Sharers - bad time of year?

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Ranyhyn

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I've almost always had sharers for my horses, the previous two were really easily found (and both great!)

However, I've been advertising for a sharer for my mare for the past two weeks and had little promising interest. Most of them have been dreamers or youngsters (despite me asking for over 18's)

I'm asking a reasonable (I feel) £20 a week for unlimited use really, they can pick days etc and we'll even take them to comps/fun rides/hacking etc.

The only off putting things about my mare is she is only coming back into work, so will need weeks of hacking (not off putting for me, but perhaps people want a get on and go type?)
Or could it be the time of year and people dismissing the advert purely because the fear of winter mucking out (there wont need to be any!)

Ideas gratefully received!:cool:
 
I've got the same problem, I've been advertising for a couple of weeks, £80 a month for 3/4 days and they can choose. I've had one 17 yr old who wasn't a good enough rider and a 15 yr old who I said no to straight away. I think it probably is the time of year, unless they are desperate to be riding then they will probably wait to the new year :(
 
*sniggers*

I read "shavers - bad time of year" and though yup, I really must do my legs, even though it's getting colder!
 
Thing is, on paper I wouldn't mind a younger person, but I have never seen anything good come from young sharers. Just drama, irresponsibility and angst!

lol @ shavers!
 
I think its a bad time for the wrong type of sharers, if you know what I mean.. I've had my two up for share (free as well) and a couple of people I spoke to were worried that I didn't have an arena so they'd only be able to ride at weekends for a while.. I thought that was a bit "me me me" - having a horse isn't just about riding, there is lots of other things to do if they want to share the experience of having horses, but it seemed they didn't! A good sharer, who mucks in and shares all aspects of horses will turn up - one did for us.
 
No, perhaps not the best time of year however it will sort the flakey types from the commited types. Personally, I wouldn't want someone sharing my horse who wouldn't reply to an advert in winter because it's 'winter.' You want hardy, commited types not people that are only interested when it's warm and the evenings are light!

I think what you're asking is perfectly reasonable too so keep looking.
 
SummerxStarsx said:
No, perhaps not the best time of year however it will sort the flakey types from the commited types. Personally, I wouldn't want someone sharing my horse who wouldn't reply to an advert in winter because it's 'winter.' You want hardy, commited types not people that are only interested when it's warm and the evenings are light!

I think what you're asking is perfectly reasonable too so keep looking.
Click to expand...

Equally a lot of commited types will see someone wanting help over winter, them doing the hard slog to get a horse back into work and then the share finishing in summer when you want to sell a horse in work.
Perhaps make it clear why you want to share or that you'd like someone commited in the long run etc if not just for winter?

Pan
 
I think winter is a great time to take on a share, especially if you're looking to get out competing in the Spring.

Few months of pottering about, getting to know eachother, lots of cuddly yard based stuff (who can refuse a half tonne hot water bottle? :S), and then start thinking about fittening up about Feb / March and you'll be ready for the season!

I've just taken on a share, waiting on him being moved through to Edinburgh but as of this weekend I'll have a horse to ride again! Most days too, his owner is a boarding school teacher so only really has a Sunday free, so during term she'll always have him on a Sunday, but during half term she'll be able to have him whenever and I can have weekends for competing :D

I would say you would only get good comitted sharers in winter, but thats not a bad thing ;)
 
BoolavogueDC said:
Thing is, on paper I wouldn't mind a younger person, but I have never seen anything good come from young sharers. Just drama, irresponsibility and angst!

lol @ shavers!
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im 17 so dont know whether you would count me as a 'young sharer' but there are willing, hard working teenagers out there.
I share a TB 2 days a week which I can only just afford (£20). If someone said to me can you muck out my horse every day in winter I would happily say yes! I just love being around horses, winter or not, riding or not. I looked after a 18.2 shire horse for 2 weeks doing everything (except riding because he's only 4), I didnt get paid a penny but absolutely loved it.
all I need now is to save up for driving lessons + provisional licence + car then I wont have to bloody cycle everywhere!!

Anyways You have probably had bad experiences with teenagers but dont stereotype because there are very willing people out there :)
 
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No, I've never had a bad experience, but I have never seen it go well, sadly. Some ruin it for many, I'd say.

So should I put in my advert that I have an 8 week old baby and that's why I would like help?
 
PandorasJar said:
Equally a lot of commited types will see someone wanting help over winter, them doing the hard slog to get a horse back into work and then the share finishing in summer when you want to sell a horse in work.
Perhaps make it clear why you want to share or that you'd like someone commited in the long run etc if not just for winter?

Pan
Click to expand...

Perhaps, although I have shared before, it started in winter and it never crossed my mind they would be using me for the cold horrible months and selling the horse in the spring, perhaps I'm naive!

Equally, I had 2 sharers for my old horse, both started in summer/end of summer and both quit in winter because 'it was too cold' 'they wearn't enjoyng it, the school has frozen (we were knee deep in snow for 10 days) and they can't ride' blah blah. So perhaps I am just cynical now :rolleyes:
 
PandorasJar said:
Equally a lot of commited types will see someone wanting help over winter, them doing the hard slog to get a horse back into work and then the share finishing in summer when you want to sell a horse in work.
Perhaps make it clear why you want to share or that you'd like someone commited in the long run etc if not just for winter?

Pan
Click to expand...

Interestingly though: I am also looking for a sharer for my horse and my advert states she is on Part Livery so no mucking out needed etc and i still havent had many responses.
 
BoolavogueDC said:
No, I've never had a bad experience, but I have never seen it go well, sadly. Some ruin it for many, I'd say.

So should I put in my advert that I have an 8 week old baby and that's why I would like help?
Click to expand...

It would certainly give a reasonable explanation.
I've only ever been a sharer, never shared any of mine and was lucky enough that it was through a very good friend so no concerns. I simply looked at reasons in your article that would put people off. Things that jumped out
1. Winter (gets committed people as others have said)
2. Out of work (Why? Young baby would explain?)
3. Bringing back into work over winter (To sell? Young baby would explain again)

I wouldn't rule out an older teenager living close enough to walk/cycle or with close public transport.
I would however expect references from them; work/college/previous sharer/loan etc and I would phone them. I'd also want to know short term plans - uni/travelling etc.
Some of the most committed and best riders I know are mid/late teens and I wouldn't hesitate to use them. I've also seen some of the worst, but never without plenty of warning. This goes for adults too.
Are you happy that people on your yard would let you know if there are concerns?

Pan
 
SummerxStarsx said:
Perhaps, although I have shared before, it started in winter and it never crossed my mind they would be using me for the cold horrible months and selling the horse in the spring, perhaps I'm naive!

Equally, I had 2 sharers for my old horse, both started in summer/end of summer and both quit in winter because 'it was too cold' 'they wearn't enjoyng it, the school has frozen (we were knee deep in snow for 10 days) and they can't ride' blah blah. So perhaps I am just cynical now :rolleyes:
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People are flakes :D
On our last yard only one person came up when it snowed. She lived almost an hour away and walked the last few miles. Those a 10min walk away didn't bother - it was just expected we'd sort their horses out... most didn't even call to let us know!

I personally love watching the horses out in the snow :)
 
Yes (re: people on yard)

Maybe you have better teenagers around you Pan, I've only had two adult sharers (and no complaints) but I've seen friends with young sharers and I've cringed/got angry/despaired in equal measure with her, over the months at their attitudes, pettiness and fickle natures!

That said, if I met the right youngster I would, and the point about references is one I had considered, thank you!
 
I think its a tough time too for sharers to find a horse! I'm 25, currently sharing but my share horse is going up for sale so I'm looking for another share and I'm really struggling. Most in my area are very young and have been out of work for a long time so are far too green, and the owners are looking for someone to bring these horses on and then sell in the future.

To be honest I'm growing more and more disillusioned with the sharing idea, with my current horse I've done a lot of work with him and re-schooled him, probably why she wants to sell him now! So I'm worried that every horse I come across in the future will be a similar situation, I dont want to be heartbroken every time the owner lets me develop a bond with the horse over a few months and then sells him on. I've only been to see one other horse since I found out he was going up for sale, this was a youngster and she admitted she would think about selling him in the future so basically she just wanted to use me to bring him on to a point where she could profit when she sold the horse.

I think its just really tough for the good owners to find the good sharers - there are some of us out there, but we often end up being used by the bad owners, and then the good owners end up with the bad sharers!
 
BoolavogueDC said:
Yes (re: people on yard)

Maybe you have better teenagers around you Pan, I've only had two adult sharers (and no complaints) but I've seen friends with young sharers and I've cringed/got angry/despaired in equal measure with her, over the months at their attitudes, pettiness and fickle natures!

That said, if I met the right youngster I would, and the point about references is one I had considered, thank you!
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I've had both.
One teen sharer on our yard resulted in me getting my horse (and several others) off the yard under extreme stress when she took offence to me asking her to stop nicking my food and attacked my horse. Caused long lasting damage to littlun in question...
however the whole yard had concerns the second she stepped on site. They managed to be bucked off a plod, riding with a flash (unecessary) and no saddle (not allowed). YO was fed up as constantly making them wear hats and then they took pony for a wander wrong way down the highstreet (should have been hacking in woods). The parents were just as bad and seen a mile off.

I've seen nervous teen sharers on horses they shouldn't have been allowed near because of pushy parents.

I've also seen two brilliant teen sharers who were incredibly committed and did wonders for the horses. One of which will be asked to ride our youngster when backed.
So swayed towards not so good in my experience, but I'd recommend for the fact that it was so damn obvious the second you met the bad ones and your yard will let you know if there are later concerns. And if you pick someone you aren't happy with make sure you have an easy 'out' in your contract.
 
It's hard for sharers too!

I'm 24 and have been looking and there are many in my area who are available to share 3-4 days a week, many not including weekends obviously. Due to my job I am unable to commit to that many week days but am able to do 1, possibly 2 week days.

I have been to see a couple who I got the idea that I would be helping to get back into work and then the owner would possibly be selling in spring. I would be happy to take on a newly backed youngster but I don't want to be paying over the odds to bring the horse on for the owner. Many shares in my area are quite expensive.

I am happy to take on a share through the winter, had my own horses so I know it can be a hard slog sometimes!

Don't be put off by teenagers, there are sensible, good young riders out there....likewise there are some awful adults!!
 
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We aren't all young and bad ;)

I've just found a new share 2 days per week, loving being back in the saddle and mucking out... Yes you read that right ha!
 
Wish I knew as well....I've advertised what I think is a pretty attractive sounding share (6 yr old, chilled, talented 17hh WB x ISH, uncomplicated, yard with great facilities and hacking, and open to number of days etc - on full livery but negotiable on cost)...have had lots of children apply (he's safe but I personally don't want the responsibility of a 13 year old riding a very big young horse), and a couple of nervous people who only want to ride with martingales or neck straps in the school...I can't take the risk that he'll develop bad habits and walk all over them.
 
I've just started a new horse share, similar type contribution to what you are suggesting with three days riding per week (plus some stable chores) and the possibility of more riding if I want it. The horse is a young, green thoroughbred.

Apparently the owners got lots of "numpties" responding to their advert, they had a previous bad experience with an unreliable teenager and I was one of very few over 18's that responded.

It wouldn't put me off if the horse was coming back into work or could only hack for a while as it is all bonding time isn't it?
 
Some interesting points in this thread. Am just trying to decide whether it is worth looking for a sharer for Che as I now have a smaller horse to ride and he is too young to retire completely but not really saleable as such, am in a bit of a quandry really, so many things to consider. It would be a damn sight easier to not bother but Im sure he would be better still being ridden.
 
We're not all bad :P. A lot of teens are very nippy and only really want a horse as a sort of show thing, but that's not all of us :3. I actually love to do everything involving a horse :P. I don't see the point in having a share if all you want to do is ride around 24/7, what's the point in that? The problem I'm having is that people are expecting ridiculous contributions round here, and nobody can afford it so they aren't getting sharers. I think you just have to wait for the right person to come round :). You sound like you are giving the a good deal, but obviously the right person hasn't found you yet ;). I'm trying to find someone who wants help in return for riding, but at the minute everyone is looking for money money money, and some of the prices they are looking for are ridiculous! It's really quite infuriating and disheartening. Good luck with your horse though :).
 
I have had 2 sharers in the past 12 months. One had him for 3 days a week... And quit as soon as his was in for winter 'didn't want to muck out' and then stormed off one day when I had his bridle cleaned and she couldnt ride. I said having a horse isn't always about riding!

Second sharer last 2 days and then these were exact words 'i don't think it's worth my while to be going up to the yard at 7pm and just feeding him' .... Bear in mind we have an indoor school and it's not my fault she didn't finish work till late...

Decided its best for him if I didn't get a sharer.
 
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