Loaning ettiquette?

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Ziggy_

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I'm loaning my mare out, and have several people lined up to try her over the weekend. In my head, I've already got a few that are my favourites, so to speak. I'm kind of thinking of it as like a job interview - see everyone interested, and pick the one that I think is going to offer the best loan home.

However I'm new to loaning horses out and at the risk of sounding really stupid, is it OK to do this? And how would you approach letting people down?

Sorry ridiculous question I know but I'm worried
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Not rediculous at all, its a really major decision and you will be far happier if she is with someone you like.
I have loaned horses out twice- the first time i was careful and got lucky finding the most fantastic home the second i screwed up, i was too quick to choose and got it all very wrong so be careful and take all the time you need.
Remember a contract and remember to keep it renewed/up to date.
As for letting people down i guess just be really honest tell them more potential loaners are coming to meet you both.
Then could you say she just went amazingly for someone, or fib and say a friend decided to loan her. Good luck anyway.
Hope you find the perfect home for her xx
 
Just to add my 2 pence worth, PLEASE make sure you get a fairly comprehensive contract drawn up, and signed. I speak from the experience of putting my mare out on loan then having the nightmare of them refusing to give her back. I won't bore you with details and I certainly don't wish to alarm you but please make sure you get a contract. I believe the BHS site has a template you can alter to suit the situation.
 
I loaned my precious boy out last year. I had loads of replies, most of whom I knew would be unsuitable over the phone. Eventually I narrowed it down to two people, and made appointments for both to come and see him. However, one never turned up (how dedicated was that?!) but luckily the other was perfect. She came to see and ride him twice (on my insistence - she would have had him after only one ride) and then I went down to see her yard and facilities before deciding that she could have him. I drew up a contract based on the BHS one, along with an "owners manual" and list of all his tack etc that went with him. For the first few months I went about once a month to see him, and he and she are both very happy. I only go about every 2-3 months now that I'm happy, but we speak and email regularly. If potential loaners don't understand your concerns then they're not the right people for your horse. Good luck!
 
Some years ago I answered an advert for a pony on loan for my son and was told that the owner would be "selecting" if that is the right word. I had no problem with that as I truly feel that they had to be sure the pony was going to the right home.
If you are up front about it then I see no problem.
I also advise you to go and see where your horse is going to be kept BEFORE you make the final decision and of course as the others have said make sure you have a contract which is watertight and visit often and if you can unnanounced occasionaly.
PS we were lucky and were chosen for the pony and had years of enormous pleasure. It broke our hearts when my son grew out of him and we had to return him to the owner.
Good luck.
 
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