Own or loan - WWYD? Help!

[rachk89]

Honestly? I've often thought that by the time you have got to the bottom of him and he is going the way you want him to, she will be ready to have him back.

However, as we all know, finding the perfect horse to buy is not easy ....

From what I've read I agree with this. It sounds like she's being vague to keep you loaning him and improving him for her to then take back, probably next May when the competing season has started and eye has a great horse to go out on. And of course, when the loan ends. I'd hope not, but it does sound like that.

If she really won't sell, I'd give up and let her have him back and buy another horse, whether it's the 4 year old or not doesn't matter. You've already spent a lot of money on someone else's horse and you may not even get the benefit from it next year to compete him. Whereas if you have your own horse, you have all winter to get to know it and school it and possibly go out and have fun next spring/summer.

 

[gunnergundog]

What is your budget for the nice 4 year old replacement for Jensen? Not being rude, but whilst there is the odd bargain to be had, the irish in particular, know what any decent horse is worth.

You have in various posts referred to Jensen as a cob.....what about letting his loan run its course - however short or long that may be - and then re-assessing what he has taught you, where you are at and what sort of horse you actually want at THAT moment in time with the experience and skill set you have then?

Also, if J is basically sound, that has a lot to commend itself. A youngster, even if not broken, may still harbour the results of field accidents that can lead to crookedness when pressed for work, albeit not apparent at first sight. Sometimes it is better the devil you know......so long as you actually like that devil and enjoy working with him. If not, bin and start again. It is supposed to be about fun and enjoyment!

 

[crabbymare]

I think you need to forget the 4 year old, and sit down and decide exactly what you want to do and where you want to be aiming at with whatever horse you have. Then you need to think do you want to put your time into a loan horse that may or may not be wanted back by his owner, leaving you with no horse.
I know that loans can work really well if the person loaning the horse is confident that the owner will not recall the horse if they think it has improved, it also gives some owners a lot of pleasure seeing their horse happy and going well for someone, be it as a hack or as a competition horse. I know someone who would loan their horse but not sell, as its the only way that they can guarantee the horse does not get passed around, and they always know that the horse will go back to them to find another loaner if needed. Whoever loans the horse would get a lovely horse, possibly better than they could afford to buy, and would give a promising person a good chance to progress.
If you feel that you are working the horse and that it will not be a standard that you will want (at whatever you want to do) when you have got it going correctly, or that the owner will see it going well and want it back, or that you really want a horse you can call your own then I would give notice now, otherwise wait and talk things through when the contract ends and see what the owner wants long term for the horse, rather than vague things like they will want it back at some point, but that they may not as they may not have time. Only you can decide, but do not rush just because there is one horse that may on the advert/picture be suitable for you.

 

[{97702}]

Thanks all, this has really helped me - sometimes I need to put things in writing and talk them through to clarify my own thoughts and ideas

I have messaged the owner tonight and have said that I am giving notice to end the loan arrangement at the end of March, which is the month I get my company bonus. I can then look around for a potential replacement without having to rush into anything.

Unless she wants to sell J to me of course, in which case I will see if we can negotiate a price

 

[smellsofhorse]

Thanks all, this has really helped me - sometimes I need to put things in writing and talk them through to clarify my own thoughts and ideas

I have messaged the owner tonight and have said that I am giving notice to end the loan arrangement at the end of March, which is the month I get my company bonus. I can then look around for a potential replacement without having to rush into anything.

Unless she wants to sell J to me of course, in which case I will see if we can negotiate a price

Keep us updated.

Although i would have worded it differently.
Asking, even if you have before if she would sell him to you.
Then if she will not, then say you will have to end the loan.