Sharing questions....

TicTac

TicTac

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does it work and what are the pitfalls?

My daughter has decided that due to her work commitments at the moment she would like to offer her 15.1 13yo gelding up for share. We do not want him to go on loan and we will never sell him so thought that a sharer would be the best option. In our case the potential sharer will pretty much be able to do what they want with regards to days of riding etc and I will always be around to hack out with, help and generally keep an eye on etc. All we really want is a responsible and capable person to ride him and make a very small weekly/monthly contribution towards shoes etc.

Can any of you offer any advice on what or what not to do and where would be the best place to advertise.

Thanks
 
First of all word of mouth is the best thing, so spread the word to all the instructors and farriers and horsey people you know - this way if you find someone through them, you can get a reference from someone you trust.
Second is local tack shops, feed shops, rug washing places and yards etc, as you will need someone local so advertising on a big website is unlikley to work.
Good luck! I have been sharing a horse for 1 1/2 years and horse and owner and myself are all happy, so if you find a person you can trust and get along with then its a win win situation! But you need to be carefull making you selection, find someone reliable and sensible, get a reference if you are not 100% sure - like from an instructor.
 
I did things the other way round, as in I am the sharer! I put an ad in the local tack shop asking for work for rides and had a response. I would suggest you advertise in the same way as it's a good way to get the word out.

Make sure you are happy with them. Get them to help you catch, groom, tack up etc and watch them ride. That way you will be sure they are capable.

I had a contract with my sharer that was to be reviewed in 3 months then 6 months. It basically stated specifically what I could or couldn't do with the horse and what duties i promised i would do and what days would be my days.

At first I didn't exchange with any money. The arrangement was I got the ride but my payment was the yard duties part. However, now I do contribute money due to the good old economy and the chance of having to not have a horse at all!

Sharing is great if you find the right person. I've known the lady share with for over 10 years now!
 
I shared last summer. I'd say always get a contact, make sure you're 100% comfortable with whoever you choose and asses their ability thoughly.
Once you get one make sure to converse about workload. One of the reasons I ended my share was because he had about 4 sharers, none of us knew eachother and I was worried about his workload.

Good luck. Hope you find someone :)
 
I've been on both sides of the fence having shared and now having a sharer for one of mine.

Make everything very clear - I adapted the BHS loan contract for my sharer and have a really simple but complete contract when I shared.

As the person with a sharer :
We communicate regularly, I have had to realise that because things are done differently it doesn't mean they're wrong :), and I have to be able to trust the person sharing my horse. One woman didn't work out at all, but I've had 2 successful sharers, lost 1 when I moved yards as it was too far for her but I'd take her back as she was great with the horse, 1 came with me, she's now a good friend and I trust her totally.

We keep a diary at the yard so in theory my sharer can write down when she wants to ride and I plan my week around her, in practice she lets me know last minute and I alter everything to fit her in although once or twice I have said no, I'm off work to ride so you can't. (obv not quite as blunt as that).
 
I have found there's not a lot of point advertising in tack shops as u are looking for someone without a horse! Pet shops local papers and preloved are all good. Word of mouth and riding schools. Decide a small set of absolute rules and discuss them up front. I have ended up getting another horse for my sharer as she outgrew my mare and is indispensable. We now share the jobs in the week and keep each other company at weekends.
 
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