Taking a horse on loan?

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vripley

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Hi. First time I've posted on here, so hope this lands in the right forum ;-) Used to own my own horse and after a break am getting back into it. Not sure if I can commit myself to owning one just now but am considering taking one on loan. Have never done this before. Does one usually have a 'contract' with the owner. What happens if horse becomes unrideable due to illness, who covers vet bills, what if tack breaks, does one have a clause stating I could give horse back if my circumstances change etc? Could I let a thrid party ride it if I have insurance etc Help! All advice greatly appreciated from both 'loaners' and 'loanees'! Thanks!
 
the BHS have a example of a typical loan agreement of thier website, if you have a look that will give you some idea of what to expect.
Definately have a contractbut make sure that both yourslef and the loaner are happy with the terms before signing
 
You must have a signed agreement detailing exactly what the horse can be used for, what you are to pay for etc. On a full loan you are normally responsible for all costs, ie livery, vets and insurance. There is normally either a time period, ie one year or a rolling contract with a certain amount of notice to be given. You can also have permanet loan agreements where the horse is yours to keep to the end but you are not able to sell it and must return it if you are unable to keep it.

Some horses come with a full wardrobe and tack, others don't.

I have had a TB on full loan which came with nothing and Cairo is on permant loan with us and came with his tack and rugs. He also has a clause stating that his eye must be checked for cancer as per vet's instructions and to be pts by lethal injection and his body returned to his owner for cremation.

If considering a share, I would also have an agreement drawn up stating exactly what you are required to do and pay for.

If you wish, I have both a share agreement and loan agreement you can have a copy of - pm me with an email address and I will send you a copy in Word or if you don't have Word, in Wordpad.

To not have an agreement is asking for trouble if thing don't go to plan.
 
I have a lovely 17year old cob on loan. We used the BHS form and just adapted it for our situation. The owner loves him but cannot bear to part with him. I am very lucky, she is not the interfering type. She loaned him because he is just not fizzy enough for her(amen to that-he's ideal for me!) I would caution you to read adverts very carefully, see if they are looking for a long term loan. Avoid the "going to UNi" adverts, they will want him, back! I am responsible for all his care. He came with saddle and bridle, but I have bought him a new wardrobe of rugs. The initial loan is for a year, then renewable after that. I liked the idea of a loan horse, the owner is not going to lie to you about problems etc, because they know they will just get the horse back if he is not what they stated. I would say go for it, but read the advert carefully!
 
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly guys, never thought of looking at BHS website. Will def check! The horse I have my eye on is actually for sale but think they might give her out on loan to the right person. They have already offered me the mare for a month on trial but just don't feel I can commit myself to buying at the moment as my job uncertain in a year or so. Also, the last horse I bought was a mistake, I totally lost my confidence and enjoyment and took a break from horses for a while but have got the bug again (and have even got husband riding now!) It would be nice knowing I could just give horse back if things didn't work out again, rather than going through stress of selling etc.
 
Blimey a month on trial, that is really good, they obviously have alot of faith in the mare..I own one and loan one, it can work but definately get a contract up and running, you can put in it, its with view to buy in the future and state a purchase price if they give you first refusal..alot of people prey on the fact youve got attached and can up the price!the only downside is getting attached then it can get sold from under your feet..also i am so much more a worry head about the loan horse, sometimes i cant relax riding thinking what if's!
 
I have a horse on loan who I have rebacked... I have a loan agreement, similar to the one on BHS website but changed to fit our requirements.

For example, it has been added onto the contract that should I wish to buy Grace I buy her for the price she was at when I took her on, and if I find someone else to buy her the owner and I split the profits down the middle.
 
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