Harliquin
Member
I have posted a few times about the horse I am currently helping out with. Her name is Poppy and she is a 15.3 skewbald, very pretty and lovely personality.
The owner broke her hip a couple of years ago and the other woman who part loans her wanted some help, so a couple of weeks ago I offered. I am a beginner (only having lessons since end of January and know walk and trot, though doing good without stirrups etc.) and this was a great opportunity to learn about the stable management side, not just the riding.
I have been out on two short hacks and had a lesson with her and also did lunging with her (never done that, it was great
). She is awesome and although a lot more forward going and spookish than the school horses she is very good and takes care of her rider and my confidence has shot up since helping with her.
But yesterday we were told the owner is going to sell Poppy as she does not want to ride anymore. The woman who part loans her wants to buy her but cannot afford up keep on her own. She wants me to part loan her.
The thing is, Poppy is 18 years old and although the other finances are fine I would be contributing 1/3 of vet bills. Which is fair, but on an older horse this could be expensive?
Plus in order to part loan her I would have to give up my normal riding lessons at my riding stable and would only be having one lesson a week on Poppy (fair enough the freelance instructor is great!)
I just wondered what people thought? Is it a good idea to part loan an older horse? Do they cost a lot more in vet bills? Would I be ok learning to ride on a non-school horse?
I love her to bits but just want other the opinion of people who have experience.
Thank you for any help in advance (sorry for essay of a post)
The owner broke her hip a couple of years ago and the other woman who part loans her wanted some help, so a couple of weeks ago I offered. I am a beginner (only having lessons since end of January and know walk and trot, though doing good without stirrups etc.) and this was a great opportunity to learn about the stable management side, not just the riding.
I have been out on two short hacks and had a lesson with her and also did lunging with her (never done that, it was great
). She is awesome and although a lot more forward going and spookish than the school horses she is very good and takes care of her rider and my confidence has shot up since helping with her.But yesterday we were told the owner is going to sell Poppy as she does not want to ride anymore. The woman who part loans her wants to buy her but cannot afford up keep on her own. She wants me to part loan her.
The thing is, Poppy is 18 years old and although the other finances are fine I would be contributing 1/3 of vet bills. Which is fair, but on an older horse this could be expensive?
Plus in order to part loan her I would have to give up my normal riding lessons at my riding stable and would only be having one lesson a week on Poppy (fair enough the freelance instructor is great!)
I just wondered what people thought? Is it a good idea to part loan an older horse? Do they cost a lot more in vet bills? Would I be ok learning to ride on a non-school horse?
I love her to bits but just want other the opinion of people who have experience.
Thank you for any help in advance (sorry for essay of a post)