SantaVera
Well-Known Member
as others have said, run for the hills.
Ok, you said that it was originally decided that money for insurance would go towards lessons etc. I always paid for insurance when I had my pony out on loan, so that does happen. That way it’s definitely paid for. It is quite normal for people to have a bit of a panic before taking on something as major as a new horse. I would still send a fitted saddle with my horse. However, it’s your horse and your decision, so if you aren’t happy to do it don’t.Yes we are prepared for that but if she having concerns before he even goes why put him through the stress of moving . The saddle I have spare which I offered to send him with him she said wasn’t suitable as they want to jump not do dressage. I made no changes to the insurance terms they started staying that I should pay I have never heard anyone paying for there horse that’s out on loans insurance .
The issue is the going back on things that have been agreed.
Our loan owner did pay for a new saddle and did keep paying the insurance (the advantage of that is that you know it is being paid - there are instances that the loaner stops paying, then something happens, and the horse is not covered and owner gets horse back with a big vets bill)
But that is not what you agreed, she should have brought this up sooner rather than 'coasting' because the horse stayed at your livery (with you paying for it)
Ok, you said that it was originally decided that money for insurance would go towards lessons etc. I always paid for insurance when I had my pony out on loan, so that does happen. That way it’s definitely paid for. It is quite normal for people to have a bit of a panic before taking on something as major as a new horse. I would still send a fitted saddle with my horse. However, it’s your horse and your decision, so if you aren’t happy to do it don’t.
Ok I get that. It doesn’t have to be a new saddle, just one that fits the horse, but as I said it’s your horse so it’s up to you.No we originally decided that I would not charge for the loan of the horse so they could spend money on lessons and they would pay insurance. But I said if they aren’t paying for the insurance then I expect a contribution per month . I offered a saddle they said it’s not suitable due to be a dressage saddle . I won’t buy a new saddle as last time it got damaged !
I suspect a "well-meaning friend" has got involved with the mother and started planting doubts in her ear about the insurance, saddle etc. To be fair, I wouldn't want to have to buy a saddle for a horse I was about to have on loan, in case it went back for any reason. My husband has bought (second-hand) saddles for horses he has had on loan, but only after he had had them some fair while. They both came with saddles initially though.
However, the real issue seems to be the way the mother communicates via the YO rather than directly with you. That is definitely a red flag as good communication is vital in a loan. The 'he said, she said' route via third parties is bound to lead to confusion and a falling out!
Yes it’s more the changing the goal posts . If she said before then I would have asked for a small contribution and paid the insurance . I am less willing to pay for a new saddle as I have before for a horse that someone was producing for me and competing. The saddle cost a lot , they used it on everyone else’s horse and within months it was damaged and scratched! The fact is that the saddle I offered is not good enough and they expect me to buy a new one !
I offered to send a dressage saddle however they said it’s not suitable for the activities she wants to do . Fair enough and they would sort saddle . But now they expect me to buy a new event saddle ?
Yes I don’t like the going over my head to the YO
I would simply inform them that the loan was no longer going to work for me and was off.
They will likely do a 180 turnaround, be sickeningly nice, but I wouldn't listen. As soon as it is going their way again, they will push again.
If the horse can compete and isn't mad, you will easily find a grateful loaner.
When I had a horse on loan recently he came with a saddle that didn't fit. I bought my own quality make but second hand that was professionally fitted to him, when he went back I sold the saddle for only a few £'s less than I bought it for.
I knew his owner might want him back at any point but I wasn't prepared to ride in a saddle that didn't fit and the approach above worked for everyone.
Years ago I had a horse on loan that came with a headcollar only. I also fully kitted him out, fell in love and had him longer than the 'owner' (who visited him twice in 10 years).
Agree with this and other answers.You just need to say I am really sorry it looks like there has been a misunderstanding regarding the terms of the loan and I do not think that this is going to work
When I had a horse on loan recently he came with a saddle that didn't fit. I bought my own quality make but second hand that was professionally fitted to him, when he went back I sold the saddle for only a few £'s less than I bought it for.
I knew his owner might want him back at any point but I wasn't prepared to ride in a saddle that didn't fit and the approach above worked for everyone.
Years ago I had a horse on loan that came with a headcollar only. I also fully kitted him out, fell in love and had him longer than the 'owner' (who visited him twice in 10 years).
When you loan a horse out to someone you loan it out to them on your terms which have explained to the loaner and have been agreed (in writing) . Yes, there might be a bit of negotiation and haggling, but stick to what works for you. When I have loaned out a horse I didn't loan out with a saddle as it is a high value item but I helped them source a saddle that fitted and I made the loaner aware of this from the outset. I also keep up with the insurance because a) I wanted to ensure that the horse remained insured, and b) if the horse were to die, I wanted the mortality payment.
Moving the goalposts before the loan has even really started sends out massive red flags, as does not communicating with you directly. Why talk to the YO? Are they afraid of you, avoiding you, or showing you a total lack of regard?
I'd be telling them very clearly that the horse is no longer available for loan. In today's market a loan horse is a valuable commodity, in fact if it is a smaller horse suitable for a very keen and wonderful teenager please let me know, I have a friend that is seeking a new friend for her daughter after the very sad loss of their last horse.
I wouldnt go ahead with the loan for the sole reason theyve had 3/4 months of you paying full livery at your yard to trial the horse - only to then want another 6 weeks trial when they move him to a new yard, as mother is unsure the girl will manage mucking out.
She’s quite happy to find time/energy to ride the horse, but not sure she’ll handle the day to day ground care? Thats concerning.
So, what are you going to do?This is what got me to they have had all that time to make a choice . They would have surly spoke about that when they first viewed him for loan about how to mange another . I don’t understand why the mother would let the child get attached and put the work in getting to know the horse for her to be not serious ?
This.So, what are you going to do?
OP, don't overthink this as to why or wherefore. Stop the loan. Consider it as a lucky escape.