Thoughts and Experiences

[ponynutz]

Hi all,

I'm currently looking to take on a part loan while I'm at Uni. I'm very lucky that my university has a riding club and a competitive team. I didn't apply for the team this year but am now wishing I did as the Advanced lessons have moved to Saturdays (I have a weekend job). There is a big step between the Intermediate and the Advanced lessons.

I have my car, and having looked at costs of part loaning a horse per week I'd be looking at a similar amount of money to what I'd be paying for weekly lessons at the club anyway. Having a part loan would also allow me to do more of what I wanted and get some time grooming and generally caring for a horse which, given I've loaned and owned since I started riding, is a big part of horses for me, I enjoy it. Because of my job I rarely go home, only for major holidays so would be around for the whole year.

I'm worried slightly about how potential loaners might perceive me, would they be worried about my age or financial security? Very aware for some people the monetary aspect is a big part of putting out to loan.
Also worried about time scale, has anyone present or past loaned or part loaned a horse at University? I'd be looking for two or three days to be completely honest given I have a job and university (I'm in second year). Again, a big aspect for loaners is often reliability because they don't have enough time for horse themselves.
On my side I'm worried about a loaner taking me for a merry ride because of my age and inexperience in dealing with contracts and big commitments such as this.

Really wary of jumping into this blind just because I can afford it and then overwhelming myself, it's a big decision.

Give me your wisdom, forumers!

 

[SoundTheBugle]

I part loaned the whole way through uni, and was gifted my current boy in my final year too! I put a wanted ad out on preloved and facebook so I could be upfront about the fact I was only available in term time, and was contacted by someone who's daughter was busy at college so worked well that I was around in term time but not the holidays when she had more time. I feel like a sensible wanted ad is a solid option because only people who feel like they're a decent match are going to message you.

Someone who's competent and has their head screwed on is always going to be in demand so, as long as you have sensible conversations about what you can commit to and their expectations before signing anything, you should be absolutely fine. At the end of the day, you can walk away from a loan if it doesn't work out. Having a horsey community absolutely made my uni experience, and I made such good friends through my horses that I stayed in the area the yard was at after uni.

 

[Abacus]

I shared a horse while doing my PhD, and the owner wasn't especially bothered about my age - experience mattered, and my flexibility to ride during the week when she was too busy at work. She was young anyway, only a couple of years older than me, and we became friends then and afterwards. As for the money, I think you only know how reliable someone will be when they start. If the owner is concerned, and you are able to, could you offer to pay each month in advance? You might even find someone less concerned about the money and more about having their horse ridden. If someone rides well, seems sensible and shows a good attitude, I think many people would consider you. I would certainly look at a student if I wanted to part loan (actually its a good idea and I may well, where are you based?!).

Perhaps prepare yourself with a couple of references from previous yards or instructors?

 

[ponynutz]

I part loaned the whole way through uni, and was gifted my current boy in my final year too! I put a wanted ad out on preloved and facebook so I could be upfront about the fact I was only available in term time, and was contacted by someone who's daughter was busy at college so worked well that I was around in term time but not the holidays when she had more time. I feel like a sensible wanted ad is a solid option because only people who feel like they're a decent match are going to message you.

Someone who's competent and has their head screwed on is always going to be in demand so, as long as you have sensible conversations about what you can commit to and their expectations before signing anything, you should be absolutely fine. At the end of the day, you can walk away from a loan if it doesn't work out. Having a horsey community absolutely made my uni experience, and I made such good friends through my horses that I stayed in the area the yard was at after uni.

Oh that sounds really good for you! Glad you've had a good experience im really hoping for that too if I go down that route bc I'm planning on staying and working here too.

Hadn't thought of a wanted ad, there's very few close enough for me as I'm only willing to travel 30 minutes so might be a really good idea.

I hope I have my head screwed on lol, I've been around horses all of my life so from what you and Abacus have said I should be okay

 

[ponynutz]

I shared a horse while doing my PhD, and the owner wasn't especially bothered about my age - experience mattered, and my flexibility to ride during the week when she was too busy at work. She was young anyway, only a couple of years older than me, and we became friends then and afterwards. As for the money, I think you only know how reliable someone will be when they start. If the owner is concerned, and you are able to, could you offer to pay each month in advance? You might even find someone less concerned about the money and more about having their horse ridden. If someone rides well, seems sensible and shows a good attitude, I think many people would consider you. I would certainly look at a student if I wanted to part loan (actually its a good idea and I may well, where are you based?!).

Perhaps prepare yourself with a couple of references from previous yards or instructors?

Yes, I think I'd want to pay upfront monthly anyway because it's less worry then so could definitely offer that assurance! References are a very good idea that I hadn't thought of thank you.

Happy to see you also had a success story and also made friends through this, I'd love to have that kind of experience.

Still wanting to discuss with my parents so not starting to look yet just putting feelers ouit to look at the process but I'm based in York and am currently looking to travel no longer than 30 mins x

 

[babymare]

My daughter part loaned when at uni and it worked well for her so don’t think your age will go against you ? put the word out and do an honest wanted advert. The fact you work shows you are sensible and financially able. Go for it
Ps you sound like you very much have your head screwed on. Good luck ?

 

[ponynutz]

My daughter part loaned when at uni and it worked well for her so don’t think your age will go against you ? put the word out and do an honest wanted advert. The fact you work shows you are sensible and financially able. Go for it
Ps you sound like you very much have your head screwed on. Good luck ?

Aww, thank you so much! x

 

[ponynutz]

Have posted on a couple of FB groups and Preloved - the search begins I guess! How exciting

 

[Cloball]

I part loaned at uni too for similar reasons it worked well as I had at least one afternoon off mid week so could hack out in winter. Met a life long friend at that yard too.

 

[Jess1994PM]

I would say go for it! part loaning is fab and i did it for many years and made good friends/experiences. i start loaning when i was 18 so age wouldnt be a issue i dont think. most loaners just want reliability (come up and treat their horse like they would on your agreed days) make sure they are fed, ridden and cared for as if your own. Contribution can be agreed on and paid weekly, monthly whichever. I think honesty is the best policy with loaning, explain which days you can and cannot do - how many times you are able to get up that day whether morning/evenings and what kind of things you are looking to do.

 

[ponynutz]

Little update - I have a part loan! All happened very quickly in the end and fell in love with the first I met

Haven't asked how much I'm allowed to post so won't say names but she's a lovely 15.1hh WarmbloodX! Been keeping some youngsters busy hacking so is fit but needs bringing back into jumping, really well schooled on the flat just weak in canter and on one rein in particular. Have a twice a week deal and paying for shoes as well as helping out around the yard. XC course round the corner, good hacking, and a chance to sneak into the horsebox if there's a space at any time. Lovely little arrangement, lovely little yard. Thanks everyone for your suggestions and help on this thread and the other one, I'm so excited! x

 

[eahotson]

Little update - I have a part loan! All happened very quickly in the end and fell in love with the first I met

Haven't asked how much I'm allowed to post so won't say names but she's a lovely 15.1hh WarmbloodX! Been keeping some youngsters busy hacking so is fit but needs bringing back into jumping, really well schooled on the flat just weak in canter and on one rein in particular. Have a twice a week deal and paying for shoes as well as helping out around the yard. XC course round the corner, good hacking, and a chance to sneak into the horsebox if there's a space at any time. Lovely little arrangement, lovely little yard. Thanks everyone for your suggestions and help on this thread and the other one, I'm so excited! x

 

[eahotson]

Lovely. Please keep us all up to date.

 

[FinnishLapphund]

Little update - I have a part loan! All happened very quickly in the end and fell in love with the first I met

Haven't asked how much I'm allowed to post so won't say names but she's a lovely 15.1hh WarmbloodX! Been keeping some youngsters busy hacking so is fit but needs bringing back into jumping, really well schooled on the flat just weak in canter and on one rein in particular. Have a twice a week deal and paying for shoes as well as helping out around the yard. XC course round the corner, good hacking, and a chance to sneak into the horsebox if there's a space at any time. Lovely little arrangement, lovely little yard. Thanks everyone for your suggestions and help on this thread and the other one, I'm so excited! x

Lovely to hear you've found something suitable, hope the owner allows you to share stuff you do with her.