Turn away or full loan for 6 months?

[Jango]

I'm doing a ski season abroad from Dec-May this year and I can't decide what would be the best thing to do with my horse. He's a healthy 8 y/o Welsh D so although he hasnt wintered out before I can't see any reason why he couldn't. The yard I'm on has a field where he could be turned out 24/7 and my best friend is also on the yard with 2 horses and will check on him daily for me. Shes off abroad in summer and I will be keeping her horse ticking over for her then!

Or I could try and find someone to loan him over winter, the only problem with this is a think he might be a bit of a one person horse. I've been schooling him for the past 6 months and he has been fantastic, a little strong at times but very far from uncontrollable. Very responsive and willing, hence why I bought him! Then my friend hopped on him one day after he had being going well for me and she commented how much she liked him and how much of a straight forward ride he looked! and he was a complete sod! As soon as she trotted he legged off and wouldn't stop. I got on again n he was fine, didn't even try to run off, she got on and he was a nightmare again. She's a good rider, has an ex-racer she is reschooling who is going well. So it's not him taking the p*** out of a novice.

The cost of it isn't the main factor, as I will be saving up to pay for atleast half of his care before I go and my mum is willing to help with the other half or a loaner would be expected to contribute. I just want to do whats best for him, I think he's a really safe, uncomplicated ride and he's been a star for me in everything we've tried. So just looking for some advice please! Should I offer him for loan and see if he 'clicks' with anyone else or just turn him out for the winter without trying to loan him?

 

[splashgirl45]

i would say, if he is going to be your forever horse(circumstances permitting) take his shoes off and turn him away, sounds like you have a good friend to check on him and will probably be less worry than loaning.. when you come back you can almost start where you left off whereas if loaner does things differently you may have to start all over again with his schooling....love the sound of ski school for 6 months, skiing was always my fave holiday when i was younger and had a bit more money...have a good time..

 

[Lord89]

Loan:
Pro - No harm in just having a look around to see if there's anyone that 'clicks' with him and you'd be happy with. As long as you were completely happy with them and they were capable (maybe have a week trial before you go away). He'd be kept in fitness over the winter and when you came back he'd be ready for you to get on and go again.

Con - NOTHING worse than coming back to your horse and finding it is completely different (in a bad way) whether it's bad habits they've picked up, condition has dropped or just not looking as well groomed. Really upsetting and regretting, or if he got injured whilst you were away.

24/7 Turnout:
Pro - As long as he has shelter, water, food and company (and rugged if you choose to rug him - espec. if he's never spent the winter out before) he'd be finnnne!! If he was getting checked regularly too.

Con - Coming back to a hairy plump and unfit pony and all the cons that come with that when you have to start riding him again.

Loan can either work out as the 2 extremes whereas 24/7 turnout is an easy and safe option! Whatever suits, but no harm in looking for suitable people

 

[Penny Less]

Have to say that if you are loaning out over the winter and want him back in the summer, you may have trouble finding someone to do this as they will get all the bad weather !