New loaner...numpty questions...

little_critter

little_critter

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I have posted on here previously saying I was pondering on loaning / buying a horse.
Well one of the grooms where I ride is trying to sell hers but hasn't had much interest, she asked me if I wanted to loan the horse just to help her out re. time and money (the horse would remain for sale). Nothing wrong with the horse as far as I know - seems to be a willing little mare, I guess it's just the market. I have ridden her once before and she's forward going but sane.
I'm thinking this sounds like an easy way for me to dip my toe in the water and see if I'm up to owning / loaning. It would be where I currently ride, the owner and lots of other helpful people I know would be on hand and I think it will be a fairly minimal charge (I've told the owner to think about what she wants ref money)

So... the point of this post (and the numpty bits) what questions should I be asking?
So far I have come up with: (I know some of these will sound totally daft but they're things I'll need to know)
What money does she want from me, what costs am I responsible for?
What happens if I have to work late/away (happens say one a quarter-ish)?
Are holidays a thing of the past?
What is the horses routine?
Is there anything I need to watch out for? (prone to lami / mud fever / bites you on the arse when you pick up feet)?
What can I /can't I do with her?
Buying feed / hay / bedding - do I do it or does she? Is there a yard order or do we get our own?
Do I have to be there for the farrier?
Where is tack kept?

Please let me know of anything else you think I should be asking / researching.

Also I don't currently have any type of insurance - I assume the owner will continue to insure the horse (I will check) but should I get some sort of 'rider only' insurance? does it exist?

Any comments or suggestions welcome - thanks for wading through my essay!
 
Hi

Normally a loaner is responsible for all costs except insurance, but with it just being till the horse is sold rather than for a year or something I would discuss what happens with routine vets e. vaccinations/teeth as you don't want a big bill then only have the horse for a fortnight....
Check out the BHS loaner agreement.
I share a horse and have rider insurance through NFU, never claimed sso not sure how good it is.

good luck
 
I loaned a pony out and all was well. The loaner paid for everything. However the pony became ill and I was not happy about the treatment from her vet and it became very unpleasant because she (the loaner) simply didn't understand that it was still my pony and that I wanted things done a certain way.

So I would discuss the "what if the mare becomes ill" thing, who makes the actual decisions. It was a horrible situation for both parties as the loaner felt she had got the vet and that should be enough, whereas I didn't share her blind faith!

Good luck, you are doing the right thing asking the questions beforehand.
 
Google BHS gold...if you become a member it includes insurance and is very reasonable. It sounds as if it'll be a part loan as she is still for sale so just find out exactly what the owner expects/would like you to do and take it from there. Make sure you have an agreement in place (again the BHS do a loan contract that you can use) so you both know where you stand and who pays for what. Good luck x
 
I have loaned a lot of horses in the past.

Personally, I would be wary about 'loaning' a horse that was up for sale. The horse can be sold overnight and you have gone from having a horse to ride/care/pay for, to nothing.

What if you had just paid £60 for a set of shoes and the horse sold the next week? You've wasted your money.

If I were you I would only be interested in paying a WEEKLY amount. No, vets fees, shoes, bedding, feed, dentist etc etc. If the horse is exclusively yours until she is sold expect to pay £40-£50 a week. If the owner is also wanting to ride I would expect to pay £25-£35 a week.

In your situation I would ask:

What happens when someone wants to come and try her out? Are you going to be told? What if a perspective buyer whats to trial her? Should you be expected to pay when this person is trialing for free (cutting your riding time)?
Who is responsible for horse's bills?
Do you have a notice period?
What are the 'owner' expectations?
What can you do with horse?
Is anyone else riding the horse?

I think this is a wary situation. If you know the owner well, then happy days. I think the owner will have it made if you decide to loan the horse, they have found someone to care for said horse so owner doesn't have to while its for sale. Not only are you looking after said horse you are also PAYING for the pleasure.

Treat this as you would any other business agreement, getting a loan agreement wrong can cause a lot of heartache...and money!!!


Sorry for the long post!! Hope it helps :)
 
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