Loan pony situation

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muddipony

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16 January 2012
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I am more of a lurker than a poster, and I know this topic has come up in various guises before now, but I could really use some advice on this as I don't want to ruin a friendship, and am prone to over-reacting where my horses are concerned!

I put one of my horses out on loan last year to a friend's teenage daughter, when my circumstances made my time tight, and he was already being ridden by this girl a few times a week and getting on very well. It just made perfect sense at the time, as it left me with more time for my other horses, and to sort out my personal issues, and she was already getting on with him, quirks and all, and was looking for a horse 'full-time'.

It has been working well for me, but our 12 month agreement is almost up, and I don't really know how to broach the subject with my friend (girls mother). I don't see them as much as I used to, and although I go to the yard every 2/3 weeks to see my boy (and he's a bit grumpy/stroppy but ok), they're not returning my calls/texts very regularly, and I'm starting to get concerned.

One of the reasons they had him is because the girl had a lot more time than me to ride him, and I didn't want to waste him (he's only 11 and very talented), but they've not actually ridden him for at least 4 months now, and have complained that they can no longer load him (used to box anywhere/on anything), and he was getting naughty to hack out ( I've had him since a baby, backed him myself and done every season hunting on him until this one, so not normally a problem lad).

How do you think I should approach the situation??
 
It sounds relatively simple (based on just the info above) if they have not ridden him for 4 months, give them a call (or go round if you can) and say that as the years loan agreement is up and they don't seem to be riding that you'll be ending the loan and taking the horse back. It doesn't sound like they will miss him much so I doubt you'll have much further to discuss and they may well be happy that he's off their hands.

You can then ride him a little yourself, practice loading a little and pop him out on loan again to someone who is keen - spring is coming so people will be looking for loan horses.

I'd guess not that uncommon for teenagers to grow out of horses as exams, boys etc. become more important.
 
It's coming upto a year so just call and repeat that its time for a catch up! Do you want him back? Sounds like you are not sure of how they are managing him?
 
Yes I'd love to have him back! My situation is much more settled now and I do miss him.

I know I'd fix the loading problem, as I've loaded him for them a couple of times last year when the problems started for them, and he'll go anywhere for me.

I guess I'm most worried about upsetting the girl - I had a loan pony taken off me after the first year when I was a teenager, and it broke my heart. Although she's not riding him, she does adore him. ( he's an adorable chap :) )

I am a little concerned about a few things though; His bad behaviour out hacking - totally out of character for him; His grumpy attitude on the floor; Lack of ridden work; and a couple of relatively minor injuries which didn't have the vet for a few days as they weren't noticed by them for a few days. No real harm done, but a little concerning none the less. But I don't want to over-react and ruin my friendship with them.
 
Could you just say as your situation is now more settled and you have more time and the loan period is coming to an end, you would really like him back as you have missed him. No need to mention any of your concerns in that case and you will have him home again. You could always offer them the option of coming to visit/ride him now and again if you feel thats appproriate?


Good luck x
 
Please take him back.
My pony has been out on loan several times, once however ended badly.
Similar situation, he had been being ridden by a girl on the yard, we were moving yards, and they wanted to keep him, so he stayed with them.
All was well for over a year, then the mother was getting divorced, and they weren't riding him much, and he ended up with lami. They were similar, they stopped answering messages, and had been friends, so I left him where he was, and have regretted it ever since.
To add, he is out on loan succesfully now, but both mother and daughter message me lots.
Go with your gut.
 
rather than a full time loan why not offer a day loan at your yard that way you can give them an option she might decide that its not for her any more. not good to have a field ornament
 
Yes, echo the others - I'd just say you want to confirm the loan will end on X date at the end of the twelve months as agreed, but would she like to come and share / ride him a couple of days a week at your yard? If she does come (which she probably won't if she's stopped riding him) you can keep an eye on it to nip any more bad habits developing, and she'll get back any confidence she might have lost with his changed behaviour. I wouldn't even phrase it as "I'd like to end the loan", more that "the loan period's ending as we always said, but I'd love to keep you involved".
 
Thank you every one, I don't know why I cannot see it so simply myself, but I get a bit emotional about my boy :rolleyes:

I have managed to get hold of them this afternoon, and will be meeting up with them to have a chat on Thursday :)
 
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