Someone else to ride my horse.... thoughts, opinions on this.

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Quartz

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JUst a quickie.... during the winter my horse is boxed and I can only get to ride him 4 times a week (the days my kids are at school). It is obviously not enough for him, so I'm thinking of asking one of the teenagers at the stables if they want to ride him during her/his lesson the Wednesday (when there is no school) or the weekends. I would not charge as it would be helping me out. Not sure how this would work though, do I need to ask the YO first before asking someone? I am also happy for him to be taken out to comps of dressage and showjumping. Really just wondering what peoples thoughts are on this kind of thing. ..... I am of the train of thought that horse really needs more stimulation then I can offer at the mo.
 
I think you'd have no problem finding someone to ride him once a week. You could advertise him as a share so you would be having some financial contribution towards his keep. Depends on the ability of the rider in mind. If they're going to improve your horses way of going then they shouldn't have to pay as they are increasing the value of your horse. On the other hand, you could find someone who rides him well and pays towards him. Either way - you should have no problems and I doubt you would need the YO's permission but could run it over with them just in case. If you decide to find a sharer - MAKE A CONTRACT!

Hope this has helped :)
 
That is helpful thanks, what kind of stuff should be in contract? Also a bit tricky as I need to find a decent rider, but not too high a level as he does go lame easily if jumping more that 1.20m.
 
Sounds like a good plan, run it past your YO as they may know of the perfect person to do it. You should not have too much trouble finding someone to do it esp as you dont want money for it. And also gives your horse chance to go out and do different things.
 
Sounds like a good idea, maybe find someone who is more interested in dressage or hacking so you don't have to worry so much about the lameness problem? Although is it brought on just by jumping high or is there any chance upping his workload might put him at risk? Just something to think about, depends what the problem is?
 
I'd ask your YO - as someone else said they may know the perfect person. I think it's a good idea to offer it to the riding school kids - if you insist they ride him in their lesson on a Wed you can always get feedback from the instructor and you'll have someone keeping an eye on them. I know when I was a teenager and I helped at a RS I would have given my left arm (and quite possibly my right arm!) for that sort of chance! Just make sure your insurance covers all riders etc.
 
Walrus said:
I'd ask your YO - as someone else said they may know the perfect person. I think it's a good idea to offer it to the riding school kids - if you insist they ride him in their lesson on a Wed you can always get feedback from the instructor and you'll have someone keeping an eye on them. I know when I was a teenager and I helped at a RS I would have given my left arm (and quite possibly my right arm!) for that sort of chance! Just make sure your insurance covers all riders etc.
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I feel the same, that I would have loved to of had that opportunity. Am just in middle of sorting out my insurance, and I am covered for someone else riding him.
 
I wouldnt.

There are good riders and then there are good riders. No offence im sure that there are some responsible teenagers around, but not one is going anywhere near my pride and joy. I have seen horses spoilt by sharer riding, mouth pulled apart, general disrespect for the horse.

4 days a week i would have thought would be enough. I never ride more than 4 times a week and do not ride the day before a competition. Thats my personal rule.
 
Echoing post above. I let someone ride mine who was supposed to be "experienced" i.e. she'd been to equestrian college and done sweet FA, but thought she could ride.

She let mine get away with all sorts of things, especially on the lunge where she hadn't a clue and let him go and so he high-tailed all round the field, wonderful he thought it was! But Yours Truly had to sort him out next time when he thought he'd try it on and it was blimmin difficult.

Then she took him hunting and let him behave like a hooligan, as well as bringing along half the riff raff from the village who she also wanted to be allowed to ride, and I had a hells job getting rid of 'em, poor kids it wasn't their fault coz she'd obviously told them I'd let them ride.

She also smoked like a dragon - total no-no in my yard, but I didn't realise she was doing it till I kept finding dog-ends and wondered whose they were. She also brought boyfriend along, who basically just sat in his car sipping beer and looking like he was casing the joint.

I'd be very very discerning indeed now of anyone riding mine, certainly shan't be caught again by someone claiming to be "experienced".
 
That sounds pretty bad, but I have a couple of teenagers in mind who I know pretty well and their parents. I would like to ask my YO first as it would be really helpful if she was onboard and could help to advise if she thought they were experienced enough or not.
 
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