How much would I need to pay someone to exercise and compete a pony?

[Rainbowrider]

I have just backed a friends 14hh pony for her, and now we are thinking of finding a rider for him at least for the summer, maybe longer to ride and school him on, and start some jumping. We would also want to take them to shows, with us, and work up to doing some county level working hunter pony classes, and ridden M&M (section C) classes.

His owner would not be asking for any money and she would be doing all the work apart from riding, (unless the rider wanted to help!)

How much is reasonable to pay for a rider, and do you think we should pay them to compete?

 

[tasteofchristmaschaos]

I think most people would love to be able to compete a pony - maybe those that can't afford their own or don't have time for their own. Or even their own horse doesn't like competitions!
I don't think you should 'pay' them (there are enough good riders out there who would love to do it for free without you paying them) - transport them to the shows for free yes and if you think they are a particually good rider and they want more then pay their entry fees for classes, but nothing more.

 

[Ezme]

I think you'd find enough people to have some choice without a salery, some expenses might be a nice gesture if you really want to campaign the pony over summer though

 

[L00bey]

I ride Rupert for someone (now a very good friend) I wouldnt dream of asking for any money, he is on full livery so o jobs need doing and she pays for his upkeep and competition fees-which I try to contribute to as much as a) she will let me and b) as much as I can afford, I also am doing county workers and will be starting BE soon. I consider myself incredibly lucky and am exceptionally grateful. I try my hardest to bring Rupert on to the best of my ability and help out with the horses she keeps at home. Afterall if it wasnt for her I wouldnt have the oppurtunity to ride at the level I do as I could not afford to buy (or probably keep) a horse like Rupert. Hope this helps, there will be loads of willing and competent jockeys out there searching for a pony like this, I know if I was small enough I would have leapt at the opportunity.

 

[krissi]

The on thing that I you need to take into concideration is that if you are paying them then they are clased as an employee and you are therefore legaly obliged to have Employers liability insurance!

 

[magicgirl]

Sorry but if the pony is 14hh it is a D not a C

 

[Annette4]

I ride for my friend and she helps me with petrol (although I'm jobless and she wants someone to ride with which is why). Once I'm working I won't have anything at all...and I'd expect you'll find plenty of people who'd jump at the chance to ride/compete for you without being paid...I would!

 

[LauraWinter]

can it be a section C if its 14hh??

 

[Ezme]

[ QUOTE ]

can it be a section C if its 14hh??

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep, breed standard, any welsh over 13.2 is in Section D of the Studbook

 

[jrp204]

I suppose it depends on what you want, if you want a jockey capable of competing at county level, bsja or BE you should be prepared to pay a bit for their time. My daughter was paid £10 a time to school and compete a pony at bsja, she has her own horse so didn't need to do it for fun, she's 14.

 

[nickslynn]

Dont think you need to pay for a rider if they are doing it for fun/experiance. If only I could lose 2 stone I would jump at the chance, althou I havent ridden seriously for about 7 years I used to show my old fell at county level!

 

[Rainbowrider]

Everyone - Thanks for all the replies, I hadn't thought of it as an employee, and am not planning on getting insurance until I have liveries.
From what most of you have said, it sounds like we can look for a rider, and go along the lines of them riding, us doing everything else with no money involved. Keep it simple.
Think I will ask around, and put a postcard up in the local feed store and go from there.

 

[Rainbowrider]

magicgirl - if I really need to explain, he is reg as a C, and we are going to transfer him to a D as he is over height, and looks more like a D anyway. You can do this with a measurement from the vets, and send it off to be transferred.