Sharing - am I kidding myself??

pookie

pookie

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It's going to be a minimum of 6 months before I'm in a position sort out a horse for myself, so forgive me for thinking so far in advance.

I'm undecided whether I want to go the sharing/loaning route again or buy a horse - if I buy my own, it'll be the first one I've properly owned. If I buy or loan and keep at a yard of my choice, I'll almost certainly go with part or full livery as, between work and a new baby, I'll have very little time for yard chores and will want to make the most of riding time. But if I go the sharing route, am I kidding myself to think there are many owners out there who'd be happy sharing with someone like that, someone who only 'wants' to ride? Obviously I'd be more than happy to financially contribute, but mucking out and so on will be virtually impossible, at least for a while.

Secondly (maybe more importantly), I've been away from riding for a few years. What with that and the pregnancy/birth I've no idea what state I'll be in - logically I know I'm not likely to have 'forgotten' things, but I'm a worry-wart and wouldn't be surprised if I make a t*t of myself
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The last time I shared I was very much an active, experienced rider, but now I'm wondering if there are many owners who'd be happy with a rider like me sharing their horse? Someone who could either turn out to be a half-decent rider still (that really sounds like bragging, sorry!), or practically back to being a novice?

Sorry for the probably stupid questions
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For me, it would depend if you put the horse on part or full livery. Part, yes I would loan to you. But full? No way. Maybe it's just my boy, but he forms a strong bond with the people who look after him day to day, and it really makes a difference with him when it comes to riding. He is so much happier when he is being ridden by me, as he sees me all the time and trusts me.
As for being away from riding for a while, I know all about it. Before I started horse hunting (about this time last year) I hadn't ridden regually for a year and a half! It's suprising how much comes back to you once you are back in the saddle.
 
I'm considering getting a sharer for one of mine and I would prefer someone who only wants to ride only - I'm a bit OCD about my yard and if they mucked out I'd only end up redoing it - even if it was perfect
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I have one of my boys advertised for share at the moment and offered to either do/help with stable chores and day to day care. Partly because I am so in the routine of doing 2 horses each day and partly so that the person sharing can dedicate their time to him. But don't mind if the person does want to do the jobs themselves. Believe it or not had no takers (couple of people tried him). Had him advertised for about 2 months now.
 
No. I think you'll be fine. I was in a similar position when I initially got my horse on share (he's mine now).

If you're worried, why not go for a few lessons to get the feel back before you start looking?
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Thanks for the replies so far
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tasteofchaos - I can completely understand that. FWIW, I have every intention of spending time with the horse not riding (grooming and so on), so I'm not the type to just want to turn up, hop on and ride for an hour
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I just doubt I'll have time for most stable chores that come with DIY liveries. But I'd always be honest and up-front with any owner.

SuzySue - hehe, that's quite like me with my dogs - I hate even leaving them at the vets and certainly don't think anyone would look after them to my standards
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It's more a reflection on me rather than anyone else. But it's great to hear there are people who would actually prefer their sharer not do yard chores!
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vetsbestfriend - I can't believe no-one's snapped up your boy! I can only assume it's a slow market at the moment, but it seems such a shame!

Kub - are you struggling?


Any more responses gratefully received!
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I think you would find a horse to share, it shouldn't be a problem.

I would like to get a sharer for one of my two horses, the problem I have is that I would really like somone that is not a novice, I would like somone to ride, hunt & come to events with me if possible, and somone that could ride weekdays rather than just weekends.

I can't find anyone at the mo & I'm not asking for any money either
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Pookie - indeed I am, had a few people contact me and then didn't go any further. Ah well, I shall keep on my hunt lol

Hermangerman - What you're offering sounds amazing, I am very surprised no-one has taken you up on it! I'd probably be classed as a novice so not good enough for what you're after but I would jump at the chance if I was suitable!
 
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I think you would find a horse to share, it shouldn't be a problem.

I would like to get a sharer for one of my two horses, the problem I have is that I would really like somone that is not a novice, I would like somone to ride, hunt & come to events with me if possible, and somone that could ride weekdays rather than just weekends.

I can't find anyone at the mo & I'm not asking for any money either
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I wish you were near me!!

To the OP - I should think you should be able to find a horse to share with those criteria, although obviously it does limit the numbers of people slightly. You may just have to pay a little more if the horse is on part livery, or if you pay extra for assisted DIY on your days or something.

I shouldn't think not having ridden for a while should affect anything much either - you might be out of riding shape, but you don't forget everything you know and turn back into a novice!
 
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