The Loan of a Novice Eventer

[LillieB]

Hi, I am looking to loan a horse that has been BE Novice and has the scope to take me up the levels. I was hoping to do this on my own horse but it looks like he may not be in full work for next season.

I have been looking on the usual sites for horses on loan but can find anything this experienced. Is there anywhere that I can look for a horse like this?

I am 18, and have the aim to ride U21 intermediate in the next few years. I have a lot of experience eventing and recently competed for the central team at the U18 National Championship.

If anyone has a horse like this or can point me in the right direction of where I can find one that would be great.

Thanks in advance.

 

[be positive]

I think you may struggle to find a good novice horse with potential to go further available for loan, most horses of this calibre will be much in demand and command a high price if the owners want to sell, in excess of £20k would not be an unrealistic value for a proven horse with ability to go on.
You would probably be best looking for an older schoolmaster, possibly one with some minor issues that prevent a sale or reduce the value, it would be a more realistic aim, although it may require some veterinary care along the way you could find a super horse that can really teach you the ropes at a higher level while you bring on your horse once it has recovered from it's problems.

You could post a wanted ad on the BE site, if you haven't already their forum would also be a place to try, a wanted ad on Horsequest will cost you but may if well worded attract someone who is unsure what to do with a horse, I think you need to be proactive rather than just looking at the loan ads that are already there, most really good horses only get loaned through word of mouth/ connections/ or because someone makes a real effort to be noticed for the right reasons.

Good luck with the search and your ambitions for the future.

 

[TGM]

I think you need to be proactive rather than just looking at the loan ads that are already there, most really good horses only get loaned through word of mouth/ connections/ or because someone makes a real effort to be noticed for the right reasons.

Agree with this - we have a cracking horse on loan at the moment, but he was never advertised - we just heard about him through word of mouth. Make sure lots of people know what you are looking for - farriers, vets, Pony Club DC, instructors, BE area co-ordinator etc. I agree with the above post that you are unlikely to find a horse that will regularly get you in the top placings at BE Novice and above on free loan, but you might find one that will jump clear around XC tracks at that level, but be a bit lacking in the dressage or showjumping department. This will give you invaluable experience, although not tons of glory!