LOAN, GIFT, SELL? What agreements are needed?

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HappyHooves

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I have, after much soul searching, decided to part company with my horse. We have never really got on and his issues are beyond my nerves to resolve. He is strong, green, lacks confidence and needs re-schooling from someone more capable than I am. For many reasons I am reluctant to sell him as a project horse, and doubt that a short term loan would do the job and could merely increase his lack of confidence. He has already been away for schooling which turned out to be less than I had hoped for. I thought I had found a possible good home with all the right attributes but am now having doubts; their attitude has been that they would take him, not pay anything, and I presumed, let me know when they would collect. This has now gone on for longer than I think is polite or respectful to the fact that I am 'on hold' until they make a decision. I'm probably old school and believe that, if I am to get something for free, then I would at the very least phone and keep in touch and give an idea of whether or not I would collect next week or next month. I am also finding the thought of giving my horse away a difficult concept to grasp! What are the options of gifting or permanent loan? Is there a form of agreement for each, written somewhere, so that I can copy it and also compare the differences between the two? Or do I just give them his passport and wave the horse goodbye?
 
I would not give your horse away.
You will loose all control over his future and he could be passed around.
Finding a lon term loan would be better, although understanably people are warey of owners that want someone to fix their horse then take it back.

But there is someone out there, that could offer the right home.
Its just a case or looking hard enough and rooting out the chancers.

Why hasnt the schooling worked?
If you pay for a service, you should expect a result.
Even then you may not be suited to each other but you will be more likely to find someone who is suited to your horse.

Are you sure there is nothing phycially wrong with your horse?

Good luck, I hope you can sort something out.
 
I have given horses away and been given them (one just last week in fact!) It can work really well for both parties but you need to have a clear understanding of whether they're going to try to sell the horse on or whether it's a keeper. Obviously people's circumstances can change and therefore permanent homes are not guarenteed
 
I have just given away one of mine! super horse but too much for me. He went to a woman I have known for about 10 years. Just sent her his passport and a bill of sale saying free of charge and she has sent back a signed copy. I know that I have no control over what happens to Roo in the future now but I have found him a good home which is all you can realistically do.

But don't give away your horse to someone you don't know, would be my advice.
 
Thanks for the replies.. Kate, it isn't a problem of his health causing this but a real lack of self confidence in himself; he never had the right start. Default setting is turn and run or stand and quake. Ground work has helped but its like riding something that doesn't know you're there - rather disconcerting and a feeling I have never ever experienced before. The schooling didn't work because I think, at that time I thought he could be 'taught' to do things rather than do them because he was able and wanted to. He also hated being in a stable for so long and his general health suffered - I think he was deeply unhappy with it all! Although there are other types of schooling that would benefit him I know that I have lost confidence in us as a partnership. He deserves the right home and a new life. I just don't know the best way forward with that. Nothing will guarantee his future and I don't want to be seen as letting him go and wanting him back when someone has put all the effort in to changing him. But as you say, I don't want him passed around. Some form of contract, irrespective of a cash value, needs to be worked out. I think the BHS has a contract on their website - I'll look and see. But as Tobiano says, I wouldn't let him go to someone I don't know or who wouldn't be prepared to give him time to blossom. Fingers crossed - it'll be a sad goodbye as I still adore the lad!
 
You can write any contract you want but if you sell the horse or give it away you will have no say in what happens after that. If you loan then a contract is sensible but you'll likely have almost no luck enforcing it. Though with a loan you can take the horse back if you feel its not being adequately cared for. Good luck with whatever you decide.
 
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