Horse share

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thorney84

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I'm looking to share a horse for the first time and I have thought about what question I should ask but thought I'd ask you guys just in case I've missed anything out and also if I went to view a horse other than a test ride is there anything else I should do? Thanks
 
Other than a test ride I would definitely ask if you can spend some time around the horse in and out of the stable, see what he's like in the field - can you catch him? The owner should want to see that you meet their standards too, depending on how much responsibility you will have for the horse they will want to see that you aren't a complete novice and can groom/tack up/rug up/muck out etc as well as ride to the standard they are looking for. I assume as it is a share you live locally so can visit a couple of times before you reach a decision? I would definitely try to spend some time on your own with the horse, even if the owner is just elsewhere on the yard, to make sure the horse is easy to handle on your own, and don't just ride in their paddock/menage, hack out too to make sure the horse is safe and not nappy when it is leaving it's friends.
You'll need to find out exactly what the owner is looking for with respect to the share, which days, the cost implication, who pays for shoeing/vets etc. find out about insurance cover, if the horse is on diy or part livery what will happen when you or the owner are on holiday, will you be expected to cover for each other or will the yard do full livery for holiday periods? A written agreement is very important for both sides to know where they stand, even though it may feel awkward to discuss.

Just some of the things that came to mind, hope it helps, I hope you find what you are looking for, good luck!
 
What questions do you have already?

I would ask for more details about the bits about the advert that attracted you to the horse, what the owner currently does with the horse, any restrictions to what you can do, does it hack alone/in company, is it good in traffic, has there been a previous sharer, what financial contribution is required (specifying if additional money must be paid in case of injury/illness), what days, yard routine, is it a long term share, notice periods. (I know for a fact I have missed lots of questions out but it's nearly 11pm and I have spent the day learning about regression analysis, variances and different types of budget so my brain has gone on strike)

I would want to go down and see the horse more than once, ride it on the flat, over jumps and take it out hacking alone and in company (if the horse does this) and try the horse in front and behind when out with another horse. Maybe arrange a trial period to make sure you get on with the horse AND the owner.

I had a REALLY old Your Horse magazine which had a huge list of questions in. I will try and find it tomorrow and if I can I'll scan it and email it to you if you want? (Not 100% I've still got it as I had a huge clearout when moving house but send me a PM to remind me- once round the goldfish bowl and it's forgotten! ;))

ETS- agree with trottington- make sure a contract is drawn up which both parties are happy with. Both sign the contract and have it signed by a witness just to be on the safe side!
 
Thank you both, that's really helpful. The lady has replyed to my advert for sharer available and I did state that I'm a confident novice who has just got back into riding after a 13 year break. I'm very aware that I will need to let her know that i only just ride at the mo and haven't done any stable duties, tacking up ect for 13 years. I agree a Contract is important and a trial sounds like a very good idea if I even get to that stage.
 
thorney84 said:
I'm very aware that I will need to let her know that i only just ride at the mo and haven't done any stable duties, tacking up ect for 13 years.
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It's like riding a bike- you never properly forget how to do it. You just may be a bit rusty but it'll all come flooding back (although after a day poo picking/ mucking out and carrying water buckets I ached more after my break than I remember doing when I was younger! Recommend having a nice hot bath ready for you when you get home after the first day!!)
 
I always like my sharers to ask me lots, I am quite open with information, but sometimes as an owner, you have so much to share - that you end up bogged down in trivia when really all the sharer wants to know is, "is he safe?", "can I hack out alone?" etc.

Be open, be honest and don't panic. Most owners (like me) are endlessly glad for the help you provide and provided you are honest we can work around you, if you don't tell us though - how can we know?

Best of luck, all I can say is, my sharers are a God send to me and my horse and I wouldnt be without them!
 
Agree with Kitsune- people LOVE to talk about their horses. It will probably turn out to be more of a conversation than an Q&A session- you will think of questions based on the owner's answers to previous questions. I would take a list of essential questions you want to ask though as a back up and maybe make some notes to in case you forget anything when you get home. Photos are good too (if the owner is OK with that)
 
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