Sharing-What would you be asking?

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HayleyUK

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I've found a couple of possible shares on new rider. Having never shared a horse before, only ever owned, I was wondering what kinda questions you be initially asking before you went to go and see them?

They're all based within 20-30 mins of where I live which is handy.

I was going to ask:

what they expected doing with the horse in terms of work?
If they were suitable for someone who was confident but coming back to horses after a break.
If they could tell me about thier horses personality.
What work they were currently doing and any areas that the horse/rider struggled with or found difficult

Can you think of anything else?
 
I have shared a horse for a while and am now taking him on full loan. Before I started I had a long chat with the owner about the things I was going to be responsible for in terms of his upkeep, what she expected me to pay, how many days I was going to help out, the yard responsibilities (for example at our yard we have to poo pick which can take a fair bit of time) but I guess if you really want to know what the horse is like you will have to spend some time with it in the yard, field and riding it, and see whether you get on.
 
All you questions seem good but heres a few more you may want to ask...

With regard to competing the horse, who has first refusal over this? If you do plan to compete check the horse travels/loads ok.

Obviously how much they want and if you will be expected to pay any additional costs ie vet bills (my horse is on share to my friend and she is not expected to pay anything more UNLESS the injury was caused by any negligence on her part in which case I would ask her for the insurance excess amount)

Also make sure that they plan to give you a written contract and if so do you need to give notice to end the contact.
 
I advertised for a rider for one fo mine a few months back, found a lovely girl who was happy to pay, do whatever was needed and was grateful to ride at any time doing anything.

I was lucky though and because she was so nice I actually decided I didnt want a contribution from her as it was just nice having someone to hack out with.

She still comes and rides with me now, although it will be on a different horse.
My horse was fully insured for anyone riding her and I didnt have a contract or anything with her, BUT, she was only allowed to ride when I was there, now I woudl trust her alone with any of them, but I think as the horse owner you have to be a bit wary at first. Afterall the person is a stranger.

I would ask if you need to have your own rider only insurance incase anything happened,
Also ask how much contribution she expects, some may just say pay for shoes or something,
Ask what your limits are with the horse, for example could you do as you please, do a sponsored ride or something if you felt like it, or does the owner want to limit what you do.

umm cant think of any more at the mo!
smile.gif
 
I have shared my horse in the past and in terms of care they do a set number of days a week as costs are split 50/50 except Insurance which I pay. But should injury to the horse happen whilst they are riding they pay the excess and vice versa. Aslo should death or injury result from their negligence they take responcibility and if not covered by the insurance are liable for the cost of the horse and any cost regarding its disposal etc.

Also with regards to equiptment, we did have an agreement that anything she bought to use on him would remain hers but I could use it and vice versa, but she always used to take her stuff home but would happily use mine!

I did discuss the level of care I expected etc, and I did check up on this regularly via other yard members(call it snooping if u wish). But when I cam eup to find him not mucke dout and not groomed the night before I was miffed!

You dont necessarily need someone riding at the same level as you either, provided you can both handle the horse, so it gets a good variety of work.

I did let them compete if they wished and have lessons, but that was once in a blue moon they wanted to. If it had been EVERY weekend I wouldnt have agreed.

Also, if u dont like the person but love the horse, still be careful as you have to be able to be friends with them to!
 
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