The Search For A Sharer - And A Few Questions

[sasquatch]

So I've made a few posts regarding what to look for in a sharer, and as it stands it looks like I may have found one!

After putting a very basic ad on horsey facebook pages and gumtree, I've had a few queries about him.

I got a message from a lady who would be able to share him 2/3 nights per week, and she's coming down to meet him and me on Monday and we can talk more in person. I've got my fingers crossed that we all get on, especially as B is quite unique.

I'm not too sure what to do with him - do I have him mucked out/groomed/tacked up etc in advance? Or would it be better to leave him and do them to show what his routine is like and how easy he is to do?
And if we do ride, should I ride him first or is better she sees how he is fresh?

Also not sure what sort of questions I should be asking a potential sharer, bar the obvious, especially without sounding rude or patronising!

And then of course, if they aren't suited, what would be the politest way to say so?

I'm very excited, and also a little nervous. Having never been a sharer or put a horse out to share, I'm really not sure what to expect.

 

[Pippity]

Speaking here as somebody who's shared other people's horses, rather than looked for a sharer for my own...

I'd say leave him out. Give her the headcollar, come with her to catch him, watch her bring him in, groom him, tack him up, etc. It gives you a chance to see if she's got the knowledge she's claimed. (But bear in mind that most people will be a little clumsy/flustered when dealing with a new horse and new set-up, especially with the owner watching!)

For riding, you hop on first. The only time I tried a share horse where the owner didn't ride first, she went straight up as soon as I was on board, so I'm very wary of being the first on! If you're both happy, then have her ride him in the school, if you've got one available. If it seems to be going well, and you've advertised him as suitable for hacking, head out for a small hack. If you can borrow a horse to go with, ideal, otherwise just walk with them. If there's somewhere suitable for her to ride him away without you, and you trust her to do so, it's a good chance for her to get an idea what he's like without you there.

And I'd say that one of the most important aspects is whether you actually like her. You're going to be dealing with her a lot - does she seem like somebody you'll get on with?

 

[LaurenNutini]

When I first viewed my now share horse he was out in the field. (It was summer and he was living out 24/7 so there were no jobs to do) so I brought him in and did everything with him.
I would say let the potential sharer bring him in from the field, unrug him, groom him and tack him up. Then you get on first and ride him for a short while, allowing the sharer to then ride if she still wants to! Be aware that she will probably be nervous and so not riding to the best of her ability.
After riding I would say show her what jobs you expect her to do, show her where the hay, straw, tack room, etc are kept. While you are doing this you can tell her about your horse in more detail, what she is looking for, your boys history and so on. This will also give you a good indicator of whether you will actually like said sharer, which is very important!
She may not make a decision there and then, so if you dont feel they are suited a polite text/phone call the next day may be fine. You could just say exactly what you think - the pair dont suit.
Good Luck!