Questions to ask when viewing a potential loan horse

[CandyCane]

Viewed a potential loan horse on Sunday, all was a bit rushed as the owner needed to go to a show. I'm going back at the weekend to hack him out but what else should I be looking at and asking about.
He rode nicely apart from a funny transition in to canter which was almost like a bounce forward. He was also in poor condition, I would say a 3 on a 1-9 scale which worried me as its still early in winter. He is up for loan as the owner is going abroad and he hasn't sold. He would need to stay on there yard.
I'm looking to hack, riding club and hopefully BE this horse, he has BE'd before up to 100 but not for 3 years.

 

[lottiepony]

If they haven't got one take an example loan agreement and go through it thoroughly with the owner and discuss at length each point so you are completely clear on everything.
In regards to his weight, what work is he currently doing/being fed and have you asked if he winters badly or struggles to keep weight on? Ask lots of questions regarding any health problems he's had. is there a reason why he no longer BE's?

 

[Archiepoo]

having had a loan of an ex eventer myself in the past -think carefully what exactly you will be wanting to do with the horse, especially riding in company ,alone ,traffic,etc and if its a tb why is it in poor condition? make a list of questions to take with you and good luck

 

[Frangipan]

I also went to see loan horses this weekend!

I would say always make sure the owner rides them first, and if they refuse be very suspicious. A horse I went to see what meant to be suitable for a novice (me) but it bucked and spooked with its owner within the first ten minutes of her riding it so I didn't even bother to ride it myself.

Ask lots of questions, and if they don't seem to know the answer to basic stuff be very suspicious.

I think the idea above about going through the loan agreement is sensible.

Ask about insurance and also vets fees - what happens if the horse gets hurt while you are looking after it? Who is responsible.

Also does the loan terminate if the horse gets lame or cannot be used for riding anymore, or are you expected to carry on paying for it and looking after it?

Good luck

 

[Polos Mum]

If the owner wanted to sell and is going abroad you need to be clear what happens if for some reason you want to terminate the loan, who will look after him if she's overseas? you don't want to be stuck with it after she's done a runner!!

 

[Mongoose11]

I also went to see loan horses this weekend!

I would say always make sure the owner rides them first, and if they refuse be very suspicious. A horse I went to see what meant to be suitable for a novice (me) but it bucked and spooked with its owner within the first ten minutes of her riding it so I didn't even bother to ride it myself.

Ask lots of questions, and if they don't seem to know the answer to basic stuff be very suspicious.

I think the idea above about going through the loan agreement is sensible.

Ask about insurance and also vets fees - what happens if the horse gets hurt while you are looking after it? Who is responsible.

Also does the loan terminate if the horse gets lame or cannot be used for riding anymore, or are you expected to carry on paying for it and looking after it?

Good luck

I would be pretty darn miffed if my loaner or sharer bu*gered off at the first sign of lameness or illness! Are you serious?