Has anyone done this/is it wise?

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Elvis

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I've been thinking about what to do with Elvis when I finish uni in May. Potentially I'll be doing a series of work experience placements around the UK and taking him with me won't be possible.

He's a lovely horse and has potential, and I don't think I'm ready to part with him just yet. Do you think there are many people out there who'd be interested in a long term loan (minimum 18 months but likely to be longer)?

I'd prefer if he was kept at my yard although within 20-30 miles would be fine. They would have freedom to do as they wished with him- show jump, dressage, cross country, compete etc

But there would be stipulations- he has to remain insured. I'd want his teeth checked every 6 months, his saddle checked every 6 months and physio every 2 months. And a blood test taken every 6 months (as he's had previous liver issues) Although I'd be happy to pay for the blood test.

I'd also want a capable sympathetic rider. Elvis isn't particularly naughty but he can be a bit cheeky at times. And despite being 7 he's very much still learning.

This is all just theoretical at the moment, but I just wonder if there would be much interest in this kind of deal?

Surely with horses being so cheap most people would just prefer to buy outright? Especially the more capable riders?
 
If you are near a university, you could advertise there for someone who hasn't taken their own horse with them, perhaps?

Otherwise, yes, I expect loans of 18 months do exist. If he needs a lot of bringing on then it will be harder to find someone willing to put in work for that time to then give him back.

If I were you, I would continue paying for the insurance (or insist that the loaner pays you to do it) so you can be sure he is always covered.
 
Thanks abacus, yes it think I'd just carry on paying the insurance- much easier that way and then there's a guarantee.

He wouldn't need tons of work, a good rider could get him out to a prelim test in a couple of weeks. And the jumping wouldn't take much longer. He is in full work currently, so would be fit. It's just more a case of doing things properly and not pushing too hard too soon.

Ideally I'd like him to go to someone who already has a horse competing and there are looking for a second to follow their horse up the ranks.
 
Unless horse has dental issues 12 months is the norm for dental visits. Regular worming is needed. I would be more concerned the horse would be hammered show jumping x country etc, so chose the right home and do regular checks. What happens if he goes lame competing and they want to send him back.
 
Yes there are people out there. I had a nice 6yr old on a years loan last year that I introduced to eventing and got him used to going to shows etc.
They paid for the insurance and I reimbursed them. I also paid for his back to be seen to twice (my choice) and had my saddle checked. I'm not sure I would be particularly happy paying for his teeth and back every 6m and also physio twice a month.
Not everyone is in a position to buy for various reasons.
 
Well as long as I'd had his teeth done just before he went every 12 months would be fine. But maybe checked after 6 months when vet is out on a routine visit.
Physio would be every 2 months (so every 8-10 weeks) and that would only apply if he was in proper work (competing, dressage, jumping etc) if he was doing less he could go longer between visits.

If he went lame, the result of whether he'd be returned would depend on what the vet said. If he needed a long time off, he could come back to me, if it was just a short while, I'd expect them to keep him.

And yes I would be very careful about the type of rider I chose. Ambition is fine, but not at the expense of the horse.
 
Its possible if you find the right person! I have a horse on loan but under my circumstances asked for only a 9 month contract then he is on a rolling month to month after that, with me having to give a months notice if he is returning! this is because my own horse is out with injury and this guy is here to fill the competing gap until my lad is back up and running but i have been told i can have him for as long as i want! so if you find someone who requires a horse for longer then i dont see why not! i know people who have horses on loan for past 10 years!!
 
If you're still in the UK sounds good. My worry would be someone would take him on then decide in 6 months/ a year that he wasn't right and want to give him back which could put you in a difficult situation if you're a long way away
 
Elvis said:
If he went lame, the result of whether he'd be returned would depend on what the vet said. If he needed a long time off, he could come back to me, if it was just a short while, I'd expect them to keep him.
Click to expand...

You can expect them to...but you can't make them. You'd need to have a contingency plan for the loan not working out for a whole myriad of reasons eg loaner losing their job.
 
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