Got a loan to try! ?

[pistolpete]

I tried a loan pony last week and the owner seemed lovely and I really liked the horse. She decided not to offer him to me and I don’t really know why. I thought I’d got on really well with her and the horse. Anyway. I have another one to try on Friday. Lucky me. A gorgeous Irish cob. 8 year old. Recent purchase and lady too busy to keep him in enough work. I’m being offered two or three days a week if we gel. Could you all give me pointers and things to ask/ watch out for. I am a quiet rider and only looking as my boy is now retired.

 

[eve mack]

I'd ask what kind of schooling, level of work they want done. How much autonomy you want/have - try to make sure your expectations match.
Good luck!!

 

[pistolpete]

She wants him to just hack which is my main thing I’d like the odd lesson on him if allowed.

 

[eggs]

Sounds like a share rather than a full loan.

Do they want any money for the days you have him? Do you have to do any stable/field duties? Will there be any other shares involved?

Does he hack alone and in company?

Is he nice to handle?

Watch her ride him before you try him.

Ask her as many questions as you can think of although it sounds as though she hasn't had him long and may not know that much about him yourself.

 

[ArklePig]

I've just found a share horse and had loads of help here too, I hope it goes well for you. RE the other one I wouldn't worry too much, someone else might just have clicked more or the owner might have had a friend suddenly in need of a share!

In your shoes I'd be looking to know why she's looking for a sharer so soon if I'm reading it right she's not had him very long? Can she not handle him? Definitely probe and don't get on the horse til she does. Find out exactly what she has done with him, not just what he hypothetically can do. Aside from that, clear about costs, can you have lessons with any instructor or does she only want you to use her instructor?

Be clear to yourself what you want to do, and don't be afraid to walk away if he's not the right horse. Keep us posted and fingers crossed for you.

 

[pistolpete]

Thank you. That’s really great. Yes she says he needs more work. I will definitely have some lessons on him if allowed.

 

[laura_nash]

Yes she says he needs more work.

This could mean anything from "I got an unexpected promotion at work and have less time than expected" to "I'm terrified of him and want someone else to wear him out before I go near him". When I was looking for a sharer many years ago I said something similar and in my case the extra work was needed for weight control. Ideally you'd find out why she needs him worked more before getting on.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

She only just bought him and already wants a sharer?

From the POV of an owner, ask a million questions. I really rate my sharer, she loves the horse as much as I do, but he’s my horse and if I want his management a certain way, then it happens, eg he only has one type of shavings because his skin reacts to different types, he doesn’t have a sack of apples, one of parsnips and also one of carrots! He gets an occasional apple, he’s a very good doer!

 

[nikicb]

I am another one that would wonder why a horse she has just bought needs a sharer. It may be that she is a new owner and didn't realise how much work was involved, but it also may be that he is a bit more horse than she anticipated and needs more work to make him more manageable. That's fine if you are up for that, but she may think a sharer is the easy option to paying a pro rider to bring him on/deal with his behaviour. Tread carefully. Good luck.

 

[pistolpete]

Thank you. Yes I get the feeling she’s a bit worried. Could be wrong. She lost her old horse 18 months ago so I know how that feels. It’s a big change learning to trust a new one.

 

[nikicb]

Thank you. Yes I get the feeling she’s a bit worried. Could be wrong. She lost her old horse 18 months ago so I know how that feels. It’s a big change learning to trust a new one.

I completely understand that - I lost my mare October last year very suddenly, and bought another quite quickly. She hasn't put a foot wrong, but I am still working on the confidence and trust and pretty much have the handbrake on when I ride. Just make sure you get to the bottom of why she wants a sharer. In my case I got my trainer's daughter (who is an advanced dressage rider) to come a couple of times and school her at home for me so I could see she was ok. That really helped. Lockdown has been an odd time for some of us to get to know new horses.

 

[pistolpete]

Yes this idea that hoses need lots of work when they are hacking horses isn’t really true although I’m pretty sure the yard he is kept has limited turn out all year round so maybe he’s unhappy in his stable.

 

[pistolpete]

Well thank you for advice to ask to see him ridden first. I didn’t even get on him. He didn’t want his saddle on. Didn’t stand at mounting block. Rushed round the school with his neck stiff. Didn’t give me a feeling he was going to relax at any point. Owner then admitted she’s never cantered him. Such a nice looking horse. Lovely lady too. Not for me though. I’ll keep looking. I want a plod!

 

[ArklePig]

Sorry to hear this, the right one will be out there but well done on not wavering and just hopping on when you didn't feel comfortable.