Sharing: WDYT?

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Toz

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Hi
I really want to get more hands-on with horses. I have helped a friend care for her horses, been to shows with her and effectively been her groom.
I started by considering moving stables, which I think I might do.
Pony Club, which I think I would have to do to get as involved with horses as I want, is very expensive per week.
What I really want is to share a horse- no hidden costs, it is like owning a horse 2-4 days a week basically. I am a teenager, not that old, so obviously I have to get round my parents... Which is the problem. I worked out that if I have a share pony at £15 a week (which I have seen lots of adverts for in various websites) and one lesson a month at my current stable, I would be saving £1.50 every month.
I understand that I need lessons, and couldn't get away with not having any, because my riding would really suffer.
I also know that some people wouldn't be inclined to share with a teenager, because they might be concerned about commitment, etc.
My mum and I are quite similar heights, so we could each take it in turn to ride, and care for the horse.

This is all what I want. I know that a lot of the time it is very hard to get what you want. I have completely understood and I accept that I am very unlikely to get a horse in the foreseeable future, because they cost an awful lot, and are a very big commitment. With a share, you can pull out (with notice) so if I were to lose interest (which I doubt, but it is important to consider all possibilities) I could pull out without risking the well being of the horse.
Also, if my financial situation were to change, I wouldn't have the problem of not knowing where to send the horse.
Do you think my ideas are acceptable?
Bear in mind that I have been riding for 6years, have looked after friends ponies and my mum has lots of horsey care and riding experience also.
What do you think? Does sharing sound like the right thing for me? Any other ideas?

I don't throw hissy fits if I don't get what I want, and I completely understand and accept the responsibility and financial problems that come with owning a horse, and I don't mind getting my hands dirty, am happy to muck out and poo-pick and genuinely want to help someone with their horse and do a bit of happy hacking :)
What are your opinions?
Thank you very much for any nice comments :)
 
I think sharing is a good step into horses, and used to know a yard who had lots of horses that were owned by the yard and shared by other people, some were rs types, and also used on the school, and others were more your private home/showing types, and it seemed to work well. I have also had sharers or my pony when he has been home, and it has worked well. In fact one of the best wasn't even quite a teenager, and she came on in leaps and bounds with the pony. You could also possibly have lessons on your share pony which might work well. Good luck with talking to your parents, and hope you find something suitable!
 
I've had shares before and the only thing I would say is be a reliable as possible. Ask someone if they'd be willing to give you a 3 month trial or something. I wouldn't be put off by your age, for me it's more about commitment
 
Don't assume just because you're a teenager people won't want to have you as a sharer, especially if your mum is also horsey. I think it's a great idea, as you say it's like owning your own horse on your days. I would really take your time looking around for a suitabke horse. The owner will want to know you are committed and you won't be if you jump into a share of a horse you don't "click" with. I would also suggest paying by direct debit to put your owners mind at ease that you are there to stay. I think it's a good idea to keep up with your lessons although some owners may have specific things they want you to do with their horse and may have a specific instructor they would like you to use (if you would be having lessons on your share horse that is ....) so bare that in mind. I can't see how your parents wouldn't be okay with it if you are saving money but make sure they are happy to drive you or you have suitable, reliable transport. There's nothing worse, for everyone than a share falling through due to something as mundane as transport! I very much doubt that an owner would be happy for you and your parents to be riding their horse though, that's a lot of different people and riding styles getting involved so just make sure you have the time to be there every day that is yours.
 
Jola- I really like the idea of a three-month trial, and I think that is a very sensible way to go into it.
*sprinkles* - I agree with the idea that lots of riders may be a bit too much, but I think my mum would only ride occasionally. I would definitely tell the owner and discuss if this were a good idea.
I am only ever busy one day each week so I am generally free, and because my parents don't take me around as they do my sister, they are always willing to take me places :)
I agree with not rushing into going for the first horse I see, too.

Thank you very much everyone :)
 
You sound really sensible and mature so sharing could be a perfect solution for you to gain real ownership experience without the full cost. I have only ever had shares and once you are known for being a really good reliable sharer lots of opportunities will open up to you. Good luck and hope your mum supports you.
 
Tess Love- thank you for your support!
I have spoken to my mum, and she thinks maybe I should try to help out more at the stables for a bit, then maybe consider it at another time... But those are her first thoughts, and I know she always likes to reserve her opinion so she doesn't agree to something then change her mind, so hopefully she will talk to my dad and consider it more... Also she doesn't know much about sharing, so I think we will look into it together, and explore the possibilities. Thank you for all your help everyone and encouraging words, I really hope it all works out some day :)
Thank you lots an lots :)
 
Darn it! Could you not move to the south west?! Im looking for a sharer and although I'd prefer an adult a teenager who sounds as thoughtful and keen to learn as you would be perfect!

I shared twice before I got my own, and was 100% reliable and ended up helping out with my second owners other horse although I never rode her (wouldnt have wanted to even if it had have been offered - far too much for me!) Ive struggled to find someone reliable, keen to learn, and grounded (a lot of the teenagers were full of I can canter and gallop and jump x high - great what about the rest of it?!)

Maybe do work at your stables a bit whilst your mum comes round to the idea. Then youve got more experience to offer whoever you end up sharing with

Good luck!
 
Well good luck I'm sure you (and your mum) will make the right decision, which is why you'll make a great sharer when ever that may be :). I would recommend having lessons on your share pony/horse if you do go down that route as it will normally work out cheaper and very rewarding with the huge advantage of continuity and being able to practise what you have learned afterwards on your own.
 
Haha I think moving a long way is a bit extreme... Sorry!!!
I don't want to bite off more than I can chew by going straight into sharing, so maybe it is best to be on the safe side and help at the stables before I share.
I want to have a good idea of what I am do if I do decide to share.
Hopefully I will be sharing before long :)
Thank you very much and I don't want to end up compromising a horse's happiness and health by not knowing what I'm doing!
Thanks again everyone
 
I had a teenager as my sharer once. She got the person who she helped with her horses at the time to phone up on her behalf to recommend her, as she thought I would be put off by a teenager phoning directly first. The share worked out really well, she was reliable and committed. Then after a couple of years I decided to sell the horse, and she bought her! Still has the mare to this day!
 
I think it's a great idea to help out at a stables first, you may even find a share that way. I let it be known round the yard I was at when I was looking for a sharer, a couple of teenagers who helped out were interested so I asked the staff which was the best with the horses, before asking the girl if she would like to try Autumn. She shared for three years and it all worked really well. I gave her Mum a formal sharing agreement. Good luck, you sound like an asset to any yard.
 
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