To share or not to share?

[JulesRules]

So my Sharer gave notice yesterday. I am not too unhappy as to be honest after a couple of incidents recently I was starting to have doubts, so it has taken that decision out of my hands..
I now have a new dilemma.... Do I look for a new sharer or not??
My original reason for having a sharer was to have time to pursue other hobbies, but I have been losing interest in those recently and have been thinking I should just concentrate on my riding my as my girl is going really well and I want to get out competing over the summer.
However, having said that there are times when a day off is a welcome relief and the small contribution I ask for does add up and help to pay for shoes etc.
I think if I could guarantee that I would find the right person I wouldn’t hesitate, but therein lies the problem.
I don’t think my girl is the easiest horse to find a sharer for as she can be a bit ploddy and inconsistent. However she will just totally take the mickey if you give her an inch so she needs a strong rider to get the best out of her and a lot of more experienced riders want something more consistently forward. She is also still at quite an early stage of her education and although she is 9 is only working at intro level and jumping 2’ – 2’3” ish.
On the bright side she is easy going to handle, on a lovely yard and we have transport so a sharer would have opportunities to go out competing
Hmm I guess I’m just musing out loud and getting the pro’s and con’s worked out in my head., but what would everyone else do?

 

[*sprinkles*]

How about looking for a sharer just for two days of the week. That way you have all the other five days to enjoy your mare and still get a coulple of days off and a small contribution? I'm sure there will be people out there who would be very happy to commit to only two days, maybe someone who just wants to hack so they wouldn't mind having several days away in between if that makes sense? I don't know your schedule obviously but if you manage through the week how about offering just the weekend days so it might appeal to someone who works all week?

 

[Jola]

I used to have a shareer for 2 days a week and its lovely having the time off (except on those nice summer evenings when you want to ride!) The money does help too.

I don't have a sharer at the mo (for reasons see my post!!) but would consider one again if I had confidence of the safety of both parties!

If I need a day off now, I ask someone at the yard - I then do the same for them, its nice having someone there to help sometimes

 

[JulesRules]

How about looking for a sharer just for two days of the week. That way you have all the other five days to enjoy your mare and still get a coulple of days off and a small contribution? I'm sure there will be people out there who would be very happy to commit to only two days, maybe someone who just wants to hack so they wouldn't mind having several days away in between if that makes sense? I don't know your schedule obviously but if you manage through the week how about offering just the weekend days so it might appeal to someone who works all week?

Just to clarify I would only be looking for someone for 2 days anyway with optional extras at no extra cost as and when I am away/ very busy etc. This would be a weekday and a weekend day. I work all week too so there is no chance someone is getting their hands on my girl both weekend days!

 

[JulesRules]

I don't have a sharer at the mo (for reasons see my post!!) but would consider one again if I had confidence of the safety of both parties!

/QUOTE]

I think this is part of the problem. I wasn't convinced of the safety of either party with either of my last 2 sharers.

One was a good little rider who was a bit ditzy to say the least and on a couple of occasions put herself, my horse and other liveries in potentially dangerous situations without even realizing and I ended up keep having to go down to the yard to check what she was up to. The other was a lovely lady who I trusted totally, but was a weaker rider so I was never sure she was fully in control. She eventually gave up after she lost her confidence after a nasty fall.

I guess what my question really should have been is how do you find the perfect sharer (if there is such a thing, or a least a good match for me and my girl) ,and how do you satisfy yourself that they are the right person without being around all the time which for me defeats the object. (other liveries on my yard will always let me know if there have been any issues which is helpful and I always have a trial period and a contract)

I don't want to word an advert so fussily that it puts any potential sharers off, but on the other hand I don't want an unsuitable sharer.

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