Sharers

[LittleGreyMare]

I’m looking for a sharer for my horse and looking for advice on what others have arranged in terms of chores, payment etc. want to start off on the right foot!

 

[Cob Life]

I would say work out what you would like and make that clear to any interested sharers.

the 2 shares I have are very flexible (much more than most) I just have to let them know what days I’m going and do all chores on the days I go.

 

[chaps89]

Why do you need a sharer - just an extra pair of hands, some extra company, to help with costs and/or jobs?
There isn’t a prescriptive share, each one seems to be individual so whatever works for you.

Im very very lucky - I have 2 shares currently, one I’ve had for 6/7 years, the other 14 months.
I generally stick to the same day/s each week but the owners are flexible and we swap around each other as we need to.
I do no jobs and pay no contribution - the owners are just happy for the horse to be ridden by someone competent. I’m also fortunate that I can have lessons and compete as I want as well.
As I say, very lucky and I hope when I move I can find the same again!

 

[LittleGreyMare]

Thanks both. Really I could do with some help financially and time wise. I think I just need to be honest. It does seem like there’s no set rule…

My friend currently rides on a Tuesday and doesn’t pay anything (but previously I paid her), but Tuesday is never a day I would really want to ride, so it’s a bonus. But now looking for a second sharer and I don’t mind if it means I don’t ride, just struggling with two and a FT job.

 

[chaps89]

To add, one of the horses I share does have other sharers, who do pay and do jobs. The owner has them because she needs the help (both on the yard and with costs)
It wouldn’t be unusual to ask for costs or care on their day, it’s rare that an owner would ask for both though unless it’s just a token gesture amount. But again, it’s whatever you need the share for and what you’ll get most from.
If you advertise and don’t find anyone you can always try a different tactic!

 

[Wishfilly]

Thanks both. Really I could do with some help financially and time wise. I think I just need to be honest. It does seem like there’s no set rule…

My friend currently rides on a Tuesday and doesn’t pay anything (but previously I paid her), but Tuesday is never a day I would really want to ride, so it’s a bonus. But now looking for a second sharer and I don’t mind if it means I don’t ride, just struggling with two and a FT job.

What can you offer a sharer? Both in terms of the horse(s) you want to share and opportunities? I think that influences what you can charge a lot. If you want all jobs doing on DIY then usually it's only really a token payment, unless they will get a lot out of the share in other ways.

If you don't necessarily need all jobs doing every time they ride, then it's very reasonable to charge more.

I think most people do fixed days and usually offer at least one weekend day.

Would you be willing to supervise someone with limited experience, at least initially? Or do you want someone to hit the ground running without you?

 

[Skib]

For both my shares which I hacked solo, (with no chores) I have paid more or less the going rate for hacking from the local RSs.

 

[LittleGreyMare]

I was planning to ride one day a week most, so I think they would get a good deal! But it would mostly be hacking, I think. Happy for riding week or weekend. I was thinking to start with they could ride with me to show them the rides, then they go solo.

I am happy to share my younger horse too if someone wanted to school etc. but she’s so quirky and likes to deck people I’m not sure that’s wise in the first instance.

Thank you for your comments really helpful and lots to think about.

What can you offer a sharer? Both in terms of the horse(s) you want to share and opportunities? I think that influences what you can charge a lot. If you want all jobs doing on DIY then usually it's only really a token payment, unless they will get a lot out of the share in other ways.

If you don't necessarily need all jobs doing every time they ride, then it's very reasonable to charge more.

I think most people do fixed days and usually offer at least one weekend day.

Would you be willing to supervise someone with limited experience, at least initially? Or do you want someone to hit the ground running without you?

 

[chaps89]

I was planning to ride one day a week most, so I think they would get a good deal! But it would mostly be hacking, I think. Happy for riding week or weekend. I was thinking to start with they could ride with me to show them the rides, then they go solo.

I am happy to share my younger horse too if someone wanted to school etc. but she’s so quirky and likes to deck people I’m not sure that’s wise in the first instance.

Thank you for your comments really helpful and lots to think about.

There might well be someone out there for the younger horse - one of the owners other horses is ridden by a former pro sj groom who has really bought her on. But harder to find and they’re less likely to pay to do it or do jobs. I’d screen carefully if the horse is inclined to deck people though!