Part-loan viewing - what to expect?

[Rusty Rider]

Hi all,

I am viewing a potential horse for part-loan 3 days a week on Thursday, and was wondering if the wise people of HHO had any tips/recommendations on things to ask/check? I have part-loaned before, but in France, and always horses I already knew so never had a “viewing” before… it is very much giving me first-date nerves ?

He is an OTTB, fairly recently reconverted, who is great at hacking and jumping (and his owner does a fair bit of that) but green in his schooling (which I enjoy, so sounds like we might be a good match). His owner is at uni 3 days a week so is looking for someone to cover those days, with the potential for a week end day - I am thinking of asking for one a month, as I work during the week so it would be nice to have a day where I am not rushed.

 

[Barton Bounty]

I think Thats fair,

things to ask….
Quirks
Known allergies
Any illnesses or lamesness? Past etc
What exactly is expected of you money wise and chore wise.
what happens in the event of an accident? Is the horse insured ?
I would suggest you get insurance too?

 

[Polos Mum]

Ask lots of questions about what the owner expects of you on a day to day basis to make sure there is clarity:
- Do you have to visit twice a day on 'your' days to turn out / get in
- what they expect if things go wrong (how long would they expect you to continue to pay if the horse was lame - one week, one month etc.)
- What happens if you are ill / on holiday (do you have to pay for cover)
- what happens if he breaks something on your day
- insurance requirements - for you and what is there for him
- what are costs (any extras - more to use school in winter/ for shoes etc.) are the lights in the school on a slot meter etc.

I would also see whether you are similar in riding style / frame - easier for the horse if you are

I would be prepared to be 'tested' in a nice way. When I've met new potential sharers I hand them a headcollar and expect them to catch in, groom, tack up etc. If they can't then they don't suit me because I can't be around to help. I had lots turn up (fresh from riding schools) that looked in horror at a bridle not on the horses head !

 

[Rusty Rider]

Thanks both, some very good points I had not thought of!

I am hoping the fact that I have great on-the-ground experience (I groom for my very exacting sister at international events - should be up to scratch ?) will make up for my somewhat rusty riding and lack of fitness, but we’ll see…

 

[Gloi]

As when viewing to buy make sure you see the owner ride first.

 

[Cob Life]

I would be prepared to be 'tested' in a nice way. When I've met new potential sharers I hand them a headcollar and expect them to catch in, groom, tack up etc. If they can't then they don't suit me because I can't be around to help. I had lots turn up (fresh from riding schools) that looked in horror at a bridle not on the horses head !

I have viewed a few now, most of the time owners ask me to catch in etc. One time I was just handed a grooming kit and told “he’s in that stable”.

I always undersell my riding ability slightly as I’m a very competent rider but can be nervous, and make things clear to the owner such as I can jump, I just don’t like it.

The other one Id ask is he used to other people riding him? if they have only be ridden by their owner it can take them a little to get used to a new rider

 

[Red-1]

How exciting, I hope it all works out.

Other people have gone into the liability/insurance side, but I have shared before and what was most important to me was that we got along.

Yes, I wanted to see the person catch/groom/tack up, and to my surprise she had no idea! Ahe had ridden at modern pentathlon, could jump etc, so I presumed she would be competent. Turns out the horses were all sorted for them and she had no idea how to even fit a halter, plus she had never ridden on the road.

Our session mainly consisted of me teaching her to do all of those things, but it was successful as she was cheerful, receptive, able to learn, sensible, kind etc.

With a more experienced handler, it would be the same TBH, as I have 'my way' of doing stuff and if someone was, "Ah yes, but this is how I do it." all of the time, then I would not have been interested.

Other than being sure that the horse is safe and controllable, I wouldn't worry too much as you aren't buying it and if, a months down the line, you decide it isn't a match, then you can simply walk away. As long as you make sure it is safe and controllable, not much else can go wrong.

So I would say to simply be yourself and enjoy the experience.

 

[Rusty Rider]

Thanks all, excellent point on asking the owner how they do things, everyone has their own ways and ultimately, it is their horse ?‍

On people being able to ride but not tack up… I blame English riding schools, everywhere I have ridden horses were tacked up ready to go, sometimes hours before their scheduled lessons. In France you are always expected to tack up on your own, with someone around to show you if you don’t know how to, and it is such a big part of riding, getting to know your horse, checking that everything is ok… It is a bit of a respect thing as well, I hate just rocking up, getting on, then handing the horse back.

And back to the topic, I messaged yesterday morning to confirm the time, as we’d arranged to meet up last week, and not heard back yet, so gearing myself up to be disappointed… Anyone needs help with a sporty 17hh or so around Manchester by any chance? ?

 

[throwawayaccount]

Thanks all, excellent point on asking the owner how they do things, everyone has their own ways and ultimately, it is their horse ?‍

On people being able to ride but not tack up… I blame English riding schools, everywhere I have ridden horses were tacked up ready to go, sometimes hours before their scheduled lessons. In France you are always expected to tack up on your own, with someone around to show you if you don’t know how to, and it is such a big part of riding, getting to know your horse, checking that everything is ok… It is a bit of a respect thing as well, I hate just rocking up, getting on, then handing the horse back.

And back to the topic, I messaged yesterday morning to confirm the time, as we’d arranged to meet up last week, and not heard back yet, so gearing myself up to be disappointed… Anyone needs help with a sporty 17hh or so around Manchester by any chance? ?

if you get stuck, I am considering putting my 17hh warmblood x up for part loan - depending where you are might be slightly far away?! Feel free to pm

 

[black and brown]

If your planning to do more schooling than hacking then maybe check that the arena will be free on the days/times when you will be on the yard. Assuming that the horse is kept on a livery yard with an arena you don't want to find that it is regularly booked out for private lessons at the times you can get to the yard.

 

[SafeInSage]

I think everyone else has covered what to ask, but I’d check yard rules. Some around me have some peculiar rules (no wheelbarrows allowed, no hoses - must use buckets for both). Seems minor but when you’re mucking out in the winter or trying to hose down in the summer it just adds extra hassle and time.

Ensure you’re paying a fair fee - I once had someone ask for farrier costs (fronts and backs) + £200 a month for 2 days a week. Get a contract set in place - bhs has a good template. Do not agree to paying vet fees, supplements, farrier etc as there are far too many loopholes for the cost to increase drastically

And if you’re not comfortable with the horse, don’t agree to it for convenience. There will be plenty of other shares going over winter

 

[Rusty Rider]

Thanks all for your advice - I was about to head out of the door, dutifully armed with my list of things to ask, when the viewing was cancelled. The owner has mentioned re-scheduling, but I have a feeling it is somewhat half-hearted - tbc, and onward & upwards I suspect.

 

[misst]

Oh that's a shame I hope you find something suitable very soon there will be quite a few shares/loans out there soon I think given the cost of living. A knowledgable, reliable person is always in demand

 

[SBJT]

I’m actually just about to go down the path one last time of finding someone to part lease. I’d follow what other people have said, super important to find out what’s not included and what the expectations are if horse goes lame or needs the vet either while you are there or if it’s a long term lameness. We did have at our barn where a kid was using one of the ladies horses and was negligent with properly cooling out after a ride then the vet had to be called, so it’s important to know expectations there.

Also ask about their expectations on training or riding. Some owners are super picky about how you ride their horse and expect you to use aids in exactly the same way. Also ask about lessons (I am quite flexible but my one stipulation is weekly lessons with an instructor, it can be jumping or dressage but must be weekly), some owners don’t care but others want you learning so that the horse is less likely to develop certain habits with rising. Also see if its possible for you to take the horse to a show or clinic.

Good luck and hope you find something.