I've got a horse to ride...now, how much could I ask to do with him?

[Acolyte]

When I sold Josh I put a note up on the board at our yard asking if anyone wanted a share/part loan arrangement - amazingly, I have been offered something better than that

There is a lady who keeps her horse on full livery at our yard, who hardly ever can get to the yard to ride (she has 3 sons under the age of 10!) I didn't actually realise she was paying someone to ride her horse (its not included in the livery) but she has now asked me to ride him - so I get free riding (without mucking out etc

) and she doesnt have to pay anyone

Obviously it is really early days yet, and I wouldnt dream of asking anything for a while, but how much do you think I could ask to do with him? She just hunts occasionally over the winter and hacks/has lessons very occasionally, but I was wondering if I could ask to do the odd hunter trial with him outside the hunting season, or even do a couple of BE events on a day ticket if he and I get on? Is this pushing it too far, or should I just play it by ear?

No comments from you please Bounty

, yes I know I said I never wanted to event again if I didn't have Josh

 

[Bounty]

*says.absolutely.nothing*

 

[cpendle]

Well I'd give it a couple of months before you asked to do anything - otherwise it sounds a bit presumptuous.

I think then you could ask, if you and the horse are getting on well. But I'd do it all quite gradually.

 

[SpottedCat]

I'd ask once you have the relationship with her established - after all she can only say no!

I didn't realise you'd had to sell Josh, what a shame

 

[_April_]

Build it up gradually and see what happens!

That's what I did with April. Was a happy hacker for a while then started getting lessons and going to small RC events. Now I pay for her shoes and vaccs and I take her everywhere and anywhere

Suits everyone as her owners ride Western and April is so much happier parading around at competitions and showing off lol.

Have fun xx

 

[Acolyte]

Yes, it was simply due to lack of money (why is there no crying icon on H&H?!!!) - I loved him to bits, and he was a total dream to event

I think I will leave it a few months, then ask - I am not sure how well Archie jumps even, I know he hunts a fair bit and has done some hunter trials before, but with all due respect his owner is not the most confident rider (not that I am of course!) so I don't think she has done that much with him

 

[Acolyte]

Yes, that is what I wanted to avoid, being presumptious - mind you, his owner obviously knows how I ride, and what I did with my own horse, so she might even be expecting it

 

[Acolyte]

Well done, that was very restrained of you

I know, I know, I am awful

- doesnt mean I dont wish I still had Josh though

 

[tricksibell85]

I was in the same situation a year ago - think it takes awhile to build up the owners trust but now i am out doing xs, bsja and jumpx! Feel really lucky to be able to ride a horse and not have to pay for it!!

FYI can get a bit tricky sometimes as the owner is always right

 

[Acolyte]

Hmmm, my mum has already told me to make sure I keep my mouth shut and not to get too possessive over the horse

 

[tricksibell85]

its tricky - i am very attached to the horse i ride now!! not ridden him in 3 days due to work and cant wait to ride him later

 

[Natch]

Yep, put your head down to showing your committed and build a rapport with horse and owner, play it by ear and she might offer anyway. In a few months you could always find events advertised and ask owner if she'd like to go and offer yourself as groom (only if you are willing to!), especially preparing him for it etc. - then if she can't go or doesn't want to she might well offer the ride to you - win win!

 

[Acolyte]

Now that is a clever idea

- and I would be happy to groom for her, I will do that for anyone

- thanks for the tip!