Sharing horses - ups and downs....?

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zoeshiloh

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www.stowmarketanddistrictridingclub.com
The post on here about how much to charge a sharer has got me thinking...

I advertised for a sharer six months back when my OH still had his hunter. He wasn't riding it enough, and I didn't have the time, so I advertised for a sharer. A young girl came to try her (the horse was fab) and got on with her, and I said that I wanted some contribution towards costs, but not a massive amount. Everything seemed fine. Then, they started to take the pee a bit - dropping this girl off at 8am in the morning and not picking her up until about 5pm in the evening. I still had to do everything as she was completely incapable of anything other than riding, and I didn't feel that I could leave her on her own. This meant rather than doing less work, I ended up doing more. Then, when I broached the subject of money with the parents they said "well she still has riding lessons and we can't afford to pay for a share and riding lessons. Besides, she helps you all day so you should be paying her." I got a little cross, but didn't want to tell them their daughter is more of a hinderence than a help. They also send her without any packed lunch, so I am having to make her lunch all the time. Now I have found out they have cancelled her riding lessons because she told her mum she is learning more from me (I am also a riding instructor and normally charge for lessons). This girl now seems to be getting free lessons from me, plus I do most of the yard work, and I end up paying for her meals. How did I get into this situation - arggghhhh!! Last weekend it came to a head, and I did tell her mum that I can't 'look after' her daughter anymore - I am basically being used as a free babysitting service.

I had a great sharer a few years ago, that paid £20 a week, plus half towards shoes, but she had to move away. Why can't I find someone else like her!

All I want is a person who can do the yardwork unsupervised, is willing to pay a bit towards upkeep (I'd be happy with £15 a week!) and doesn't treat me like a doormat. In return they get to ride a fantastic horse at least 4 times a week, go to competitions and take him hunting, and basically have a free lesson whenever they want. Why is it so hard to find someone?
 
I am surprised you dont have a list of people wanting to bite your arm off with that kind of offer!

Perhaps you should ask around. Word of mouth is very often better than advertising......someone must know someone......!!

Good luck finding a sharer.

(Where are you based?)
 
Couldnt you train the girl up to be helpful? We have small helpers at the weekends and theyre expected to get stuck in- we have to teach them and help them a bit to ensure everything is done to the right standard but they are exceptonally helpful!
 
Bossanova - I have tried - I am a great believer in giving people chances that I didn't get as a youngster. But even simple things like poo-picking a field she can't do on her own. She just seems to have no common sense - she needs to be told everything, every single week, even though its the same routine every week. If she just came for a lesson or a few hours I could cope, but they leave her with me all day, and I just don't have the time to look after a kid and do all my own work as well.
 
i can't believe you're finding it hard with that offer- sounds like a brilliant deal. move down this way- loads of people desperate to share as all the riding schools are closing and the ones that are open charge so much now for hacking that they can't afford it.
i have a wonderful sharer for one of mine who i found after advertising locally. if you're horse is bombproof then put that in the ad- i had so many replies to mine and some of the people were very experienced but had had nasty experiences with horses so wanted something that wasnt going to play up all the time.

good luck, sure you'll someone suitable soon.
 
If you were near me I would of been ripping your arm off for that 6 months ago............. we are not all numpties, promise! The woman who owns the horse i share wants to clone me so she can have a sharer for her other horse!
 
Sounds like you're too nice!

You should easily be able to find somebody, maybe you're not looking in the right places? As a riding instructor do you not know anyone looking for that kind of arrangement?

I am sure a lot of people would bite your hand off for that kind of opportunity!
 
God!! If I were near to you I would also be snapping your hand off!!! I would be happy to pay more than double the £15 per week and as I had ponies/horses of my own before leaving for University I know exactly how to care for them. At the moment I am paying around £25 per week to go hacking for 1.5 hours or £27.50 for an hours lesson and can't believe how expensive lessons have become! It does seem that the parents of this girl are taking advantage - just be honest and say that you can easily find someone with more practical horsey experience who would be willing to contribute to costs and does not need to be provided with lunch!! lol. x
 
I think you need to put your foot down here and tell the parents that she either contributes financially or the arrangement ends immediately. She also needs to be told that yard work is part & parcel of having a horse and not an optional extra. At least then you will all know where you stand and if they walk way thats their loss. Then you can advertise for someone who will actually help, rather than hinder you.
 
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