How do you view a loan horse??

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So excited! Going to see a slightly cheeky little gelding tomorrow! The owners sent me a photo and although he isn't fat, he probs. needs some more exercise .

Do they ride him first? Do i give him a quick ride then take him on a 10 min hack? Does this sound reasonable and is there anthing else i should do?

One other thing, i weight 7 stone and i've been told he is 13.1, would he be able to carry me okay??
 
First of all size - you will be fine on a 13.1.

As to viewing - NEVER get on a horse or pony until you have seen it ridden. So view him in the same way you would a horse you were going to buy. Ask to see him ridden at all paces in the arena and popped over a jump if that's somethign you will want to do. Then have a ride yourself and make sure you feel confident at walk before moving to trot etc.

Before all of this though, have a look at him in the daylight and check his legs etc. Tack him up yourself too.

If all goes well in the arena then ask if you can take him up the road and back. Try to see some traffic.

Good luck - hope you get on ok - and don't forget to get an agreement in place - BHS website do a good one which you can tailor to meet your needs.
 
I would be wanting them to ride first i would be watching very carefully on how they ride and how the horse (pony in this case) moves and works.
Then i would be riding it in all 3 paces on both reins and wanting to go on a hack.

Would also be feeling for any lumps and bumps or anything suspicious...dont let them hurry you up, take you time.

And yes you will be fine! your a tiny thing
 
I have a few horses out on loan at the moment, i normally leave the horse in the field till the prospective loanee turns up so they can see the horse caught and lead in from the field (e.g handling from ground and leaving its fields mates), then groom and tack up, this way i see if the loanee is will to help, some stand looking gormless when you groom other are willing to start the other side (the latters ones i like) this way they get to see the horse and can have a good check over.
Then down to menage, i will ride horse in all 3 paces and pop over a jump, and then ask the loanee if they want a go.
I try to keep it simple but involve the potential loanee with everything so they can see a good all round view of the horse, and its not already stabled and tacked up.
Well now you can see it from the loaners point of view.
Hope that has helped in some way
 
I'm with Miss_Bird. I want the right loaner for my horse.

If you are interested, I would also add have a really good chat with the owner about why they are loaning, what they are looking for and what ideally they would like to happen and how much on-going involvement they want with the horse. Also be honest about why you are loaning not buying and what you are looking for out of the partnership with the horse, etc, etc.

Good luck.
 
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