Loan:Am I ready?

[Diana2008]

Hi Everyone,
My name is Diana and I am 15 years old.
I am interested in starting a loan not now but next year. I want to get my GCSE exams out of the way so that then I can commit my time properly to a loan horse. Plus I will be 16 so I am guessing that more options will be open to me since I do understand that not many people would like to loan their horse out to a minor.
So let me tell you a bit about myself.
I am horse obsessed and well lets say that they are a very important part of my life. I haven't been around them for ages(only a year).However my instructor has told me that I have progressed really well and its time for me to start considering doing a loan. I don't want to sound like Im bragging however my seat it really good and I have gotten to the highest stage I possibly could at my stables since they don't do jumping.They only do dressage which is something I have been focusing on in the past couple of months.(I can walk , trot, canter with stirrups and without)

Now on to my stable management part. I have been a volunteer at a yard where they pretty much don't really mind that Im a volunteer and they treat you as a normal worker. I groom, do haynets and feeds every day, tack up and untack pick out hooves. Bring horses in at morning time at around 8:30 and turn them out at the end of the day. I know how ro put on Rugs etc.
I also have had the lucky experience of being able to teach a couple children in lessons in one part of the RS. Since i am one of the older people there they sometimes leave me in charge of the yard when no one else is there..

Please help me?
Do you think im ready for a loan in September?

 

[Landcruiser]

Hi Everyone,
My name is Diana and I am 15 years old.
I am interested in starting a loan not now but next year. I want to get my GCSE exams out of the way so that then I can commit my time properly to a loan horse. Plus I will be 16 so I am guessing that more options will be open to me since I do understand that not many people would like to loan their horse out to a minor.
So let me tell you a bit about myself.
I am horse obsessed and well lets say that they are a very important part of my life. I haven't been around them for ages(only a year).However my instructor has told me that I have progressed really well and its time for me to start considering doing a loan. I don't want to sound like Im bragging however my seat it really good and I have gotten to the highest stage I possibly could at my stables since they don't do jumping.They only do dressage which is something I have been focusing on in the past couple of months.(I can walk , trot, canter with stirrups and without)

Now on to my stable management part. I have been a volunteer at a yard where they pretty much don't really mind that Im a volunteer and they treat you as a normal worker. I groom, do haynets and feeds every day, tack up and untack pick out hooves. Bring horses in at morning time at around 8:30 and turn them out at the end of the day. I know how ro put on Rugs etc.
I also have had the lucky experience of being able to teach a couple children in lessons in one part of the RS. Since i am one of the older people there they sometimes leave me in charge of the yard when no one else is there..

Please help me?
Do you think im ready for a loan in September?

Firstly, do you have finances in place? Do you have parental/adult back up? Have you looked into the costs involved, even with a loan horse? What if the horse became unwell, or long term lame? Injured whilst in your care?

Secondly - where would the horse be kept? You are very inexperienced - would you spot early signs of colic? A subtle lameness? A horse being "off" for non specific reasons? Would the horse be kept at a good yard with experienced staff, who are willing to take the time to mentor you and share their experience?

Thirdly - from where would you loan the horse? Have you thought about a contract (essential), and who would be responsible for paying what? Notice period?

I'm sure there are other questions and I'm sure you have already considered them OP - but with the limited information you have given, only you can decide if you are ready. The forum can answer specific questions and give advice but that's all.

 

[muddybay]

Do you mean a share?

 

[Diana2008]

Do you mean a share?

Well yes either part loan or share.
Sorry i didn't make it clear

 

[Diana2008]

Firstly, do you have finances in place? Do you have parental/adult back up? Have you looked into the costs involved, even with a loan horse? What if the horse became unwell, or long term lame? Injured whilst in your care?

Secondly - where would the horse be kept? You are very inexperienced - would you spot early signs of colic? A subtle lameness? A horse being "off" for non specific reasons? Would the horse be kept at a good yard with experienced staff, who are willing to take the time to mentor you and share their experience?

Thirdly - from where would you loan the horse? Have you thought about a contract (essential), and who would be responsible for paying what? Notice period?

I'm sure there are other questions and I'm sure you have already considered them OP - but with the limited information you have given, only you can decide if you are ready. The forum can answer specific questions and give advice but that's all.

Im sorry I was not specific enough.
I meant a part loan or share where I would be in charge of the horse for maybe 2/3 days a week. My parents would be paying for it and i would be helping them of course

 

[teddy_]

Reading your post OP, I think you would be better placed to look to attend a riding school that can offer access to schoolmasters and things like jumping lessons.

As Landcruiser has said, there is just so much more to loaning a horse than simply being confident in a riding school environment.

Another option could be that you look for a two or three day a week share of an experienced horse with an owner who's happy for you to A. continue having lessons on said horse and B. step in where necessary to support you and your learning.

 

[Diana2008]

Firstly, do you have finances in place? Do you have parental/adult back up? Have you looked into the costs involved, even with a loan horse? What if the horse became unwell, or long term lame? Injured whilst in your care?

Secondly - where would the horse be kept? You are very inexperienced - would you spot early signs of colic? A subtle lameness? A horse being "off" for non specific reasons? Would the horse be kept at a good yard with experienced staff, who are willing to take the time to mentor you and share their experience?

Thirdly - from where would you loan the horse? Have you thought about a contract (essential), and who would be responsible for paying what? Notice period?

I'm sure there are other questions and I'm sure you have already considered them OP - but with the limited information you have given, only you can decide if you are ready. The forum can answer specific questions and give advice but that's all.

Also I have been taught how to spot lameness and small issues that could indicate something is wrong

 

[Diana2008]

Reading your post OP, I think you would be better placed to look to attend a riding school that can offer access to schoolmasters and things like jumping lessons.

As Landcruiser has said, there is just so much more to loaning a horse than simply being confident in a riding school environment.

Another option could be that you look for a two or three day a week share of an experienced horse with an owner who's happy for you to A. continue having lessons on said horse and B. step in where necessary to support you and your learning.

Yes I am really sorry i didn't nean a full loan I meant a share or Part loan for 2/3 days. I am well aware that I am no where near experienced however I have ridden a wide variety of horses. I have ridden 4 year olds who had just started being ridden. The only problem i do have is that there are no other riding schools near me that do teach lessons. Jumping especially.

 

[teddy_]

Yes I am really sorry i didn't nean a full loan I meant a share or Part loan for 2/3 days. I am well aware that I am no where near experienced however I have ridden a wide variety of horses. I have ridden 4 year olds who had just started being ridden. The only problem i do have is that there are no other riding schools near me that do teach lessons. Jumping especially.

I think part loaning and sharing would be fine, provided everyone is on the same page and you have adequate support from your parents - as even two or three days a week from no where is a big commitment in time . Just make sure you look for a horse that has proven to be safe and continue to have lessons with a suitably qualified instructor.

 

[ihatework]

You sound really keen and enthusiastic which is great - but in all honesty you are barely more than a beginner. Not a problem as we all start somewhere but you are at the beginning of your riding journey.

As to whether you are ready for a part loan / share …. Maybe, but you will have a limited pool of suitable horses (and owners). I’d say for now, volunteer your time as much as possible at both the riding school (and possibly paid work at local livery yards - they might be a future ‘in’ for shares). Get yourself some good schoolmaster lessons, including jumping and hacking, at a good riding school plus horse care courses.

Good luck!

 

[Diana2008]

You sound really keen and enthusiastic which is great - but in all honesty you are barely more than a beginner. Not a problem as we all start somewhere but you are at the beginning of your riding journey.

As to whether you are ready for a part loan / share …. Maybe, but you will have a limited pool of suitable horses (and owners). I’d say for now, volunteer your time as much as possible at both the riding school (and possibly paid work at local livery yards - they might be a future ‘in’ for shares). Get yourself some good schoolmaster lessons, including jumping and hacking, at a good riding school plus horse care courses.

Good luck!

Thank you very much for your advice!

 

[Spotherisk]

OP just checking, have you hacked much? And is that something you want to do - horses can get very stale if they’re just schooled.

Otherwise, enjoy your horse time and I hope you get the perfect share!

 

[toppedoff]

What about a share at a riding school? I know some do it and you get more riding time throughout the week but of course more £££ and commitment

 

[Arzada]

Since i am one of the older people there they sometimes leave me in charge of the yard when no one else is there..

It's wonderful that you are so keen and that you're gaining knowledge and practical experience. I have no wish to rain on your parade but there are some very important things to be aware of. I'm mentioning them in case you haven't considered them.

I'm amazed that a 15yo is left in sole charge of a yard which isn't theirs.

• You are a relative novice and in no way ready to deal with emergencies single handed
• I imagine that there are insurance implications. Are you third party insured for this role?
• Do your parents know that you are in sole charge? And the possible ramifications if you're not insured

 

[Diana2008]

OP just checking, have you hacked much? And is that something you want to do - horses can get very stale if they’re just schooled.

Otherwise, enjoy your horse time and I hope you get the perfect share!

Hi yes i have hacked out in walk trot canter and it certainly is something i am looking forward too doing

 

[Diana2008]

What about a share at a riding school? I know some do it and you get more riding time throughout the week but of course more £££ and commitment

I have looked for that since that was what i initially wanted to do however there aren't any near me that do that. Closest one is abt 1 hour and a bit away

 

[Diana2008]

It's wonderful that you are so keen and that you're gaining knowledge and practical experience. I have no wish to rain on your parade but there are some very important things to be aware of. I'm mentioning them in case you haven't considered them.

I'm amazed that a 15yo is left in sole charge of a yard which isn't theirs.

• You are a relative novice and in no way ready to deal with emergencies single handed
• I imagine that there are insurance implications. Are you third party insured for this role?
• Do your parents know that you are in sole charge? And the possible ramifications if you're not insured

Im sorry for the misunderstanding, by that I meant that i am sometimes left in charge of the yard for about 45 mins whilst the yard manager may be riding in a lesson. The shool beeing right in the centre of the yard

 

[Wishfilly]

Please don't feel that you have to answer this, but at 15, are you relatively light weight?

If you are relatively petite, it may be a possibility to find someone who has an outgrown pony or a pony that no longer has a job, who would be keen to have someone to help exercise the pony and be happy to support you on the yard and help you develop your skills further.

Given your level of experience and your age, I would be wary of leaving you on the yard on your own, or you riding on your own- but when I was a teenager I was lucky enough to be able to ride a friend's outgrown pony, and then ended up getting a lot of opportunities to share/loan from there.

Unless you have no plans to jump, I would look at finding a riding school where you can learn to jump, because I don't think there are that many people who would be willing to let you learn to jump on their ponies, for lots of different reasons. I'd also add that it's great to keep riding different horses, especially when you are first learning! Otherwise you can get very used to a particular horse/pony's way of going and it can be hard to ride others!

If you're sharing, you'll need your own insurance- legally if you are "in charge" of a horse or pony and it causes damage/an accident you can be liable. You could get this through pony club or BHS membership.

Also, what are your plans after you finish your GCSEs? Obviously you'll have the long summer, but then I guess you will start sixth form or college, and you may find yourself even busier than now!

 

[Diana2008]

Please don't feel that you have to answer this, but at 15, are you relatively light weight?

If you are relatively petite, it may be a possibility to find someone who has an outgrown pony or a pony that no longer has a job, who would be keen to have someone to help exercise the pony and be happy to support you on the yard and help you develop your skills further.

Given your level of experience and your age, I would be wary of leaving you on the yard on your own, or you riding on your own- but when I was a teenager I was lucky enough to be able to ride a friend's outgrown pony, and then ended up getting a lot of opportunities to share/loan from there.

Unless you have no plans to jump, I would look at finding a riding school where you can learn to jump, because I don't think there are that many people who would be willing to let you learn to jump on their ponies, for lots of different reasons. I'd also add that it's great to keep riding different horses, especially when you are first learning! Otherwise you can get very used to a particular horse/pony's way of going and it can be hard to ride others!

If you're sharing, you'll need your own insurance- legally if you are "in charge" of a horse or pony and it causes damage/an accident you can be liable. You could get this through pony club or BHS membership.

Also, what are your plans after you finish your GCSEs? Obviously you'll have the long summer, but then I guess you will start sixth form or college, and you may find yourself even busier than now!

I mean i am very short(about 160 cm) and yes i was thinking about the whole outgrown pony thing. I weigh about 50kg and i have ridden 13.2 hh ponies before with no problem.
I am looking for someone who is willing to assist me further in my riding and general stuff for a while until i get used to things. I also want to focus more on dressage and want to get a private instructor to help out. I know about the BHS insurance and i do already have it.

 

[Wishfilly]

I mean i am very short(about 160 cm) and yes i was thinking about the whole outgrown pony thing. I weigh about 50kg and i have ridden 13.2 hh ponies before with no problem.
I am looking for someone who is willing to assist me further in my riding and general stuff for a while until i get used to things. I also want to focus more on dressage and want to get a private instructor to help out. I know about the BHS insurance and i do already have it.

The thing you need to be aware of is that a lot of people (not all) looking for a sharer are looking for one due to lack of time. I think it would be great if you could find someone with multiple horses/ponies who need work and is happy to be around/show you things as you learn the ropes. It isn't easy to find, but it is out there- especially if you are happy to ride smallish ponies.

I think it's better to be patient and find a really suitable share than rush into something and end up in a situation that damages your confidence or leads to you getting hurt, as well.

 

[Diana2008]

The thing you need to be aware of is that a lot of people (not all) looking for a sharer are looking for one due to lack of time. I think it would be great if you could find someone with multiple horses/ponies who need work and is happy to be around/show you things as you learn the ropes. It isn't easy to find, but it is out there- especially if you are happy to ride smallish ponies.

I think it's better to be patient and find a really suitable share than rush into something and end up in a situation that damages your confidence or leads to you getting hurt, as well.

Thank you so much for your advice.
That is why in my OP I did say i am looking for getting one in September next year because I really want my riding to improve as well as my experience and I also may move stables to improve my riding and start jumping. I certainly don't want to rush into things to knock down my confidence and get hurt because i worked so hard to get where i am now and quite frankly i don't wanna let all that go to waste because I rushed into something i wasn't ready for.

 

[ycbm]

Thank you so much for your advice.
That is why in my OP I did say i am looking for getting one in September next year because I really want my riding to improve as well as my experience and I also may move stables to improve my riding and start jumping. I certainly don't want to rush into things to knock down my confidence and get hurt because i worked so hard to get where i am now and quite frankly i don't wanna let all that go to waste because I rushed into something i wasn't ready for.

You're the smartest 15 year old we've ever had join the forum. Stick around, you'll be a credit.


.

 

[Diana2008]

You're the smartest 15 year old we've ever had join the forum. Stick around, you'll be a credit.


.

Thank you so so much. That is so kind its actually made my day❤

 

[MissTyc]

This is pretty much how every child on my yard learned to ride. Turned up, started helping out, maybe ride one day per week out with a little group, progress to more responsibilities, etc ... You can but try. It's not a one way decision, you just need to find the right owner on the right yard. I have a young horse who benefits from having another horse out on hacks .. and also a super solid older horse. I often let others ride him, just so I get the benefit of his confidence giving.

 

[ihatework]

What general area in the country are you? Maybe someone could offer suggestions

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

It's wonderful that you are so keen and that you're gaining knowledge and practical experience. I have no wish to rain on your parade but there are some very important things to be aware of. I'm mentioning them in case you haven't considered them.

I'm amazed that a 15yo is left in sole charge of a yard which isn't theirs.

• You are a relative novice and in no way ready to deal with emergencies single handed
• I imagine that there are insurance implications. Are you third party insured for this role?
• Do your parents know that you are in sole charge? And the possible ramifications if you're not insured

Fortunately for Diana, as she is a minor, there would be no ramifications for her, the RS would have to cover any and all financial implications of a lack of proper insurance.

 

[Diana2008]

What general area in the country are you? Maybe someone could offer suggestions

Around Harrow(which is in London)

 

[Diana2008]

This is pretty much how every child on my yard learned to ride. Turned up, started helping out, maybe ride one day per week out with a little group, progress to more responsibilities, etc ... You can but try. It's not a one way decision, you just need to find the right owner on the right yard. I have a young horse who benefits from having another horse out on hacks .. and also a super solid older horse. I often let others ride him, just so I get the benefit of his confidence giving.

Thank you very much for sharing that

 

[Skib]

To be honest I would not look for a loan after just one year of riding. It is tempting because sharing lowers the cost per ride. And also because it is ideal to build up a relationship with one particular horse.
But in ones second year of learning to ride, one needs to further one's education, and this means riding several different horses.
At the leading BHS school in our area, I rode 5 horses in my first year. I then moved to another RS and in my second year I rode a further 5 horses there.
I list all the horses I ride (including trail rides in USA) and it now comes to 101. I began to share and to ride the same horse when I had been riding for 8 years.

 

[Diana2008]

To be honest I would not look for a loan after just one year of riding. It is tempting because sharing lowers the cost per ride. And also because it is ideal to build up a relationship with one particular horse.
But in ones second year of learning to ride, one needs to further one's education, and this means riding several different horses.
At the leading BHS school in our area, I rode 5 horses in my first year. I then moved to another RS and in my second year I rode a further 5 horses there.
I list all the horses I ride (including trail rides in USA) and it now comes to 101. I began to share and to ride the same horse when I had been riding for 8 years.

I understand what you are saying however that is not why i wanted a loan.i want a loan because I want to progress. I want a loan because it would give my parents an excuse to let me ride more. I dont mind the money nor the fact that I will only be riding one horse. I ofcourse want to build a strong relationship with a horse but at the same time I really want to progress. Everyones different to be fair and some people take longer to decide they want a loan some shorter