Sharing advice please

BillyBob-Sleigh

BillyBob-Sleigh

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Hi everyone,

I just wanted to get some advice on sharing my youngster?

I have never shared before and never thought the day would come where I had to, to be honest! But my new job is very demanding and it leaves me with about 2 days a week to ride! He's a big strapping lad, still growing and 16.3 rising 6 DWB x ISH. He is not a novice ride but bombproof in traffic, to hack in company and his schooling is coming on very nicely.

However, I have put the feelers out to see if anyone would be interested and I've had a response from a girl at the local Equine College who wants to come up and try him. I've explained how he's not a novice ride, as he's a typical young warmblood and she has said that she's a confident rider and also works at the college with exercising the college horses at weekends and during holidays etc - however, there is a BIG difference between college horses and a horse like Billy.

Basically, I'm wondering what factors I need to take into account. I am very protective of my lad and all the hard work that's gone into him, but he needs more doing with him than I have time for and I cannot bear the thought of selling him. He's so highly strung that he would stress terribly in a new environment with new horses etc, and I just couldn't do that to him.

I'm just thinking aloud really, but what do I need to make sure is mentioned when she comes up at the weekend? Obviously Insurance is one point and financial involvement but is there anything else that needs to be sorted?

Also, if anyone else here shares their horse please could you let me know about the pros and cons?

Thanks :)
 
I shared my last horse with a friend. When I decided to buy a younger, second horse, she approached me and asked if I'd be prepared to share the older one. It worked out really well but you do need to trust the sharer. We had a contract in place so that we both understood what was expected of us. She did 3 days per week (but more often 4 once I got the new horse), did stable duties those days and gave me a financial contribution. He stayed at the same yard, wouldn't have entertained moving him for a share though I have let another horse move for a full loan.
 
Thank you. How much did you ask for financial contribution? I was only looking for half of shoes and money towards feed but averaging that out it works out as just under £20 per week. Do you think this is reasonable?
 
Friend told me to work out how much the horse cost me per day then multiply that by number of days she did per month and that was her contribution. I included livery, hay, feed and shoes in it but not insurance (I didn't want anyone else to have any say in any vet treatment he might have needed) or supplements. Worked out at £100pcm I think, might have been a bit more.
 
£20 a week is pretty common. Key to a good share is a person you like and get on with (they are sharing you most treasured possession so you don't want to think they are a plonker all the time) and 2) that they like and can ride your horse.

I suspect you'll be lucky for the first one to come along to meet both those critera (you have to kiss a lot of frogs as they say) when she comes let her catch him, groom and tack up - how she does this will give you a lot of insight into whether she is the right kind of person for him.

I've had "experienced" riders turn up struggle to put headcollar on and look with horror at a bridle with martingale done up through the throat lash! I have politely said to those that can't tack up on their own that they need some horse management/ care lessons before I'd be happy for them to share and I didn't let them ride.

If you have any concerns at all when she comes look for someone else, while we are all a bit nervous riding a strange horse for the first time in front of strangers you can tell that from someone being out of their depth - I think by how they act on the ground.

I have let someone I wasn't sure about carry on for a while and it was much more difficult to say they weren't a good match after a month or so!
 
It's really difficult, I know or think that having a sharer would be best for him (although I'm sure he's not grumbling at only being ridden twice a week...) but he is my absolute pride and joy and the thought of someone else giving him cuddles and spending quality time with him makes me jealous lol - so pathetic, I know! I'm just waiting for her to confirm when she can come up, but in another sense I'm hoping nothing comes of it. I don't know...maybe it's just a case of dealing with the unknown, having never shared - perhaps if it works out I won't know why waited so long!
 
I've just put my youngster up for part loan. On the ad I was honest about what he had done and specified over 18s only.

I've had a few people get in touch. I think for me it was important to be 100% honest. E.g. He is fab to ride when you get him going, but he takes a while to get used to new people so can be a total arse at first. The woman who I've spoken to most recently was very grateful about my honesty and it didn't put her off. Just make sure if you're not 100% with the rider then just say so as it will only cause problems for all in the long run!
 
I have been brutally honest about him and specified that he is definitely not a novice ride, There's nothing nasty about him, just a very spooky nature but he also has a string of positives :). I haven't said only 18+ though, wishing I had now...oh well.
 
I thought I would hate sharing but I loved it in the end overall. We had a few niggles but worked them all out. When I retired the horse I'm not sure if I was more upset at losing my sharer or my horse! I had a sharer briefly years ago and hated it, ended it v quickly. You have to get the right person.

Because I had a second horse I wasn't focussing on my old boy so sharer pretty much had free rein. She decided which days every week she could do (we talked about it every Sunday and planned the weak ahead), always two week days and one or both weekend days. She took him out competing, did fun rides and would have hunted him a bit if I hadn't retired him too. If you get the right person then I think it works because you should be able to discuss things openly and even learn from each other. My sharer helped me out a lot with the young horse I bought - nannied us out hacking, helping hand on the ground when schooling, all sorts. If my circumstances changed in future I would consider having another :)
 
A friend suggested only over 18s to sift out the kiddies and novices. Its worked so far. I wouldn't be bothered if a very competent 16 year old wanted to share but it will eliminate 13yr old pretty pony lovers! I hope it works out for you. I hated the throught of sharing my lad at first but the woman that is coming to ride tomorrow, if she rides him well, would be my ideal sharer! Even if it takes you a while, better that than have someone that won't be quite right for you or your horse x
 
Ah pretty pony lovers, yes I've had one of those message me! That was snubbed out before the conversation even began!

How much financial contribution will you be asking for dark_prince? I'm a bit worried that £20pw might be a bit much for this neck of the woods, although it's not even half of what he actually costs me!
 
I would never discount teenagers,of any age.
The sharers I have had of that age have often turned out to be more reliable and keen than Older ones!
The key is to do a trial,if you feel the person maybe the right one. Suggest something like a month,and agree a date to meet and discuss how things are progressing,to be honest and state any issues you both have.
You need to see insurance,or if they have yet to apply,not to go ahead until it is in place. They will probably have BHS third party as my daughters college insist they join when they enrolled.
Be upfront about what you expect,ie amount of hours per day riding,grooming,mucking out etc. also,things like tack cleaning- who does what.
I have never charged my sharers as been in fortunate position of owning my yard,but they are expected to help with yard duties and poo picking etc.
A good sharer is an invaluable addition to your life and that of your horse,but make sure you get the right one by doing a trial first.
 
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