Pay to share and train my horse?

MotherOfChickens said:
I wasn't referring to the better end of the market :) or clued up riders. If you are a half decent rider, you'll find rides without paying to ride something that needs professional help ;) its just finding the right yards and proving yourself to be reliable.
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You saying She's better end of the market? Compliment!

I agree. But there's instances like me - I can ride to a half decent degree, but I had such terrible confidence issues that it stopped me being effective... I shared Taz for a year, a paid share, and it did wonders for me - without having him I'd never have managed to get my tools back out the box.

His owner went off to have a baby, her horse got kept fit, schooled, and competed by someone with half a braincell, and I paid a nominal amount to have a nice horse all to myself!
 
pennyturner said:
Except that in practice most of the 'experienced' people who turn up to ride your vulnerable, easily confused and upset young horse are actually numpty freeloaders who have nowhere near the skill and experience they pretend to have. Asking for a contribution is the only way to weed out some of these. If you really are half decent, OP, the owners will be happy to have you, and contribution will be negotiable.
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I wont even contact owner if contribution required is stated.
If owners states contribution negotiable depending on experience then I might.
That said, I could be one of those numpty freeloaders.
 
I have a sharer for one of mine and she contributes. It covers the cost of her shoes if you spread it out over the 6 weeks between being shod. She isn't necessarily bettering my horse, but certainly isn't making her worse. She's free to school, hack, jump, have lessons, go to shows etc. and ultimately do as she pleases provided her mane isn't hacked off or she's not fed! I like to think I'm relatively easy going as an owner too. No set days, or number of days, we plan on a Monday what works best for us both and if she can only do 2 days one week, but would like to do 4 the next and I can accommodate then so be it! I also like to think she's got a fairly good deal and think I'd be happy with that arrangement should I be horseless too!
 
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Auslander said:
And conversely, on the few occasions I've advertised for people to ride my horse, I've been inundated with people wanting to be paid to do so. With all due respect, he's not a horse that needs schooling/improving (and if he did, I'd do it myself!). I'd honestly thought that people would be queuing down the road for the chance to get free use of a PSG schoolmaster, but I was wrong!
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That's crazy! I'd have jumped at the chance last summer when Pops was on box rest.
 
Jenni_ said:
If you're in Edinburgh I know of an amazing, fabulous, safe horse who's owner wouldn't mind someone to give a helping hand - depend on how casual is casual? (He's my old share horse)

Feel free to message me if you want to know anything specific about horsey life in Edinburgh :)
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Although I'm up in Inverkeithing, my ears are definately pricked! In my experience, 3 days a weekly is about a minimum needed for a horse to acclimatize to a new person! Although, in practise twice a week might be more realistic for me at least initially. Which part of Edinburgh are they based? Thank you!

MotherOfChickens said:
welcome to Scotland :) I won't say what I think of paying to share a horse as its an unpopular view ;)

I would try sending your details around local riding clubs and endurance clubs-they are pretty competitive some of them with multiple horses. I think you are north of the bridge? If so, and you have transport, there are studs and producers in Fife that might have something or know of something if you are experienced enough for that.

The central belt seems to be a migration spot for boatloads of green Irish horses that people buy and then can't do anything with-they then want others to subsidise their hobby.
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Yes! I'm just north of the bridge with transport. Any suggestions on which yards I might approach? Although, having at least a partial introduction would be amazing since I'm a complete outsider! Unless people are really relaxed up here. My only slight hesitation with bringing on horses for a producing yard that may make me more of a professional especially if they intend to then sell the said horse(s) that I contribute towards. Obviously, I could be paid for that but I'm haven't made up my mind if I'm prepared to do this for the money unless horse people are in such short supply?

Caol Ila said:
Are you nearish (and I mean ish) Glasgow? I've got a 23 (nearly 24-year old -- yikes!) fun schoolmistress who could do with an extra friend some<script id="gpt-impl-0.9132080467837682" src="https://securepubads.g.doubleclick.net/gpt/pubads_impl_114.js"></script>times. It's more kind of an as and when thing, as I'm working as a freelance journalist and my schedule gets a bit random. I usually go mountaineering on weekends, but sometimes I don't and I go to the barn. Or when I go away for a week, she ends up doing nothing. Neither is ideal for a sharer as it's a pretty irregular schedule, and I quite like riding her myself so I'm not giving up days I can ride!

There are a couple other horses at my yard who's owners are looking for sharers. They're nice enough horses. Need tuning up due to lack of steady work recently, but not green. Owners not riding due to medical conditions/work commitments/yadda yadda, so would be a good regular ride for someone who knows what they are doing. And full livery, so no chores. Owners won't advertise because they are afraid of all the idiots who might show up. They're hoping for word of mouth, but nae luck so far.
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Inverkeithing, so a bit of a way out. Ugh! However! As per some of my previous projects that have been a bit of a distance, all I say is that if the arrangement works out at least a partial contribution to my travel costs is kindly appreciated :-)

Cheers everyone (feel free to PM me as well)
 
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But on the other hand you could look at it as I bought a good horse which has cost me a lot of money, you can share the benefit of that horse, enjoy riding it and pay for half the cost of keeping it.

I always find it amusing that people who don't want to go to the expense of buying and keeping a horse moan because they want a free horse to ride. It doesn't matter if you just hack out or bring it on. If you are not a professional, you are doing it for enjoyment - and ALL hobbies cost money.

I have been on both side of the coin, and as a sharer you definitely get the better side of the deal.
 
Will also add, that even though I have had some lovely shareres in the past, will never do it again - can not cope with the sharers mentality of I owe them something.
 
I see so many adverts like this. I have actually had to take a break from the horsey world (not ridden for 2 years) as I can't find anything suitable to share (also live in the city so limited options).

So many people asking money and stable jobs to help break in their youngster, help hack out their nappy rearing horse etc.
I even had someone reply to my wanted advert wanting me to pay £40 a week to ride their horse who wouldn't school and would bolt in open spaces! The owner needed a sharer after being chucked from the horse and ended up in hospital so therefor couldn't ride for a while!

I have been riding for years and happy to work on and bring on young/nappy/green horses etc....but not to pay over the odds for the pleasure.
 
I had previously always been of the belief that anyone riding my horse was doing me a favour and I shouldn't charge, but what I found was that they didnt turn up and weren't reliable at all! So now if I need someone, and need is a loose term as I pay for mine to be professionally schooled, but obviously the more work the better, then I do charge them. If they turn up and arent detrimental to my horse then I use the money they pay me to pay for them to have lessons and do clinics etc. Well I would, but it seems no one can ride one side of my little cob!

Hes forward and keen but totally safe and has done pony rides for total beginners as well as basic work with my novicey, nervous but semi competent friend with no isses. But seemingly no one can ride a horse that isnt totally dead to the leg! The last person who came fell off in trot, literally just fell off while trotting round. I legged her back up as no one had clearly seen what happened and we were all a bit shocked and amazed. She was told to trot him again but do some circles etc and not just go round the outside of the Olympic sized school in case he had gotten a bit fast for her or something. Off she went again, right round the outside of the school, which was mildly annoying, but everything looked ok, until she fell off again for no discernible reason! Literally, trot, trot, trot, bang on the floor!

I still dont know what happened?! She had a degree in equine studies and had apparently ridden lots of green, sharp horses, whereas mine is just a greenish (8 weeks of pro schooling prior to this) but pleasant and easy going boy. And she still wanted to come and try him again!

I'm going to give up now!
 
I have a sharer for one of my ponies and although I don't ask her for any contribution towards his keep she knows that if the work she does with him means his cost to keep increases ..he's currently barefoot so if he needs shoes or an increase in food to meet his workload ( not likely as he's a VERY good doer!)...then she will have to meet those costs but in return she gets to ride him when she likes and take him to shows etc and all I ask is some poo picking done on the days she rides and if she comes to a show with me then she pays her own entry fees and half the transport.
 
I've worked away from home for two different periods. Looked for a share horse during the week, however couldn't find one. I couldn't commit to fixed days due to work, and I refused to pay, when I was already paying livery for my own horse, and was greatful if I could get someone to ride him for free!
 
EllenJay said:
But on the other hand you could look at it as I bought a good horse which has cost me a lot of money, you can share the benefit of that horse, enjoy riding it and pay for half the cost of keeping it.

I always find it amusing that people who don't want to go to the expense of buying and keeping a horse moan because they want a free horse to ride. It doesn't matter if you just hack out or bring it on. If you are not a professional, you are doing it for enjoyment - and ALL hobbies cost money.

I have been on both side of the coin, and as a sharer you definitely get the better side of the deal.
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The bit in bold is crucial and often lacking so I refer you to my previous formula.

I too have been on both sides and very much prefer ownership. I have also had a sharer for that 'good horse' who I didn't charge because it meant he got ridden in daylight in the week when I was stuck at work and I could take a night of chores which was worth far more to me than any cash. Sharer had previously paid to ride a much less nice horse on the yard who was pts (even if I do say so myself) but she was trustworthy, known to me and I chose not to charge her, in part because it gave me a little more control if I needed to request specific work on a specific day etc.

I have acted as 'sharer' for plenty of other people and horses both before and during my horse ownership when we were in different areas of the country. I have never paid any money over the last 15 years so I don't intend to start. Only one of those horses has improved me rather than the other way around, I have always done more than my fair share of chores. I'm not really looking atm but have had a couple of offers but I am not up for a committed arrangement currently.
 
I have shared a number of horses in the past. All these arrangements have been set up when the owner has approached me and asked me to ride the horse to help them out time-wise. At no point has the topic of money ever come up. The owner needs the horse ridden, we agree on set days and times, I ride the horse on those days, skip out, top up hay and water, turn out / bring in, change rugs, whatever. I send a text when I'm done to let the owner know what we did and how the horse was.
The way I see it, it's cheaper for the owner than paying a professional to ride the horse and if the owner wants paying for the privilege of having a day off I'm happy to go elsewhere. I do pay for lessons though, because they benefit me directly.
At my current yard there are a couple of owners who have similar arrangements with other people to ride their horses. I think, on our yard certainly, if someone asked for payment to ride their horse they'd get laughed at.
 
There are massive advantages to being a sharer, they get to ride a horse on a regular basis, build up a bond and possibly have lessons, and compete, and improve their riding or if a more experienced rider keep their skills and fitness up and it is much cheaper than riding at a RS. They do not have invest in the initial outlay of the horse and can walk away at any time with no financial implications.

If someone is getting so much out of an experience with low financial risk then I don't see why they should not make a contribution beyond just exercising/schooling the horse and doing the jobs on the day.

I expect some of the horses advertised for share as not suitable for novice or needs some schooling are advertised as such to put off inexperienced or nervous people from replying to share ad, rather than because the horse is difficult or needs a lot of work. In most situations owners will want someone who rides at the same ability or better than them to ensure that the horse stays at the same level as it currently is, rather than looking for someone who is going to improve the horse.

I spent 4 years sharing a horse 10 years ago and I only got my own as the share came to an end as owner decided to sell. The share cost me £30 a week with jobs and I got a lot out of it, having the freedom to ride independently that I could not get in a RS, without having the costs and emotional stress of owning my horse.
 
There are masses of disadvantages to being a sharer too, swings and roundabouts. What is this 'getting so much' I don't get anywhere near as much out of riding a share horse than I do my own?? and if I ride at a riding school I will be doing it on a schoolmaster with excellent instruction albeit paying for the privilege but a good use of my time which is just as prescious.

I like Flicker have pretty much been approached for all my previous shares/rides, or someone has suggested me. The last one when the horse I was riding went away on proper loan as the owner was pregnant there was a bit of an argument from others on the yard as to who was first in the queue!

As far as I can see it works out happily so long as there is sufficient mutual benefit and that doesn't have to be in the form of cash. It depends on what doing the jobs for the day are/what it would cost the owner to have them done, if you work on a £10 p/h ball park that rapidly adds up to the cost of most shares and I don't see that those on full livery are much more expensive (for share and I would happily contribute if it were on full, but most are on DIY). I don't get any joy out of mucking out or poo picking they are necessaries when I have my own horse but I don't wish to pay anyone to partake in that activity while saving them having to do it when usually they cost me money as mean I have to visit the physio!

Again this goes back to the quality of the horse but frankly good ones do not make up the majority of the share market. It seems to mostly be made up of people who are nervous/not long out of riding schools themselves/older and lost their confidence and got loads of other responsibilities who have realised they have neither the time, money and experience to be keeping said horse and figure it is the best way to get some help.

IME it seems if you are good enough then usually something comes along because there are plenty of people who either don't have the time or inclination but would like to see their horse doing more. It comes up time and time again on here that people are complaining that they cannot find anyone to pay to share their very much non-schoolmaster type horse or that they keep getting numpties who can barely ride turn up (yet somehow people maintain that if you are charging you get someone more reliable!?!). I can never quite understand why they can't see that the inherent value of someone experienced and trustworthy enough that you can leave with sole charge of your most treasured possession and deal with any crises occurring and not worry about them as opposed to cold hard cash.
 
ester said:
(yet somehow people maintain that if you are charging you get someone more reliable!?!).
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It is honestly the case for me and everyone else I know. I think it is probably due to human nature, people value something that they pay for more than something that is free usually. I genuinely dont care want or need the money, but the second I started asking for a contribution the calibre of sharer increased dramatically. I do still have a few people that ride him as and when, they pay nothing, do no jobs and dont even have to tack him up. None of those people are reliable, they regularly cancel or dont turn up. It doesnt matter as I dont rely on them, its just nice to see him doing something sometimes :)
 
Leo Walker said:
It is honestly the case for me and everyone else I know. I think it is probably due to human nature, people value something that they pay for more than something that is free usually. I genuinely dont care want or need the money, but the second I started asking for a contribution the calibre of sharer increased dramatically. I do still have a few people that ride him as and when, they pay nothing, do no jobs and dont even have to tack him up. None of those people are reliable, they regularly cancel or dont turn up. It doesnt matter as I dont rely on them, its just nice to see him doing something sometimes :)
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Shame you've had that experience! For ten years I casually helped a senior once or twice a week and I promised I would all the way to the grave (bless her, RIP) and could never quite bring myself to ask for a bean. She was a good 40 mile round trip to get to at her last home too.

But I suppose some people just do work differently once they know they're paying (look at gym memberships)

The funny thing was main motivation on my last project was not because he was a great horse, but because he wasn't. Working from a blank canvas, and seeing him improve as a direct result of my efforts was such an amazing driver for me. He became a sort of extension of 'me'. Even on the days I couldn't do much with him, I taught him to bow for me (this doubled up as a good longitudal stretch exercise to work on his topline) so it was fun all round.

Sorry for the nostalgic outburst. Getting a bit desperate!!
 
Yes I do believe that is some people's experience, I am always just surprised by that knowing the people I know who do share/have shared over the years, don't pay and wouldn't let anyone down.
However thinking about it I think most of them have been more word of mouth or they have advertised themselves rather than someone actually advertising a horse so maybe that comes in the difference? I wouldn't dream of letting someone down/not doing a day that I have signed up for as one of life's planners. Which is why I have decided for the most part to leave it for a bit so that I can visit friends at weekends etc.
 
Maybe there is also a difference between those that have owned or been employed in the equine industry to those that have not. I wouldn't pay to share and I certainly wouldn't pay to shovel *****.

I would however never let an owner down and the horse would be properly taken care of as far as cooling off, grooming, tack, skipping out when there etc etc. but I am not paying to poo pick your field. I've spent years of my life being paid (poorly) to look after other people's horses, I'm not paying to do the same chores now. I appreciate there are good deals for sharers, especially those living in expensive areas but too often they are seemingly treated quite poorly imo.

I expect a lot of owners who expect sharers to pay wouldn't think twice about hiring a dog walker :p
 
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Yes, and the 'walk away at any time' thing definitely works both ways.

I knew you'd come out and say it eventually :D. If you weren't in Scotland I would suggest tea and cake sometime :D
 
ester said:
Yes, and the 'walk away at any time' thing definitely works both ways.

I knew you'd come out and say it eventually :D. If you weren't in Scotland I would suggest tea and cake sometime :D
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say what? :)

we'd get on famously until we started playing cards :D


you're near Cambridge now aren't you? close to mum-careful what you wish for :p
 
With regards to the commitment, ie a sharer has the advantage of no commitment you can walk away at any time if cannot continue. Of course you can also have developed a relationship with a horse etc and be asked to leave/horse move yards/horse sold etc too.
Same as renting houses I guess, another bugbear of mine :). I think I am just not very good at 'temporary' though it is routinely enforced :D.

Near Ely :).

Oh I am one of those insufferable stickler to rules on any game, I was that annoying child that insisted on reading them all before you started and then kept them to hand to refer to them as required throughout the game :D
 
ester said:
Oh I am one of those insufferable stickler to rules on any game, I was that annoying child that insisted on reading them all before you started and then kept them to hand to refer to them as required throughout the game :D
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whereas I am a terrible loser who'll cheat to win. we are doomed ;)

I thought you meant I was right about the dog walker :D

I can handle the commitment thing if its all done as a business deal-not as being seen as doing someone a massive favour and then charging them for it. I've have horse owners and landlords take liberties and am lucky to be in a position where I don't have to deal with it anymore.
 
The only way I'd pay was if it were a seriously decent horse.
In fact, if anyone in the Gloucs/Wilts area has a sound horse established PSG+ give me a shout :D

That said I have no issue with novicy people paying and doing chores to share. It's essentially utilising someone else's horse to gain experience and get trained on horse ownership. Swings and roundabouts, in that circumstance the owner really does need to invest time keeping an eye on the situation or just let their horse get ruined. But then those types of horses tend not to be the higher calibre either!
 
MotherOfChickens said:
I expect a lot of owners who expect sharers to pay wouldn't think twice about hiring a dog walker :p
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This has confused me - you are not comparing apples with apples. The dog walker is a professional- running a business, the sharer is someone wanting to indulge in their hobby.

If I wanted a professional to ride my horse I would pay for that, the same as if I needed my dogs walked, I would pay for that.

But letting someone use my car so they can have a day out, I would expect them to fill it with fuel and make sure it came back clean, and possibly give me some cash for the wear and tear, and additional insurance.
 
EllenJay said:
This has confused me - you are not comparing apples with apples. The dog walker is a professional- running a business, the sharer is someone wanting to indulge in their hobby.

If I wanted a professional to ride my horse I would pay for that, the same as if I needed my dogs walked, I would pay for that.

But letting someone use my car so they can have a day out, I would expect them to fill it with fuel and make sure it came back clean, and possibly give me some cash for the wear and tear, and additional insurance.
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see, if I lent my car out I wouldn't expect them to pay me, I would expect them to cover the insurance if required but that would be it. I'd only be lending it out to people I know would look after it well anyway.

Its a difference of opinion thats all. I think that on the whole, paid sharing is a bit of a racket-I wouldn't either be a sharer (and I have been in the past) nor charge someone for riding my horse so its all academic really. If people want stable chores done in return for rides and both parties are happy then fine. But charging someone to do crappy chores (outside seeing the horse done right while on the yard) and expecting to pay for it, well I just wouldn't do it. Many shares are advertised because people don't have the time for their horses, not out of some need to help novice riders out. if they don't have time for their dogs, they pay for a dog walker. I don't see why the analogy is so different.
 
I've an adult sharer who rides my 19 year old dressage schoolmaster (schooled medium with changes). He does no chores and rides zero to four times a week depending on his schedule. He hacks, schools and has lessons. He's a nice, kind, calm, quiet rider who is a good fit for the horse.

Why shouldn't he make a monthly contribution to my horse's costs? I don't charge even 25% of his actual monthly costs. But do charge fair market rate. Horse on part livery in Surrey, has specialist shoeing and regular bodywork too.
 
I think things like sharing/loaning/schooling/excercising other peoples horses should work both ways, and suit both parties. Everybody wants different things from someone who rides their horse, and no 2 riders want the same thing. Its like a marriage- you have to find someone you can work compatibly with.
 
wingedhorse said:
I've an adult sharer who rides my 19 year old dressage schoolmaster (schooled medium with changes). He does no chores and rides zero to four times a week depending on his schedule. He hacks, schools and has lessons. He's a nice, kind, calm, quiet rider who is a good fit for the horse.

Why shouldn't he make a monthly contribution to my horse's costs? I don't charge even 25% of his actual monthly costs. But do charge fair market rate. Horse on part livery in Surrey, has specialist shoeing and regular bodywork too.
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I think most people have said that they would happily make a contribution for a horse like yours. Most of them are not horses like yours.
 
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