Sharers Good/Bad and how on earth do you find a good one?

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Simplynotenoughhours!

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Hello all,

Am hoping that some of you out there can help me, I have been very seriously toying with the idea of trying to find a sharer for my horse. I work away a lot and am often away at weekends so it seems to make a lot of sense, but I am intrigued as to whether I could really find someone who fits well with me and my boy!

I would be happy for someone to ride 3 times a week and if all went well probably more, he is on full livery so no need for anyone to help out with jobs. Our yard is not fancy at all but has a nice stable block, small indoor school, jumping paddocks and good hacking.

And so to the horse... he is a 12yo 17.3hh ISH, and that is where my problem comes! He is very well behaved but can have his moments and at almost 18 hands he intimidates a lot of people, even those who are experienced. He does not buck, rear, bolt or nap, jumps like a stag and is fantastic to hack, however he is not perfect so will someone else find this appealing??? I am not sure.....???

I would love to know of how anyone has made it work or has any tips? Also where did you find your sharers and how much do you ask for a contribution?

Thanks in advance and apologies for the lenghty ramble!
 
Im a sharer, and share a 17.2hh warmblood, who sounds a bit like your boy, so we are out there!
My share horses owners found me on newrider.com

I pay £50pcm for 2 days a week, but I know this really isnt that much, but I am doing the owners as much of a favour as they are doing me, as in their horse gets ridden, mucked out or poo picked, fed etc so they dont have to come out on the days I do.

Other owners on my yard charge up to £120pcm for a similar arrangement.

Good luck finding someone!
 
*moves to Cambridge* I'd jump at it but alas...

Not sure on costs - my one and only share was free. I did the yard work etc and I was schooling their pony rather than exercising it etc. I then stopped it after they blamed me for him acting up (bad back/badly fitted saddle was the cause I later heard). I think sharers get bad names, owners get bad names so there's always got to be a compromise. I'd far rather (if it was my horse) have a fantastic sharer and a token money contribution than x amount per week/month and the sharer being a total waste of space.

Comes down to whether you want the money or the help/time etc. (Not being arsy or blunt but from my own experiences of trying to find a share, some owners really do only care about getting as much money as possible)
 
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I don't pay anything weekly, just for shoes. I don't have set days but normally ride about 4 times a week, and I always offer to pay for any other bits and bobs. Sharers do have bad names but there are good ones out there! Always do a trial period and see if you get on with them, really does save hassle down the line.
 
Definitely will appeal to someone! :)
I share a 14.2hh 16 y/o mare who is a rescue and can honestly be a little nightmare at times but it all adds to character :)
I started off by paying £40 a month for 2 days a week, inc grooming, mucking out, riding, any shows I wanted to go to etc. Been sharing with the same woman for 8 years now and loving every minute of it :)
Advertise, get a contract written up and as been said before, do a trial period with them where they aren't alone with the horse for a few weeks so you can get your peace of mind.
The most important thing is that your horse gets along with her/him and you are happy :)
but there are good'uns of us out there!! ;)
Good luck x
 
I have a lovely sharer, my horse isn't the easiest of jorses and is very stubborn when she wants to be yet my sharer works wonders with her, really goo rider, really friendly and keeps all my stuff tidy hahah! By the sounds of it your horse will seal to many experienced sharers, maybe a student who doesn't have the money but still wants to ride etc,
xx
 
Ah, if only we were closer!

My last share horse was free but the owner only wanted someone to ride and turn out/bring in/feed/rug when needed.

I rode up to 3 times a week doing hacking/schooling and a little jumping.

It came to an end when I got married and we seem to have lost contact (had no replies) so I don't really understand what happened, but if I'm not needed then I'm not needed.

I'm looking for the same type of arrangement but only twice a week and have failed to find anything so far.

I'm sure there's someone out there who will snap him up soon! :)
 
I've had sharers for years with my various horses - two of them have been with me for over 10 years, one of whom stayed with me when one horse left and the new horse arrived! My "quirky" horse is also large-ish (16.3 hh) and two sharers have struggled, although my long-term lady gets on fine with her.

I've found my sharers through word of mouth and also via notices in the local tack shops/feed merchants. I've also advertised via our local Riding Club newsletter. Sometimes it does take a while to find the right person, and always go with your gut feeling if you aren't quite sure about someone.

I would echo the comments about getting a signed agreement and doing a trial period. I always make sure that I am around for the first few weeks until we are both happy that both sharer and horse are comfortable with each other and safe in the stable, in the school and out hacking. I am also always totally upfront about any quirks and will try and work through any problems that the sharer is having with the horse.

I basically try and treat them as I would hope to be treated, and appreciate the time, effort and money they spend on my horses. My sharers contribute £60 each per calender month for three days per week, but it isn't only about the money - they give my girls the time and attention that I can't always give them myself.
 
Be careful is all I can say, a friend of mine responded to an advert for an experienced rider looking to exercise/share, problem horses not a problem. My friend was totally honest about her boy, he had no malice in him but because she was uanble to ride him very often he could be flighty and spooky. This had all been explained to the girl who assured us it would not be a problem. She came to try him and saw him on the lunge (he had a bucking fit - understandably as he hadnt done anything for a while) and watched my friend ride him gently. She then got on and started cantering him around the field (!) he got overexicted and bucked her off and we had ambulances and now my poor friend has been threatened with potential legal action as the girl injured herself!!! On the plus side of things so long as you are careful it can work really well, I myself have shared a horse in the past and got on very well. I am sure our experience is one of a very small amount and could happen if someone was simply coming to try a horse to buy - but still, make sure you totally vet them first!!
 
I used to share a 17.2hh IDxDWB and he was a spooky horse and not easy at the best of times but we got on well and I had a good relationship with his owner. Our arrangement was 2 days a week at £10 per day. I feel it works best of the owner is quite particular about the way things should be done as, as a sharer it made me even more careful with her horse and his belongings - not that I ever wouldn't be - but I don't think it can do any harm to put across high expectations right from the start. A contract stating exactly what the sharer can do with the horse would also be advisable.

I found my share on new rider.
 
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