Sell or loan?

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L&M

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I am in a bit of a quandry so would like so advise from you wise peeps!

I have a lovely safe 15yr old allrounder who I also hunt in the winter. However last season he displayed some wind issues which are only apparent when galloping over long distances. My vet has put it down to very low grade laryngeal paraylsis. There is the option of hobdaying, but at 15 don't want to put him through the operation, especially as he does not display any wind issues in 'normal' levels of work. Therefore I have decided to hang up his hunting boots as am lucky to have another younger horse who can take over.

He has been out on short term loan this summer doing fun rides, hacking and RC comps and could easily go and do a non hunting 'job' for somone else.

Morally and for his welfare, would it be better to sell (obviously declaring the issue) or loan, so that if his conditon does deterioate as he gets older, I can then take responsibility for any decisions that need to be made?

Any opinions?

Thanks
 
Usually I would say sell everytime, but as this horse has possible issues and is on the eve of his veteran years, I think loaning would be fairest for the horse - as you say, so that you can make welfare decisions later on if need be..

Out of interest, how big is the horse? He's possibly the sort of thing that we would loan for my stepson to do hacking and pc, who has just come off ponies and needs an easier transition onto ponies before going onto mine and my husband's horses, who are a bit sharp/green.
 
Hello :)

Being the big softie I am, I could never sell one of my horses, so I would probably opt for the loan option.

You could get a contract written up for a set period, and then renew or whatever once it has expired. That way, you know where he is, what he is doing etc. With a sale, you can sell him stating the wind issues, but that doesnt always mean that the new owner (or owners subsequent) will pay attention to this, sadly.

Like I say though, im a complete softy, but i'm sure one of the other lovely people on here may have good experiences to share with you.
 
Just remember if you sell you will have no say over his future and he may end up hunting again....I have a mare out on loan and it works well ( but she is local ).
 
and if you do loan, contact MHOL first to make sure you cover as many bases as possible. There are just some really awful stories of horses going on loan and then being sold on. I would loan but get references (vet/yard) and actually I would now insist on the horse staying either at the yard or a really close radius. Other things you would need to do are notify the passport office that horse is on loan, tell NED online he is on loan, I would get a proper contract to state horse on loan and cannot be sold or passed to any other party. Keep insurance in your name (notifying company that horse is on loan) as well and get loaners to take out their personal insurance for riding him.
 
honey08 he is 15hh but won't offer you any more details as don't want to be told off for advertising!

My gut feeling is to loan but only locally so I can keep an eye on him. You hear so many horror stories on loaning but then at least I would remain in control.

Lots to think about!
 
Hi Laura!!

We took him today for another try but he had a another couple of 'loss of breath' incidents after hard gallops so took him home as don't want to risk his long term health.

Jane doesn't know that I have made this decision and although she has had a hoot with him over the summer, her mare will be coming back into work soon so doubt she would have the time for 2....

I assume you mean Sue? Was hoping she was out today so could have a chat with her, but will give her a shout next week.

So looks like Louie for opening meet!! Better hold on tight...!
 
He sounds like he would be wonderful for a pony clubber to make the transition onto horses. Perhaps get in touch with your local pony club and put an ad up?

If you don't have any luck, send him up to us!
 
I think he sounds absolutely fab and there are a great many people out there who'd love to have him! If he's a good old fashioned schoolmaster-hunting type I don't think you'd have any problem in finding a good loan home. Or perhaps you could go for a "loan-with-view-to-buy" arrangement.

I think OP you sound very fond of him and really don't want to part with him, and neither would I. You could always try a sharer arrangement, or a "loan" where he stays either at your yard or one very close so you could keep an eye?

I've recently loaned mine out; I had loads of enquiries and was inundated so you need to weed out the novices and the numpties.

In our hunt we've got an e-mail circulation list for horses for sale etc/loan; and I think he'd do very well for someone (like me) who wants to hunt quietly, perhaps not done it before, or someone who doesn't want to hoon around.

But I would certainly keep him within your local area and/or at a yard who's been recommended and where you can trust them to look after him. He sounds a real treasure.
 
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