Loan or no?

Clodagh

Clodagh

Rage, rage, against the dying of the light.
Joined
17 August 2005
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I have a 12 year old horse. I no longer ride - not his fault but I fell off my youngster 2 years ago and on top on waning confidence that was the final straw and he is now a field ornament. I am getting rid of him and small companion pony this autumn, I am so allergic to them but feel rotten if I take all the meds so I can touch them and hay, it used to be worth it but now I don't think it is.

So, do I just have him PTS or do I try to find a loan home?

His negatives: He did have bad hocks which were treated and he was then great but they did lead to sacro iliac problems when they were bad. All were cured when he was turned away but he now hasn't been ridden for nearly 2 years. He headshakes in winter and spring but is OK now (bizarre!) I never tried a nose net as it wasn't that bad, I think though it has got worse. He is not good in traffic on his own. He needs a quiet rider and handler, he isn't neurotic but doesn't like shouting and arm waving.

Positives: He is a lovely horse, really nice and easy to ride, has been well schooled in the past, is forward and light. Hacks on his own or in company (off road) and with my hacking style that means he crosses whatever bit of country you point him at.

I was speaking to a friend of a freind who was interested but they now ask if he can showjump competitively. I don't think he would cope with that, I had made it clear all along that he was a hack/fun ride/low level type horse. It has got me a bit down, he is a lovely boy. What do you think? Does anyone want a hacker who you can't hack on the roads?
 
Your problem is if you loan out what happens when he comes back?

Personally i would either sell or PTS is your last option.
 
If he comes back I would pts. I wouldn't sell him, he has been through a sink dealer in the past and doesn't deserve that again. Selling is not an option.
 
Ask around locally (not on FB) and perhaps put some ads up in the riding club newsletters. I think he would suit quite a few people and most people whose focus is on hacking tend to be at yards where there is decent off road riding.
 
Luci07 said:
Ask around locally (not on FB) and perhaps put some ads up in the riding club newsletters. I think he would suit quite a few people and most people whose focus is on hacking tend to be at yards where there is decent off road riding.
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Good ideas, thank you. I want him to go to someone at least known vaguely to me or a connecrtion so didn't want to advertise too much, I like your suggestions.
 
could you loan him from your yard? That way, the loaner has access to suitable hacking and you can keep a discreet eye on him to set your mind at rest about his care.
 
No, as then I would still have to look after him. I keep them at home so although I want him to go somewhere he will be cared for I don't want to see it happening! Thank you for the thought though.
 
there are loads of people looking for happy hackers and low level schooling that don't jump. I don't think you'd have too much difficulty finding a suitable loaner. You could always advertise via homes for horses where you can advertise really honestly. The only problem then is you may have to let him go to a total stranger. I'd advertise him via word of mouth initially and take it from there. Hopefully there will be someone looking that will keep him as you intend and locally enough for you to keep an eye on him.
 
spike123 said:
there are loads of people looking for happy hackers and low level schooling that don't jump. I don't think you'd have too much difficulty finding a suitable loaner.
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I agree with this too, I have a few friends who are looking for happy hackers to ride when kids are at school and keep kids company on hacks.
 
Yes, sorry FW I meant he has got until the start of winter here, no problem, but if I could find somewhere sooner that would be the way to go. If anyone was interested I would get him shod and up and riding as well, just to see how he coped. I would prefer a vague expression of interest first though as I will need to send him off to livery and the finances will be a push.
 
The problem is that most happy hackers will expect to ride on the roads, so that could prove to be a stumbling block. However, you won't know if somebody would be interested in loaning without trying, so I'd advertise as suggested, give yourself a time limit and if you can't find the right home then pts. It seems only fair to give him a chance. Well done for caring enough not to sell him on, at least you'll always have control over his future.
 
Perhaps on project horses? Or scour the wanted ads? That's how I've placed mine on loan and also how I got my old boy.
 
I agree the road thing could be an issue. I have been looking for a light hack and escort for my kids ponies but I would not take anything not good on roads.
 
Find tack stores/feed stores near huge off road areas eg national parks, forest, moorland and advertise him there so someone local to the area sees the ad? He sounds perfect for someone who doesn't need to hack on the road.
 
Sugar_and_Spice said:
Find tack stores/feed stores near huge off road areas eg national parks, forest, moorland and advertise him there so someone local to the area sees the ad? He sounds perfect for someone who doesn't need to hack on the road.
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Not much of that in Essex though. I can't let him go too far away that he can't be checked on.
 
Hi, I'm an experienced ex groom and have just got a horse on loan. I found that whilst I was looking around many people selling a horse wanted a competitive home and all I want is a happy easy keep hack! In your situation I could see a potential loanee being concerned about vet fees but you may feel you could offer to cover some vet costs if that was the case. I'd also consider horses4homes website especially for horses who aren't very saleable and owners who want to do the right thing for their horse. I also bought many years ago a ex event mare who was going to be shot, I persuaded the owner to let me buy her as the hunt servant came up the yard to dispatch her. Her owner believed nobody would want a horse with navicular, nor a horse of her type as just a hack. I enjoyed her for several years, taught a couple of friends to ride and rehomed her as a broodmare as she kept rounding up lambs to look after! All the best.
 
cowgirl1969 said:
Hi, I'm an experienced ex groom and have just got a horse on loan. I found that whilst I was looking around many people selling a horse wanted a competitive home and all I want is a happy easy keep hack! In your situation I could see a potential loanee being concerned about vet fees but you may feel you could offer to cover some vet costs if that was the case. I'd also consider horses4homes website especially for horses who aren't very saleable and owners who want to do the right thing for their horse. I also bought many years ago a ex event mare who was going to be shot, I persuaded the owner to let me buy her as the hunt servant came up the yard to dispatch her. Her owner believed nobody would want a horse with navicular, nor a horse of her type as just a hack. I enjoyed her for several years, taught a couple of friends to ride and rehomed her as a broodmare as she kept rounding up lambs to look after! All the best.
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Thank you for that. :-)
 
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