Part loan /Share arrangements . pros and cons

[debsflo]

Considering a loan arrangement as my daughter is currently doing a levels and will be off to uni this sept or more probably next. i am reluctant to buy a horse that i will then be left with but she desperatley misses caring and riding for a horse. There is the opportunity to part loan 3-4 days a week a horse locally. not exactly what i want ie didnt want a tb but looks sweet. the owner would prefer part loan /share and i have only ever owned a horse or once had a full loan for 3 years and had total responsibility,bills insurance etc and treated as my own.. i am a bit worried as already i am seeing things i would look at ie feet are too long,needs a bit more weight that it would cause problems unless i can find someone who shares my thoughts. i certainly dont want to be critical and financially and commitment wise would be a sensible option but........ please give me your thoughts and experiences.

 

[Kellys Heroes]

I've part loaned for 10 years now (same lady) for the same reasons, I knew I'd be off to uni and my parents couldn't look after a horse if I had one.
I started off 2 days a week on her daughters pony and now share her horse (I see her every day when I am home from uni) and regularly ride her other horse too.
I fully believe this was the best option for me, I now have a good friend and I'm able to go to see the horse whenever I want (4 times a day if I wished!) and she is willing to let me carry on when I'm home from uni.
I don't give financial help anymore (she won't accept it) but I do give her lifts, buy the odd bag of food etc.
The cons are if you don't have a good agreement, there can be spats over days, jobs etc (just make sure you trust the person and that there's a written contract - I was lucky!) and I honestly can't think of any more.
Perhaps your daughter could take the horse on for like a months trial 3 days a week? And just see how it goes
Good luck!
K x