Loaning out horses?

[Drum]

I have 3 elderly-ish (sound) horses living out - one is my brothers first horse and two are mine which I just don't have the time to ride as much as I would like. They are basically field ornaments at the moment! Thats not really a problem (its our own yard) but none of them are in their 'retirement' for a reason other than no rider. And they could do with some exercise now the grass is growing!

If I loaned them, they would have to stay at our yard so I would still look after them fully. I just don't know if its worth the hassle of having people on the yard?! Could I expect a contribution towards keep, as obviously there are no livery bills/feed etc.? They are just happy hacking type cobs but could be schooled/jumped/competed once fittened up and I think they could give the right person a lot of fun, maybe someone thinking of buying their first horse but wanting to 'try' it first?

Thoughts and experiences appreciated!

 

[horsey_jo]

Pop an ad on Preloved and see what enquiries you get.

If you dont want kids I would suggest you state over 18's only on your ad. I have always had millions of pre-teens respond to any ad if I didn't state an age limit on it. There is a young girl riding an older horse at my yard and she seems intent on trying to push her horse harder than the mares stage in life will allow! Kids can be so ambitious! (Not all of them though so I am not suggesting you rule them out completely)

I have always interviewed sharers first - anyone who cant tell me the symptoms of colic doesn't even get on... but I might be a bit strict! I like to feel that my sharers can look out for my horses - I dont want anyone who thinks it would be okay to ride if a shoe was loose etc.

I think your situation might be suited to some older riders; maybe a more mature lady/gent looking for a horse that goes at their speed in life a gentle hack with maybe a stop at the pub for a bit

I think they should almost certainly contribute towards keep. Your horses might still be shod - or need to be if brought back into work - and they still need insuring/vaccinating etc. I think around £15/20 per week is quite respectable. Someone near me is advertising £50pw!!! I think that is over-amibitious!!!

Make sure you get a contract in place though and make sure they get themselves rider insrance as your horse/yard insurance wont cover them.

This website has useful advice:
http://www.horsesharesuk.co.uk/pages/page/13/

Good luck I hope it proves to be the right choice for you and your horses

 

[Cuffey]

I have loaned ponies which have stayed at my yard.
Children were asked to join Pony Club and I took them to rallies etc
They paid minimal expenses but ponies were groomed and exercised, got presents of carrots and polos and were happier than just standing in the field as outgrown by my son.

It can be tying as you need to be around when they come to ride--may be different with adults but be sure they have 3rd party insurance or BHS membership

 

[azouria]

If you dont want kids I would suggest you state over 18's only on your ad.

Tempted to say maybe make it (sensible) over 16's, as when I was that age I spent so long looking for something to ride (was more than happy to put the time in/chores/contribution) but everything near was over 18s only!

But good luck in finding someone, i'm sure you'll find someone perfect (I would have loved that opportunity a few years ago!)