Part Loaning / Sharing my first horse.

[EllaRidesHorses]

I am preparing to Share my first horse quite soon, and I am wondering If there is anything I should know? eg, any hidden costs that may pop up or anything like that.

I am now in the situation that I have found a lovely share horse (Owning and Full loaning does not work financially and time-wise for me) but know very little about sharing, so any useful info will be very helpful!

Thank you!

Ella

 

[Shay]

The best thing you can do is get a contract. I know it seems terribly formal etc but you really need to know exactly what you are expected to pay for. There is nothing worse than thinking the flat monthly rate includes shoes, worming, vaccinations etc only to discover that it doesn't! You really do need to know who is responsible for what. Also what happens if tack or rugs are lost through wear? If you damage something then you need to expect to replace it - but things do wear out. Who replaces that?

Then there is the other financial side to starting a share... new hat. New Johds. That lovely brush you really want for him. That beautiful headcollar.... Can't help with that bit!

 

[dodgers89]

I part loaned my first horses and the owner was amazing. I kept them on her land and laid her roughly half what it cost her to keep them a month. Baring in mind she didn't have any livery costs. She paid for all shoes, vets bills, bedding, hay etc and was never worried if I was a bit short of money one month. I think it's probably rare to find someone so laid back but just make sure you have a good chat before starting the loan and possibly get a contract made up.

 

[abbijay]

Definitely get a contract and get it to state what is in and out. Usually it is a flat fee. I have a sharer and the only thing i ask for as an extra is for them to have their own rider insurance.
I have always taken full responsibility for repairing and replacing my horse's tack and equipment when required due to normal wear and tear but if something got broken through negligence then I would expect it to be paid for or replaced.

 

[LFD]

I use to share a horse before I got my boys and it was a great experience.

I got on well with the owner and she provided a contract. I had set days which kept things simple. We both had to give each other a months’ notice if we wanted to end the share, and the owner asked for two months noticed if the horse was ill/injured so she was not left in the lurch. I paid a set amount per week (£25). The owner paid all livery, feed, vets bills, shoes and insurance. All in all it was a great way for me to get back into horses after a long period off and gave me the confidence to buy my own again. Just make sure the contract sets out exactly what you are required to pay for and what the owner is paying for.

I hope you love it as much as I did.

 

[Amymou91]

Always be very open and NEVER hesitate to ask the owner any questions you are unsure about; changing rugs, feeding, first aid etc etc it shows them you care. The best advice I can give you (I'm going into the 5th year of sharing current mare) is to treat the horse how you would expect a sharer to treat your own. Grooming and putting everything back how you found it is very important. I think it is respectful to do so and in return the owners will respect you as well for it. You will build a special bond with the horse and although at first you might feel like "just the sharer" you will be surprised how much the owners appreciate your help and value you.