People with Sharers

I'm on the other side - I am THE sharer. At first it was difficult as I was aware owner was very particular about things but I was honest and admitted I didn't have a lot of experience (about 4 years of riding and working with RDA but never owning or loaning before) but I had lots of spare time and wanted to learn.

Owner has been fab and now we are good friends and I even house and doggie sit for her when she goes on holiday as well as doing the horsey - but it takes time to trust someone.

Maybe slightly different as I loan her old boy (28 and now back in work with me after being expelled from his retirement home (!!) and loving every minute of it!!) and she has a younger one but means she can still see him everyday and we hack out together etc but she doesn't have the stress of doing him (he's on DIY) - I've got so fussy over him myself now that I'm more particular than her I think !!! :-/

I would agree with others though that if you are unsure and think you will struggle then maybe don't go there - it's just as hard on the sharer remember, I found it scarey to be looking after and riding someone else's horse for ages as I felt she would be watching and critizing everything I did and that's a horrible feeling - as it turns out she's been fab and just very honest. If I did something in a way she didn't really like she would just say straight away 'would you mind doing it this way' so I respected her and did it her way (just silly things like the way I tie a haynet etc) but it stops the owner stressing over something till it becomes a big deal and the sharer knows where he/she stands.

I get to hack him out on my own, take him in the trailer - basically do whatever I want - I just make sure I text her or leave a note so she doesn't worry when she turns up and we're not there!!

If you find the right person - for you and your horse it can be the best thing you ever did as you get to share the hi's and lows of your horse together (and the lows are never quite so bad if you have someone to share them with!) - but if you get the wrong person it can be horrible - so if you go ahead just be picky and do a trial period, that way there's an easy get out for both parties before things get too involved.

Good luck, I hope you find someone fab.
 
I find this really sad that people feel this way about sharers - not all are bad. I could afford a horse if i wanted to but know i dont have the time to keep one and would much rather share and help with a financial contrubution with someone who may have more than 1 or needs the money to help to the keep.

If i wasnt sure of something i would ask or see how the owner wanted something doing - it may take a couple of times to get it right but would get there in the end. I have a lovely lady i hack out with a couple times a week who has a few horses. we have a good giggle on the way round and she is nice. I have never mucked her around except when i was signed off with swine flu and couldnt get down. And i would expect that she doesnt muck me around either.

The nights i dont ride i miss being around horses so so much it hurts but the sensible side of me says that this is what is right at the moment and it wouldnt be fair to get my own.

If anyone is around nottingham and does need any help though I would be delighted to help out at any point.
 
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