I've given up - I need a sharer

[treacle_beastie]

Last winter (my first of full time horse ownership) was easy and I was really motivated to ride in all weathers in the dark.

This year however, I hate it - I even started riding in the mornings before work to see if that made a difference but it doesnt get light enough now to make a difference.

Tonight was the final straw - horse is far to full of beans as has been back in work for 6 weeks but after last weeks ice I havent really been working her enough. I had to ride her tonight and it was horrid - rain, dark and windy - her worst combination - I managed 20 mins on a circle which got progressively smaller , the windier it got! Now I have to get up early in the morning to face it all again to ride/lunge her again to get rid of some the energy - and I dont want to.

I really could do with someone who can help me out in the week - do you reckon I will get someone who is happy to do weekdays only and pay half the costs? I dont expect them to do stable chores or anything - just ride.

 

[janet68]

I tried to get someone riding mine a couple of months ago,NO money or chores involved just riding and i still got messed around something chronic

 

[Tickles]

TBH a sharer doesn't have the same control over management of the horse as the owner so half of costs isn't really the right equation.

Having said that I did free school and ride my share horse today and I'm pretty sure owner wouldn't have fancied it in this weather and as livery yard were keeping them in he really appreciated it!

I pay a small amount (20pounds/week + half shoes) which is less than half his cost over winter but closer to that when he is out 24/7 in summer. 5 day livery in winter so I only muck out 1 day/week... and on bank holidays becasue I love him and we'd have to pay extra for that!

 

[the watcher]

I think you need to take a wider look at your options.

If you only allow riding during the week your sharer will not be able to compete or do fun rides. Is your horse safe for somebody else to hack out or will they be limited to riding in the school? That will be potentially quite boring.

Maybe you should be reviewing whether your yard offers the facilities you need during the week or whether a cheaper yard (if there is such a thing in your area) might work if it involved some exercising support from the YO during the week.