Should I look for a sharer?? Really can't decide

[Sunny08]

My horse is 4 yrs old, AA X ISH, 16.1, mare. She is a diamond, she has never been dangerous or difficult. She puts the odd 4 inch buck in excitement but thats it. Works well in the school and is a dream to handle!

Reasons for a sharer - my career is important to me and recently the workload is going up and up meaning I get less time with my horse - and it is normally the rising that suffers. We have taken on a new mortgage and could do with the toning down the cost of my horse. Next year we are planning on trying for a baby and I would really like Lottie to be with someone she is settled with to help out through pregnancy etc.

Reasons against - My girl is 4 years old. I am worried someone will ruin her good nature. As good as she is, due to her age she is still a novice horse.

Am I better off keeping her myself and riding four/ five times a week as I do at the moment and when I get pregnant turning her away when I have to stop riding, or getting a sharer? I am really worried about having a really bad experience, ruining my horse or (as silly as it sounds) not feeling like she is mine anymore??

 

[Passtheshampoo]

I had a sharer for my 4yr old ID whilst I was pregnant and then afterwards. It's like anything in life use your gut instinct when "interviewing" prospective sharers and if you don't find anyone that ticks nearly all of your boxes don't go ahead. It's amazing how little time you have once a baby comes along and if you already have a reliable person helping you its a godsend. There are lots of experienced riders out there who would love to share your horse it's just finding the right person who gets on with you both.

 

[Annagain]

Yes, I'm biased as I have great sharer but it's really taken the financial and time pressure off. I actually get to see my OH now, but only 2 days a week!

 

[domane]

Even if you advertise for a sharer and get a few applicants, you are not under any obligation to accept any of them. You never know, you may meet someone ideal. If you are unsure, you could always try a month's trial to see how you feel.