Numpty question about loan/trials

[arwenplusone]

So, I think I may have found someone interested in taking on my big grey.

They want to do a trial first. Now, I have never done this before, do we agree a price upfront & write that in to the contract or do I just let them have him on a trial & keep the passport & then they make me an offer when the trial is up?

Do I ask for a deposit?

(horse is not worth a lot of money but I want to portect myself/him from any unforseen issues!)

cheers

 

[navaho]

When i let my cob go on trial we agreed a price & a 2 month trial period, but she also paid for him before she took him, it safe guarded both of us, i couldnt turn round & say i wanted him back & she couldnt do a runner with the horse. We agreed that if she decided in the 2 months he wasnt suitable i would give her a full refund, but this didnt cover her if he injured himself with her in that time (which is the biggest worry when you let a horse go on trial) Personally id never let a horse go on trial now without seeing the cash up front, there are so many things that could go wrong, plus it also eliminates those who just want a horse to ride for a few weeks & then send it back.

 

[ihatework]

A lot of people shy away from loans/trials and say a blanket no. However if you have your horses best interests at heart then as long as you protect both you and the horse then I think they are an excellent idea.

Things I would suggest:
1. Agree a price up front, write it into the contract
2. Request the buyers have the horse 5* vetted before the horse leaves your yard - this protects both you and them
3. Consider taking a deposit
4. Have the horse insured to the hilt including LOU, keep the insurance in your name but you could consider asking for the additional premium from the loaners
5. Draw up a clear contract and include details of any tack he is going with
6. Keep the trial period short, 2-4 weeks is sufficient

 

[MHOL]

Make sure you see their photo ID Driving licence and a bank or utility bill, if you borrow a car its the minimum requirement, why let your horse out of sight without being sure where or who they are.

 

[arwenplusone]

thanks guys.

Think what I might do is 50% upfront & then the remainder at the end of the 4 week period. Will also make sure I get some form of id and they have offered references so that might work too.

 

[Jake10]

Wow I've only had 1 horse on trial and the owners never did any of the things that have been suggested starting to think they weren't bothered about the horse They agreed a 2 week trial period at a yard of my choice (they did see the yard but only when they delivered the horse) trial lasted a week as horse didn't pass the vetting, if the vet hadn't found a serious problem then would have paid for the horse at end of trial (owners included tack, rugs, feed- not including hay)