Going to see a possible loan horse.. any tips?

[samsam]

I'm off to see a horse in a bit with a view to having her on loan (short or long term depending how it works out) through a friend of a friend.

All I know is that she's a 16h tb (eek!) who has done a bit of everything but has been sat in a field for the last 18 months or so - owner was going to breed from her but never got round to it.

So, what should I ask?

 

[canteron]

Not so much what you should ask, but just be ever so clear what you want out of the relationship and what the loanee wants out of the relationship, so that there is no areas of doubt!!

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

I would exercise extreme care coz if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. Its so easy to take on someone else's problems then when you've worked hard and sorted it out and it looks good under saddle, they start getting precious over it and wanting it back!

I think there is a sample loan agreement on the BHS site? Not sure. But you need to establish stuff like who pays for veterinary stuff, what happens in emergency situation if horse has to be PTS for instance, plus what access the owner has and what period of notice exists. Also whether they're happy for you to show the horse and whether OK to trim/clip etc. Also things like wear-and-tear if it comes with tack and rugs - you need to establish who is responsible for replacing stuff like that.

If they start baulking when you suggest signing a loan agreement I'd be inclined to leave well alone!

 

[Scaty_Bird]

Firstly - hope it goes well for you : o )

I made sure I wrote loads of questions down and took them with me so I didn't forget to ask anything.

I would also make sure someone rides the horse before you, do not sit on it until someone else has. It's always a good idea to try the horse more than once too in different situations.

Good luck
x

 

[samsam]

Thanks for your replies.

Current 'owner' was given her by a friend who had no time/lots of other horses to play with. She comes as she is.. no tack, nothing. She would be mine to do as I wish with as long as she's insured. Basically any problems while I have her I pay for.

Can't see her being ridden as no tack, not even a headcollar. Owner has said that I could send her straight back if we didn't get along. Am getting hold of previous owners number so I can speak to her about the horse, but it seems she's done RC stuff and lots of hacking and some hunting.

Is it worth the risk? I could source tack and whatnot fairly cheaply to start with, and sell on if it didn't work out. The only expense I wouldn't be able to recoup would be livery fees.

I've been wanting a share/loan for ages now and nothing has really come up. Part of me wants to go for it and see what happens...