than mucking out - which felt like a good deal and I avoided having to pay someone to exercise them - also a pretty good deal. Those sort of arrangements are broadly fair and balanced.

I did try not charging (the income wasn't thee driver for me) but the people I had really didn't bother turning up whereas £20 seemed to make a big difference to their level of commitment.


When a 45 minute lesson is £50 then sharing makes really good sense for the sharer even if the horse isn't perfect. When professional insured riders charge £30-40 an hour then getting someone in to do it on the cheap for the owner - even if the sharer isn't perfect. Mine needed hacking about, to keep weight down, a professional would have been bored stupid wandering about with mine but they did a lovely job for sharers.

 

[TheLankyRider]

It needs to be of mutual benefit. I've made the mistake of sharing a horse before, putting in serious work (while paying a decent financial contribution!) and then owner selling the horse with zero notice. Totally soul destroying. Now I wouldn't touch anything that didn't tick all the boxes I wanted. If it ticks everything then its fair that I pay towards it.

 

[flying_high]

I've had sharers for nice level headed types that just needed more exercise than I could give them. The sharers got to ride 3/4 times a week for £20 and no responsiblity other than mucking out - which felt like a good deal and I avoided having to pay someone to exercise them - also a pretty good deal. Those sort of arrangements are broadly fair and balanced.

I did try not charging (the income wasn't thee driver for me) but the people I had really didn't bother turning up whereas £20 seemed to make a big difference to their level of commitment.


When a 45 minute lesson is £50 then sharing makes really good sense for the sharer even if the horse isn't perfect. When professional insured riders charge £30-40 an hour then getting someone in to do it on the cheap for the owner - even if the sharer isn't perfect. Mine needed hacking about, to keep weight down, a professional would have been bored stupid wandering about with mine but they did a lovely job for sharers.

This. I’ve two lovely horses and two sharers. One sharer contributes and one does chores. Both horses are sound, fit, polite, sensible, good in traffic / fairly life proofed. Schooled to medium. Good fitting tack and care.

Neither improve the horses and I’m the main rider, and I compete. One sharer schools / hacks / has lessons on older horse. Other hacks both.

Both sharers are older, capable experienced and reliable and sensible.

I get more support, more hacking for horses mid week even in winter, help with chores, giving boys TLC, help with appointments when I’m working, people to hack / box out with. And financial contribution from one sharer.

I get 2 fit happy horses that both hack and school 6 days a week.

I hope I offer chance to ride nice, sensible fun, well schooled horses. I’m fairly flexible and supportive and give them a fair bit of freedom. And listen to their views and feedback e.g. if horse NQR or behaviour changes.

For any good long term share agreement to work both parties need to feel getting a good deal.

 

[LillyLou123]

Thank you all for your replies, thats great to hear that there are genuine people with genuine horses that they are willing to share!

I totally agree that it depends on the horse and what the owner wants to get out of the arrangement. I do think that in some circumstances the owner should actually fork out and pay someone to exercise and I think this is certainly the case with the person that I knew who wanted a sharer as in fact they were actually scared to ride the horse themselves and they wanted someone to take the edge off it. In fact they should have just admitted that the horse was wrong for them and sold it,,,but thats another story!

I'll be looking around at some point in the future as I do miss having my own but can't commit to full time ownership due to my job. What do you all think is a fair amount to pay for a share? On say, a 2 day a week type of arrangement?

 

[AussieClumper]

I have just recently started a sharing arrangement with my neighbour who has started riding one of my horses 2 days a week. For me it was a time thing. It becomes hard to keep horses in full work in winter (I'm in Australia) and having someone put in a few extra rides a week on the horse will keep her fit through winter. I ride my other horse 5 or 6 days a week, and because he's a tricky character I don't want to foist him on anyone else!
My neighbour is in between horses herself, currently looking for a youngster to bring on. She didn't want to lose her riding fitness or feel while she was looking for her next prospect so she rides my WB mare who is well-educated and quiet. She's an excellent rider and I think if anything she'll improve my mare's training.

She does not contribute financially, but if she has a lesson with an instructor she'll pay the fee. I'm happy with her riding my horse because she's a member of my riding club and I've seen her riding for many years and like her style and her way with horses.

So in my case it's a win-win scenario. She lives two properties up the road from me and simply rides her bike down twice a week for a ride while I'm at work.

 

[pippixox]

I think a fair amount depends on the arrangement, as if you are doing all the chores on the days you ride I would expect to pay less than if you just showed up to ride.

 

[LillyLou123]

Just a further thought - what would happen in the case of vet bills? And would you need some sort of written agreement in place to cover all scenarios? Like you would in a loan?

 

[FabioandFreddy]

I don't have a 'sharer' perse, but do have a girl who comes to ride with me as she is new to the area and currently horseless. She is happy to ride either of my 2 and i'm happy she is competent with either also. Normally once a week, sometimes more. I don't charge, or expect her to do any chores for me. I would be doing them anyway and grateful for someone to ride with during the week as hubby is usually busy with work. She also came and rode both for me last week as i was working late at home. It suits us both and mutually beneficial.

 

[Scarlett]

This. I’ve two lovely horses and two sharers. One sharer contributes and one does chores. Both horses are sound, fit, polite, sensible, good in traffic / fairly life proofed. Schooled to medium. Good fitting tack and care.

Neither improve the horses and I’m the main rider, and I compete. One sharer schools / hacks / has lessons on older horse. Other hacks both.

Both sharers are older, capable experienced and reliable and sensible.

I get more support, more hacking for horses mid week even in winter, help with chores, giving boys TLC, help with appointments when I’m working, people to hack / box out with. And financial contribution from one sharer.

I get 2 fit happy horses that both hack and school 6 days a week.

I hope I offer chance to ride nice, sensible fun, well schooled horses. I’m fairly flexible and supportive and give them a fair bit of freedom. And listen to their views and feedback e.g. if horse NQR or behaviour changes.

For any good long term share agreement to work both parties need to feel getting a good deal.

This.

I share a couple of my horses. I offer well schooled, well behaved horses on a lovely yard with good facilities and the chance to go have lessons with good trainers, plus chance to compete/hunt/fun rides etc. My horses are fed appropriately, have good quality tack that fits horse and sharer (I have been known to sell/buy saddles specifically for sharers) and a friendly environment. My sharers have usually been people who wanted to progress, some coming back to riding after a break or from a RS, and the horses are well schooled enough to help them improve their riding and gain experience at competitions etc. One of the horses I have recently sold to his sharer of 2 years and another has gone on full loan to a sharer who moved out the area. We are a sociable, supportive little group. I share because I have ended up with too many horses - we had our own yard at one point - and now struggle for time due to other circumstances. I can afford them all (just) but I feel it's acceptable to ask for a financial contribution of £120 a month towards horses upkeep as the horses are improving the riders and helping them achieve and progress. They also do stable chores on the days they are up - muck out in winter, poo pick in summer.

I have an older horse that belongs to my OH who is a little stiff and cannot work as much as he used to - for him we have a 15yo who rides him, initially I didn't ask for money as they are helping me out by working him 3 times a week but her Mum does pay a small contribution, plus pays for his shavings as she wants him on a big, deep bed, and his joint sup to keep him comfortable. I don't ask for any of this but as the mum puts it they have access to a sane, safe, fun horse who has taught her daughter more in a year than any riding school horse and that mum can trust absolutely implicitly with her daughter, and who they both absolutely adore. For that they are happy to contribute and I'm not going to say no. I do prefer it when they pay for things for him - water treadmill session, massage, supplement, rugs, shavings etc- rather than give me money. Without them he would probably have been retired by now. Right now he lives like a king and has a team of slaves attending his every whim and that makes me very happy!

 

[ester]

It depends on the balance and what each person needs out of it. I have been on both sides of the fence. As the non-owner I have never paid but have done chores, I would pay if the horse was a proper schoolmaster type that had the potential to improve me as a rider rather than the other way round.

As an owner I had someone ride him twice in the week for me, she saved me £4 a week in winter as I didn't have to pay someone to get him in those days . But equally she was doing me a favour as he needed more hacking and she was able to do so in daylight hours. She wasn't that confident but they were safe together and she would always just rug etc as I asked or ask the YO if she needed help with something else. It also meant I didn't feel terrible if I told her we were going hunting on one of her usual days .

 

[flying_high]

Thank you all for your replies, thats great to hear that there are genuine people with genuine horses that they are willing to share!

I totally agree that it depends on the horse and what the owner wants to get out of the arrangement. I do think that in some circumstances the owner should actually fork out and pay someone to exercise and I think this is certainly the case with the person that I knew who wanted a sharer as in fact they were actually scared to ride the horse themselves and they wanted someone to take the edge off it. In fact they should have just admitted that the horse was wrong for them and sold it,,,but thats another story!

I'll be looking around at some point in the future as I do miss having my own but can't commit to full time ownership due to my job. What do you all think is a fair amount to pay for a share? On say, a 2 day a week type of arrangement?

I charge the DIY cost of paying the yard to do both my horses for two days, for the sharer that pays but doesn't do chores. My logic was if didn't want to do chores for both horses on the day rides, like other sharer, he could instead cover the cost of the yard doing same chores.

He rides 0-4 times a week depending on his schedule (he's not always free, and rides and owns other horses), and my schedule for the horse. Though I'd always offer him a choice of days each week. He typically rides twice a week.

 

[flying_high]

Just a further thought - what would happen in the case of vet bills? And would you need some sort of written agreement in place to cover all scenarios? Like you would in a loan?

I don't have a written agreement. I did when I had a 15 year old sharer, counter signed by her parent. I do ask to sign a disclaimer that horses, especially competition warmbloods are unpredictable, and that I am not liable for accidents to themselves, and they understand my insurance doesn't cover their personal accident, and that I recommended they take out their own personal accident insurance.

I have third party cover that covers anyone handling my horses in any situation as long as they are not a commercial concern (e.g. vet / physio / trainer / yard owner).

Vet bills are totally my responsibility in all circumstances. Any accident would just be unlucky. One horse is insured for vet bills, older one isn't and wouldn't have heroics done. Can see might be different if sharer was Show jumping / eventing / cross country / team chasing with horse and there is a higher risk of ridden injury.

 

[flying_high]

This.

I share a couple of my horses. I offer well schooled, well behaved horses on a lovely yard with good facilities and the chance to go have lessons with good trainers, plus chance to compete/hunt/fun rides etc. My horses are fed appropriately, have good quality tack that fits horse and sharer (I have been known to sell/buy saddles specifically for sharers) and a friendly environment. !

Ha that sounds familiar. I have twice bought a secondhand saddle specifically to fit size and physical issues of a sharer. Was worth it, and when they in due course moved on I sold saddle on for what I bought it for.

 

[flying_high]

Just a further thought - what would happen in the case of vet bills? And would you need some sort of written agreement in place to cover all scenarios? Like you would in a loan?

I sort of think if you need a written agreement you have the wrong sharer. Though establishing insurance and liability is good. I put a lot of effort and support into getting my sharers set up, secure and happy with the horses, the yard, and introducing them to other hacking riders etc. when they start.

 

[rachk89]

I had been thinking of finding a sharer for my horse when he was getting better. He's broke again now but next year if he's able to be ridden I may do the same. I wouldnt take money though as while he can be really good he can have his moments too and he's definitely no schoolmaster. He's a fantastic horse to ride though 90% of the time, he just likes to see monsters sometimes and panics, but a good rider can easily handle it, he doesn't bolt. I would only ask for the sharer to assist with duties so they take care of him fully on their days. I was actually going to be looking for a sharer to do jumping with him as I hate jumping but he loves it.

 

[fidleyspromise]

Hi Forum!

I have a question about sharing.

Where we live we see a constant stream of posts on the local horsey Facebook pages of owners advertising for people to share their horse. These ads are usually worded along the lines of "wonderful opportunity" etc etc for someone to "have the opportunity" to ride this particular horse or pony, usually 2-3 times a week, plus do all the chores (feed, muck out, turnout, bring in etc) on those days all for a "small financial contribution" of anywhere between £80-£120 per month. I personally know of someone who had an ad like this - mainly because (a) the horse was way too hot/much for them and they wanted someone else to ride it to take the edge off it and make it sane(r) for when they rode it themselves and (b) to pay part of their livery bill. When the sharer didn't always ride on the set days they got unceremoniously told off (as obviously the horse was still forward/fizzy for the owner). Funnily enough the sharer told them to stick it!

On the flip side we also have a fair amount of adverts of people offering their services for exercising, charging usually in the region of £10-£20ph plus travel expenses.

I've got a genuine query about this kind of thing - where is the line between having a sharer pay the owner to share/be involved with their horse OR the owner actually paying someone to come and exercise their horse for them. It seems a bit of a grey area! I have had my own horse in the past and will be looking at possibly sharing or maybe part loaning at some point in the future. But I'm wary - part of me thinks if the horse is so fab, bombproof, sane, wonderful why is the owner willing to let some unknown come and ride it?!

What are peoples opinions and experiences of sharing?

There are a variety of reasons for having a sharer. I have 2 horses and don't have the time or energy for both so a sharer for my fun pony is my compromise - she can be a little hot headed sometimes but a canter soon takes that off.
My health has gone downhill a lot as well so having someone ride/look after my ponies on their days mean I get a day of rest and know my horses are looked after but the sharer also gets a fab pony to treat as their own.

 

[exracehorse]

I have two horses. My laid back happy hacker has a sharer who pays a small contribution to ride her. No yard duties. My gelding is super sharp with a wicked left spin. I would and have, paid for a professional to school him.

 

[flying_high]

I had been thinking of finding a sharer for my horse when he was getting better. He's broke again now but next year if he's able to be ridden I may do the same. I wouldnt take money though as while he can be really good he can have his moments too and he's definitely no schoolmaster. He's a fantastic horse to ride though 90% of the time, he just likes to see monsters sometimes and panics, but a good rider can easily handle it, he doesn't bolt. I would only ask for the sharer to assist with duties so they take care of him fully on their days. I was actually going to be looking for a sharer to do jumping with him as I hate jumping but he loves it.

Sounds great offer for the right person.

 

[flying_high]

There are a variety of reasons for having a sharer. I have 2 horses and don't have the time or energy for both so a sharer for my fun pony is my compromise - she can be a little hot headed sometimes but a canter soon takes that off.
My health has gone downhill a lot as well so having someone ride/look after my ponies on their days mean I get a day of rest and know my horses are looked after but the sharer also gets a fab pony to treat as their own.

Good sharing is fab. Fab for owner, sharer and horse.

Sharing when owner resents sharer / doesn't really want a sharer / really lacks time and money for horse in a bad way / when owner is scared off horse and not facing up to it / when owner misrepresents horse / when horse is NQR or has saddles issues and not dealt with is a NIGHTMARE

 

[rachk89]

Sounds great offer for the right person.

He would be really good for the right person. Jumping wise especially as he could go far, but we'll have to see if he can jump again. He'll still be good for dressage or showing but I quite like those parts. I'm just a wimp when it comes to leaving the ground.

 

[Wishfilly]

FWIW, I do think there are people out there who advertise essentially wanting a sharer to improve their horse and pay for the pleasure. On FB you do see a lot of people advertising for sharers for youngsters, when IMO they should be paying for a professional, because either the sharer is improving the horse or they probably shouldn't be sharing a youngster.

There are also some really good sharing opportunities out there- often people who have ended up with more horses than they can reasonably ride, and people with private yards etc who want company. I currently ride an outgrown pony for a friend of a friend, which is great for me. I can keep my hand in and have a nice time hacking while I'm not in a position to have one of my own, and the pony gets exercise and keeps ticking over. She is hoping that her son will eventually ride him when he's a bit older so she doesn't want to sell. I pay for shoes, as he probably wouldn't have them otherwise. I don't really do chores, as all of hers are currently kept at grass, but I do check the herd for her one evening a week. I also obviously groom and clean my tack after I've ridden.

When I was looking for a share, I did see/speak to some people with great set ups for sharers, including one which I tried and only rejected because they didn't have great hacking- she had three horses and wanted to focus more time on her youngster. That would have been great for someone who wanted to school more or was comfortable hacking someone else's horse in relatively heavy traffic.

I've always been quite a small teenager/adult, so I did used to get paid to ride kids ponies. Often it was just for exercise, rather than any real expectation I'd hugely improve them, but sometimes with the expectation that putting someone older/stronger on would help "sort them out". I'm not sure it always worked that well, as often ponies are quite clever, and just because I could sometimes stop them taking advantage or running off with me didn't always mean they stopped doing it with their younger riders! Now though, I'd rather be able to relax and enjoy my riding, rather than have it feel like "work".

Anyway, basically, yes there are some people out there who are almost looking for someone who will pay £20 a week to improve their horse, but equally there are some great set ups out there, so if you want to share then read the adverts carefully and talk to owners about what you're looking for and hopefully you can find something great!

Also, make sure you get your own public liability insurance!

 

[Denbob]

FWIW, I do think there are people out there who advertise essentially wanting a sharer to improve their horse and pay for the pleasure. On FB you do see a lot of people advertising for sharers for youngsters, when IMO they should be paying for a professional, because either the sharer is improving the horse or they probably shouldn't be sharing a youngster.

I have to agree, I have a 5yo who hasn't done a lot and if I ever felt I needed him doing more I'd pay someone with a velcro seat and a lot of experience to help me out on that one! I have considered getting someone to hack him once a week when he gets going but he's such a special case it would take me a long time to stop being sick with worry on the sharers days, and anyone who I'd trust would be of a higher ability than myself anyway!

 

[criso]

I totally agree that it depends on the horse and what the owner wants to get out of the arrangement. I do think that in some circumstances the owner should actually fork out and pay someone to exercise and I think this is certainly the case with the person that I knew who wanted a sharer as in fact they were actually scared to ride the horse themselves and they wanted someone to take the edge off it.

I think it would depend if it's a case of a novice that's overhorsed themselves but the horse would be a more experienced riders perfect match or if the horse has serious issues that need to be addressed.

This may be particular to London, maybe other big cities but you do get people that are in the UK for work or study who are very experienced riders. They want to keep up some level of riding but are not in a position to have a horse. Riding schools are limited and very expensive so a share it good way to keep riding at the level they want to. A youngster or sharper horse may be fine.

 

[flying_high]

I have to agree, I have a 5yo who hasn't done a lot and if I ever felt I needed him doing more I'd pay someone with a velcro seat and a lot of experience to help me out on that one! I have considered getting someone to hack him once a week when he gets going but he's such a special case it would take me a long time to stop being sick with worry on the sharers days, and anyone who I'd trust would be of a higher ability than myself anyway!

There are these sharers out too, though they don't normally pay / do many chores. I have had a sharer in the past who backed youngsters regularly, but wanted to share my semi schoolmaster. She's gone on to share and ride and take on projects across the spectrum.

 

[flying_high]

I think it would depend if it's a case of a novice that's overhorsed themselves but the horse would be a more experienced riders perfect match or if the horse has serious issues that need to be addressed.

This may be particular to London, maybe other big cities but you do get people that are in the UK for work or study who are very experienced riders. They want to keep up some level of riding but are not in a position to have a horse. Riding schools are limited and very expensive so a share it good way to keep riding at the level they want to. A youngster or sharper horse may be fine.

Absolutely, are all types of sharer and abilities. I personally have established horses, and like experienced, but slightly ineffective (in school) sharers, and typically sharers with less experience than me, who are happy to do things my way.

(I compete to medium and am trainee judge, and think a sharer who was same level or higher might be a struggle to all get along).

But I have seen it work even to the extent where owner is fairly novice, and a bit over horsed, and sharer is very capable, and has helped owner, and even supported novice owner with informal lessons, and both have been really happy.