What are your thoughts on Sharers/Sharing your horse????????

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Michelle73

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As the title says??????????? I'm thinking about advertising for someone to share my horse to help with the costs/work etc but I'm not sure its the right thing for me. I'm struggling financially and I don't really want to share him but on the other hand I think it would be good for me to do other things as well as my horse as I've been completely obsessed with him this year!!!!! Whats your thoughts, recommendations and ideas for me and my situation?
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Im basically in your situation, however my problem is not getting enough time to ride.

I just worry about finding the right peson though, I dont think i can offer any advice becuse my own mind is boggled with the idea, but I know how you are feeling!
 
I have had good and bad experiences of this. I've shared my horse which worked well. I have also been the 'sharer' which didn't work so well, basically i was supposed to look after horse 3 days a week and very quickly entire care fell on my shoulders as well as care of their other horse!! Basically was treated like an unpaid groom and paying for the opportunity! If you do decide to share be really crystal clear about expectations and boundaries!! Have a contract and really vet the person, seek references and allow a trial period. If it is clear i think it works well on both sides of the fence, if it is blurry I think you're heading for disaster!! Only my opinion though!
 
In an ideal world, I'd like someone to drive him once or twice a week (he's ride and drive) but not do any work or riding. I've worked so hard to get him to where he is now but I'm certain that he misses the driving! I would like to do Ride and Drive classes with him at local shows next year and it would be great if there was someone who would be interested in doing that in return for helping with costs and no work unless I'm lucky enough to be whisked away on holiday (which I think is in the back of my OH's mind!) I know I'm a complete OCD freak when it comes to my horse!!!!!!!! And that makes me think it would have to be a special and unique individual that could put up with me!!! The horse is magnificent you can do anything with him and take him anywhere and our bond together is one that I have never ever experienced with any other horse and thats what puts me off sharing him because I know I would be jealous of anyone who shares this bond with him!!!! Maybe by typing/talking about it on this thread it will help me to come to a decision!!!
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I have a sharer, and on the whole it is good - time wise and finances wise. This is my 3rd sharer, and I will admit that in the 3 years I have owned him I have only had him entirely to myself for 8 months when he was at home as I had no facilities. He likes the attention, but I will say that it is hard to know if someone is 100% able to commit.
You need to be flexible and very good at communicating with them, and also be able to accept that they might do things differently. They can also be a good friend, and in a cheeky way you have a ready made groom, and vice versa - they are also an extra body around the yard and if it anything like where I am there is always a beastie needing ridden.

Always have a contract/agreement and be clear about who pays for what and who does what. I buy all feed, do shoeing appointments etc as I feel that as the owner that is my duty, this person is doing me a favour. Yes she pays 50% of costs, but she has 50% of the use of the horse and can compete if she wishes, as many lessons as she wishes and she can to a point do what she wishes with him.

If I didn't have her I wouldn't mind doing him every night, but my non horsey mates wouldn't get to see me, and I would have no time for anything else such as doing laundry (I live in a flat share so its all go from 5pm-10pm each night!).
 
I have also had good and bad experiences with sharing as an owner that allows other people to share my horses.

You need to be clear from the word go what financial contribution you are expecting them to make & when it is to be paid - I have had people conveniently 'forget' that they are meant to be hleping financially.

I have had to tell two people they coudn't keep riding any more - one because her hands were so bad my horse became unhappy in his mouth, the other because she was rather a 'large' girl that used to gallop my anglo-arab everywhere and suddenly I couldn't keep weight on him, she also wanted to ride far more frequently than we had agreed but didn't have the money to pay for the additional feed he needed! On both of these occassion as it was a welfare issue for my horses I had to tactfully bring the arrangment to an end, it is important to make sure that if need be you can terminate the arrangement without any hard feeling on either side!

Having said that, I have had a friend share my anglo-arab now for about 2 years. She is fantastic, pays towards Fox's keep regardless of wether or not she gets time to ride and will muck out all 8 of my stables a couple of times week which means I get more time to ride too! As long as you are carefull about who you let lose on your horse, what they can & can't do on your horse & when they look after the horse and what they pay for, it can work very well. Just make sure you stick it all down in a written contract
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I share and when advertising was very up front about being a "larger" girlie.... was lucky enough to find Boris who can more than cope with the size of my butt. !!

I think you may struggle sharing if you like things done an "exact" way, as eveybody does this differently and it might irk you somewhat, if they fold rugs or whatever in a different manner. You might be lucky though and find someone who doesnt ride but want to drive (cant say I know anyone myself who just does driving,... but im sure there are people out there!)

Try looking at newrider.com lots of peolpe advertise wanted/for shares on there!
 
Thanks. I have a name and telephone number for someone locally in the British Driving Society who thinks she can help me - just need the courage to start the process but me thinks my delays are 1. because I'm unsure and 2. because I don't want to mess other people around.

But... Scurrying off to have a look at your website recommendation. Thank you.
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I have a sharer for my vetran Bailey, he came home from a fab loan home after a year and although I can just about afford him I struggle to ride him as well as Ryu plus they're both on DIY. I advertise got a few nutters but in the end the girl who shares him now is fantastic, I'm totally flexible and because I don't compete him regullary I'm not too worried if hes not schooled to perfection she basicaly hacks and potters around I ask for £5 each time she rides (usually 4-5 times a week) this covers his feet and feed. Mainly I do all the stable chores and deal with his feed and care and any decisions about his welfare are mine although out of courtesy would consult my sharer. My situation works well I could not have a sharer for my young horse his education is too important.
 
Have had 4-5 sharers for my cob over the last year!! I advertised on a few websites, had quite a lot of interest. Had many timewasters though. If i was you, i would state that the sharer needs their own transport as well. Many people i've had were just looking for a 'free' ride! I trusted my 1st sharer, she was meant to be riding my cob in the school for 20-30 mins walking and trotting (as mare wasnt v fit then), the girl took my mare for a 2 and a half hour hack!!! 2nd sharer was totally unreliable and hardly ever turned up. My other sharers were just basically after a 'free' ride and to do no chores, also felt some were not experienced enough and i was not happy leaving them to it. I am currently looking for a sharer for her and am at the process of letting people view/try her but i am so cautious as i feel i can't trust them due to previous experiences. Also, with my situation, i keep her at home hence no other yard buddies to keep an eye open! Saying this, i am sure there are some fantastic sharers out there that are loving, reliable, caring horsey people! All i'd say is be careful and 'vet' them well which was probably my downfall. Good Luck
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Remember that you need two people to go out with a horse and cart. Do you have a carriage and harness? or would the sharer have to fork out for these as it can be very expensive.
 
Time isn't the issue with me which is why I wouldn't want someone to do any work - my whole life evolves around my horse - its finances that are the problem. I can get my hands on carriage and harness free of charge, I know how to harness up but I don't know if its fitted correctly and I don't know how to drive which is why it would have to be an experienced carriage driver. OMG, I'm beginning to realise that I'm increadibly fussy!!!
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Still the local BDS lady said she would help me, its just making the decision and doing it!

I am also considering giving him up altogether but when I'm with him I don't want to because of the amount of work I've put into his schooling and our bond. But I'm sick of never having any money!
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That seems like you dont even know if this carriage and harness will fit him... you think how an ill fitting saddle can cause problems with harness it is not just the saddle but collar ect as well. And if the carriage is the wrong size it wont balance and may causes even more problems. If the BDS lady really knows her stuff then recruit her to help teach you but remember it is like the BHS, just because someone is a member does not mean that they know their stuff.
 
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I have had good and bad experiences of this. I've shared my horse which worked well. I have also been the 'sharer' which didn't work so well, basically i was supposed to look after horse 3 days a week and very quickly entire care fell on my shoulders as well as care of their other horse!! Basically was treated like an unpaid groom and paying for the opportunity! If you do decide to share be really crystal clear about expectations and boundaries!! Have a contract and really vet the person, seek references and allow a trial period. If it is clear i think it works well on both sides of the fence, if it is blurry I think you're heading for disaster!! Only my opinion though!

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I had this problem, the girl whose horse I loaned just took the total mick and I ended up doing her horse as well. I just got so tired all the time. Doing 2 of your own horses is 1 thing but doing 2 of someone else's is just ridiculous!

Do try to be fair and remember that there are more ways of doing something and don't get cross just because they may do it in a different way to you. I do suggest a written contract and be upfront about what they will be paying for, my old loaner used me as a bank!
 
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That seems like you dont even know if this carriage and harness will fit him... you think how an ill fitting saddle can cause problems with harness it is not just the saddle but collar ect as well. And if the carriage is the wrong size it wont balance and may causes even more problems. If the BDS lady really knows her stuff then recruit her to help teach you but remember it is like the BHS, just because someone is a member does not mean that they know their stuff.

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Sorry, should have been more specific - there are other people around who know how to drive, its just me that doesn't. When I say I know how to harness up, thats because I've helped other people (professional driving trials people) harness up their horses. The BDS lady knows her stuff!!! Millions of years of experience. Please read what I've been saying about my horse. Do you think I'd be dumb enough to do something to endanger his health and wellbeing???!!!!
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I am planning to find a sharer for my horse, who will be on full livery while I'm at uni.

I'm going to be asking for £30 per week, as much riding as they want during the week.

I'll make sure anyone who comes to try him has horsey references and my instructor will assess their riding.

I shared a horse for 2 years before I got my own and it worked out wonderfully so it can happen
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what expences do you have?
i thought you said the owner paid it all.
does the owner mind you sub letting his horses?
do make sure the insurance covers every eventuality.
 
I have been lucky and found a wonderful sharer. she treates ty like her own but I know that when I get another she'll probably want to move onto that one as she wants to jump too.

So now I've got to find another sharer who can hack ty out 3 times a week to keep him ticking over until christmas when he can start schooling again....I suppose the only thing is I've had to make sure I can afford two without sharers!

Good luck with the search.....
 
If you know someone and like the way they ride why not? I've done it in the past and it worked perfectly. Like you said you'll also have time to yourself and be better off financially. Providing you set the ground rules at the start there shouldn't be a problem.
 
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