Want to get a sharer, where to advertise, what to look for

alsxx

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I want to get a sharer for my mare, she is only suitable as a light hack, so therefore want someone who just wants to plod round the block - either at weekends or during the week, whenever. I want/ need someone who is going to be reliable, easy to get on with, and trustworthy - I have my own little yard so the latter is essential as they could well be unsupervised as I work full time.

I'm not looking for a monetary commitment, I just want someone who (perhaps an older person?) that wants to hack out round the lanes on a sane and sensible little mare (she's 14.2hh so this will limit who I can have - will need to be a lightweight adult), and perhaps would like to muck in with my others if they enjoy spending time doing this. My concern is as I dont have the facilities to leave tack at my yard (well I do but I'm not risking it as its not secure enough!!), whoever I get would (unless they only rode at weekends) need to be responsible for her tack and take it home with them. All lots of little things I am thinking about and worrying about!

Where is a good place to advertise? And what should I be looking out for, can I ask for references on people? I also think I would like to draw up a contract too, do people do this for sharers? Any suggestions, hints and tips welcome on this!
 
Right firstly people will bite your arm off for this... I would actually ask for a small monetary contribution.

2ndly my share horses owner found me on newrider.com I would look for someone maybe slightly older, with their own transport, who just wants to take it easy (bit like me, although I do schooling aswell but have no interest in competing or jumping apart from the odd sponsored ride). I would alos look for someone who has had their own before!

3rdly- references from who???? I had taken a break from riding (after my own horse was pts)and had never shared before so who was I going to get a ref from???

In the beginning it is fine to supervise, be there, watch etc, but sooner or later you are going to have to trust the sharer, which in turn shouldnt be an issue with the tack situation.

and lastly--- good luck!! :)
 
Thanks for the reply! Hmm I was thinking perhaps people wouldn't be too interested, as she's not huge and is only suitable for light hacking i.e. walking, bit of trotting round the lanes, (we don't have many bridleways so options for cantering are very limited) she wouldn't stand up to heavy work as she has had soft tissue damage in her fore feet and whilst she is sound I want to keep her that way!

I will try newrider.com then! Yes I would prefer someone a bit older, as you say, who wants to take it easy - that would be perfect, I am a bit worried about someone saying they only want a plod and then hammering her about.

Re references, well I don't know who/where from! As I say I'm new to this, and wondering how best to approach it all, so open to suggestions! Did you sign any kind of contract?

How much would should I ask for if I do ask for a contribution? She is currently unshod so there is no need for a contribution to shoes....hmmm so much to think about!!!
 
I didnt sign a contract no (have been sharing the pink monster over 2 years now tho!), but I dont think that is an unreasonable thing to ask, especially with regards to her work load.

I would just say in the ad "small contribution required" as if you find the right person, then you can say actually shes free, but im sure that having to pay is an incentive to some to be reliable! I pay £50 pcm (which is V chaeap!), for 2 days a week, but could do more, and pretty much do whatever I want with him.
Just make sure you are comfortable with whoever it is and dont be afraid to say if your not!
 
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