Horse share advice

[lynz88]

I think I'd dump them as sharers as they are likely to pull stunts in the future. Had a similar experience and it ended badly.

 

[Rose24]

Thanks all, I have asked for shoes to be paid for now so will see what they come back with! I've said I'll arrange any holiday cover and do stable duties so literally just riding for them. It would have worked our well for them before as will probably only be one weekend we're away in the next 6 months! Which is why I felt they needed to be skipping out when they came to ride. At least this way I won't feel annoyed they aren't helping out and they won't feel pressure of having to do it!

I've said the share can be reviewed every 7 weeks (when shoeing is due) so I hope that's fair!

Wish you were near me! See my previous post about being a sharer and (too) big asks from an owner... And that is for a £27 a week flat rate share with (lovely but not competing or expensive) horse living out 24/7 and no off road hacking, school or arena. Sharer duties included extensive pooh clearing of a large and awkward to navigate with a barrow field, hay, water, grooming, tail washing, care for minor issues like cuts and skin issues, plus not always being able ride due to tack not always being available, owner requesting that other jobs like cleaning rugs, moving equipment, setting up the field, etc were prioritised over riding, or just not being told it wasn't possible to ride the horse until arrival, plus requests to help cover holidays (whilst still paying for that week)... Etc, etc.

I don't mind the hard work, but didn't appreciate paying to work that hard and the attitude that went with the requests. I would be very happy with basic yard duties and riding for a share at the rate I was paying and ecstatic with what you're offering with just help paying for shoes, so I think it would be reasonable to expect that they give you a hand with some of the work you need help with.

*Edit because I forgot some jobs first time round.

 

[irishdraft]

You've obviously got your own reasons for wanting a share but for me someone who has to be asked to do the most basic of jobs and then got funny about it whilst expecting to ride my horse & use my stuff for free, would be told to jog on & not come back.

 

[Lois Lame]

... if you do want to continue with these sharers then I would insist on having the shoeing paid in advance as otherwise I rather think that you will get to the end of the 7 weeks and suddenly they will drop you or come up with some reason as to why they cannot pay.

I agree, because the way I read your previous post, OP, which I'll have a look for now... it sounded as though they could actually change their minds just before shoeing is due and still be 'within their rights' as per your agreement. In other words, I don't think your agreement is clear.

... I've said the share can be reviewed every 7 weeks (when shoeing is due) so I hope that's fair!

ETA: And, like others, I think you are being 'too fair'.

 

[Lois Lame]

You've obviously got your own reasons for wanting a share but for me someone who has to be asked to do the most basic of jobs and then got funny about it whilst expecting to ride my horse & use my stuff for free, would be told to jog on & not come back.

I wouldn't even want someone using my stuff. I wouldn't feel confident that my saddle (or horse for that matter!) would be treated well enough. In fact, i don't really understand this sharing business.

 

[Lois Lame]

To me, a sharer who rides better than I can, makes sense. Any other mug doesn't.

 

[Fred66]

Make it £20 per week payable weekly and if it’s not paid no ride. Makes it easy for ending share as maximum you are out of pocket is £20 and either side can walk away at any point.

This will cover shoes / paying someone to cover when you are away.

 

[ycbm]

Have you been too nice? Told them how grateful/relieved you are that they are taking some of the responsibility of exercising your horse for you? Suggested they are saving him from laminitis? They sound as if they've got hold of an idea from somewhere that they are helping you more than you are helping them.

I think it will be difficult to get them back on track now, so you should drop them and start again on a proper footing with a share who pays their way in work and cash.
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