How To...

[sasquatch]

As B is now sound again, and I've got used to my new school schedule it's about time I put him up for share/part loan.

However, having never done this before, I don't know what information to include (other than the standard age, height, contact details etc) and what sort of photos to put in.

I'm also not sure the best way to attract sharers, without getting those who can't ride/have their head in the cloud etc.
He's a horse who needs a rider who doesn't mind something forward, that can be very sharp/strong/quick to move off leg and isn't a happy hacker/slow horse at all.

Also, as he is a cob I'm a bit concerned I'll get the cob = plod brigade and the cob = safe as a house brigade, whilst he wouldn't buck or rear you do need your wits about you as he can be quite spooky and he's got a nasty trick where he likes to stop and send you over his shoulder (not in front of fences) which he uses to test all riders.

I'm also wondering what to do about saddles, I have a GP and a jump saddle and would it be reasonable that I ask sharer only uses the GP as the GP was bought with him, and the jump which is new and paid for by myself is only used by me?
I'd also not be keen on sharer using their own saddle as he is very very hard to fit saddles to, unless sharer was willing to get saddle adjusted to fit him. His 2 fitting saddles have had to be adjusted to fit him as he is a medium-wide with very big shoulders and hollows that make a saddle too tight on them.

So any help/tips/advice?

 

[soulfull]

It's always difficult to find the right words

Putting something very similar to what you've put here. I would also put something in the title like not a plod cob for share

He can be fast sharp and strong so only suitable for experienced rider

As for saddles. Perfectly acceptable to only allow them to use the GP. I would never allow someone to use their own saddle either

Your horse your rules

 

[sasquatch]

It's always difficult to find the right words

Putting something very similar to what you've put here. I would also put something in the title like not a plod cob for share

He can be fast sharp and strong so only suitable for experienced rider

As for saddles. Perfectly acceptable to only allow them to use the GP. I would never allow someone to use their own saddle either

Your horse your rules

Thank you! I don't want to scare people off, however I don't want someone who will do more harm than good.

As he's pretty well mannered and pretty vice free, he still needs a rider who knows what they're doing and is balanced in the saddle.

Also, just to add, what is the best way to turn down those under 15/16 without coming across as rude or just because they're 14 or under?

 

[Dusty85]

It is your horse, so your rules go.

I recently put an ad up as I wanted to find a horse to share over the winter. I did this on some of the local FB horsey sites, and was amazed how many responses I had. The good thing about FB is that you can vet the responses you get.

How about something along the lines of:

"Experienced adult Sharer wanted for cob. Well mannered and done most riding activities but can be forward/sharp/strong/cheeky so looking for someone who is experienced enough to manage him.
X days per week, to include/exclude contributions etc. To stay at current yard etc.. Private message please....."

 

[Millie Moo]

I would include everything you have written above too, hopefully being as honest as possible you won't get anyone coming to you who will waste your/their time. And emphasize that he needs an experienced and confident rider.

Also think it's fine for you to include '18+ only please' or something to that effect if that's what you want, I see this quite often in adverts.

I am a sharer and wouldn't have any issue at all with the owner telling me what saddle I could use.

Good luck

 

[hotair]

As others have said include his quirks but also make sure you put in what he does well for example hacks alone or in company, done all pc/riding club activities,ODEs etc, obviously all these may not apply but just include what he can and has done as well as highlighting his flaws and say something like please no complete novices needs a competant sharer, i am currently advertising and have included no under 18s so you could say please no under 16s? just be as honest as possible then this will hopefully give you the best chance of avoiding having unsuitable people contact you although it doesnt always work, ive had a good deal of time wasters who just havent read my ad but at least if you include as much info as poss you give yourself the best chance to avoid some contacting you! Good luck

 

[sasquatch]

Okay, so have a bit of a rough draft typed up - let me now what you think and if it sounds okay!

For share/part loan 2-3 days a week.
15hh dark bay 13 year old cob gelding.
Jumping a course of 80cm comfortably
No rearing/bucking/kicking however he can be sharp and strong and needs a confident rider - not a plod and not suitable for beginners/novice riders.
Excellent stable manners, however he is slightly headshy.
For share as I need more time with school work!
Price and further details to be discussed.

(and of course in the ad photos + my contact details would be added)

I'm thinking of charging £5 per day sharer has him, so if sharer only agrees to have him 2 days a week it would be £10 per week, not much but I would save up what I get from sharing him and it would go towards any tack repairs/replacements (eg worn reins over time, reflocking saddle, fixing or replacing any worn girths/straps etc)