Loaning

[brightmount]

OK so we had my daughter's competition horse up for sale for about 3 or 4 weeks, and we had a few enquiries and viewings, but it all got very depressing as there was no hint of any kind of potential partnership. The horse is not a novice ride but is fantastic with the right rider. She can get wound up with heavy handed aggressive riders and we were seeing too much of this, as well as complete novices.

So my daughter, who is going to uni, had a change of heart that echoed what I was feeling, that we would rather loan this horse than sell her. Changing her ad resulted in a deluge of interest, like 35 enquiries in the first day, and it seems we are now spoilt for choice, which is quite a nice position to be in although it brings a new set of problems.

For example I know we're going to have to toughen up and not feel guilt about letting down young riders who want her but aren't suitable. Already we are in this position, and I was awake quite a lot of last night fretting about it! We are trying to arrange as many viewings as possible without messing people about.

One girl, lovely rider, hasn't quite found this horse's buttons but I think she would. But they would keep her on their own land with 3 geldings. This sounds like a recipe for disaster ... what do others think? The horse has been used to a small group of mares though she isn't very sociable, maybe she could cope with being fenced off on her own or might even like it?

And would it be best if she went to a livery yard where there were professional staff, and arrangements in place if the loaner went on holiday? Or am I being prejudiced towards those who keep horses on their own land?

I have a copy of the BHS loan agreement. Do owners ever take deposits from loaners in case of things going wrong? Sorry this is getting long, I would appreciate any advice.

 

[Nailed]

where are you based and how big is the horse, PM if you like.. Im horse hunting!

Lou x

 

[kombikids]

i wouldnt worry about keeping them at home- why not ask what arrangements she has in case she goes away? It would also probably mean that the daughter would see a lot more of the horse and they could build up a relationship quicker. A field next to the boys - certainly to start - sounds ok.

Why not ask to visit them first, if they are genuine they shouldnt mind.

Glad you have possibly found someone, shes a lovely girl, if only i was thinner/better at riding !!!!

 

[brightmount]

In Kent - a bit far, but at least I wouldn't have to worry about the farrier lol!

 

[0ldmare]

How difficult for you!

I dont think I would rule out the good rider just because of the 3 geldings and keeping the horse at home. Until recently I had a gelding, a mare and a hermaphrodite all sharing the same field and other than the gelding getting a bit amorous all was fine!

Also some years ago I kept my mare at a livery yard where they just lobbed all the horses in together so there was a very big field with maybe 7 geldings and 5 mares and they all got on fine (the mares ALWAYS ruled!

)

 

[Nailed]

bugger =o( Too far!! God i miss mucking out! AM I MAD!

Lou x

 

[NR99]

I would say don't worry about vetting potential owners ask all that you need to feel that you have covered every possible angle that you can. We have just found a fantastic loan horse, daughter seems to be getting on really well with him although very early days. The owner took her time in deciding as she had owned him for 9 years since he was 4 and he was still is her baby, we provided lots of references, showed her around the yard and introduced her to the other liveries and she has been over to him already to satisfy herself that she really has made the right decision and can see he is settled, not even had him a week but we have emailed/text every night to put her mind at rest. When she came yesterday she could see that he was a happy boy and she is now so relieved, especially as we are only a 1/2 hour drive away and she can pop by whenever she wants and will see him at the BE events we are both at. She has put a smile back on my daughters face following tough times with her own poorly boy!

Loaning is fine just take your time to satisfy yourself that you have the right owners!

Good luck xx

 

[Foxyeventing]

Ive just sent one on loan and dont worry about own yard or pro yard, some own yard people have far more experience than those pros on a yard.

Secondly i would advise an agreement was written up, stating that care etc is down to loanee, and he is to be insured from leaving your yard, and any accident etc or vet needed is their responcibility, i also stated that i kept the passport and was present at any veterinary or phisio, needed. We had a great relationship after i layed down the rules and every problem etc she called me to discuss. Hope this helps,
M

 

[brightmount]

Thanks, this is all very helpful. I don't feel so much like I'm being overprotective! I know loaning is a risk, but so is selling. At least we will still have some control over her welfare, she is a very special horse to us.

I don't think I will be able to keep the passport if the loaner is going to compete as presumably she will need it, as well as for the vet.

Is the loan agreement "legal" enough if it is just witnessed by an ordinary person or would it be better if there was a solicitor's involvement?

 

[Foxyeventing]

You can pay i think £60 ish for a solicitor to witness it, But it depends how far away your horse is going etc, im very very fussy about loaning as had some bad experiences, especially with teanagers over horsing themselves, and not calling for help when it was clearly needed.

I just advise you have a good relationship with the loanee so they feel they can ask for help or advise.

Then the partnership will be fab...

Hope this helps

 

[SnowandSunshine]

I wouldn't worry about someone wanting to keep a horse on their own land vs livery but I would worry about a mare and three geldings working.

I had my mare in with my 2 geldings and there was serious fighting to start with. My mare fell in love with the new boy and my other gelding was very jealous.

My mare couldn't cope with being on the other side of an electric fence on her own - she isn't 'sociable' either but she hates being on her own. I ended up putting one of the geldings on his own and very gradually they got used to each other. After about 2 months I was able to put them all out together but only when the new boy had accepted he was lower in the pecking order and my mare was no longer obsessed with him.

Tricky one - it could all be fine but I'd be a bit wary and introduce them one by one. You might find it gets worse when she's in season. Maybe they could seperate the geldings and put one in with your mare?

 

[brightmount]

Thanks alexe, my concerns exactly to be honest.

 

[ironhorse]

You mare might be fine penned off from the others as long as she can see them - my mare used to be in a small herd with mares but was always getting into trouble as she is very dominant and bossy.
At her last yard she was the only mare for a long time and was kept in an electric fenced pen with geldings around her, but not able to touch them. This worked very well and she was very settled. She's now at a yard with more mares, still individual turnout, and this works well.

 

[Hippona]

Our mare is not very social at all.....and she is kept quite happily with a group of 7 geldings......no problems at all, plenty of squirting and flirting when she is in season...but nothing nasty. Spose it depends on the animals themselves really.