What to do...?

[ChasingTheDream]

Hmm...got a dilemna...

I have a horse, rising 4 year old, who like most youngsters needs a lot of schooling, and I know this will take a lot of time...I normally get upto the yard at 4 o'clock, and its dark by 5ish, which gives me an hours day light, I usually ride or lunge in the arena, and at weekends hack out, and then do my haynets...

There is a horse at my yard, traditional stocky welsh type, about 12.2/12.3hh, who is gorgeous. Owner never comes up, and horse hasn't been mucked out for 4 days. I text owner telling her I'd mucked her horse out, and that she should do it, and she replied saying I can have the horse on loan for free. She'll pay livery, all I have to do is muck out, and fill his nets and he's practically mine.

He is a gorgeous little horse, would make a smashing childs pony, and would be perfect for my little brother, so I am seriously considering it- and its not fair him being left in horrid conditions.

Only things are; do you think I will have enough time? I really do not want my youngster to miss out because Im spending too much time with new pony.

Also, am I too big to ride him? (Nothing strenuous, but I wouldn't let my brother ride him without me, or someone else riding him first) - I weigh about 7 and a half stone, and Im about 5'6/5'7 (I know realistically I am too tall, but weight-wise?). He is quite a stocky type, built like a sec D but smaller.


So...advice ?

 

[Snowysadude]

You dont weigh too much if he is a stocky welsh type pony and remeber the days are getting longer so you will get more daylight..... its already not getting dark till 4.30 at the moment !

But just be careful that you dont start doing the pony and then the owner suddenly take him back, I would try to get some kind of agreement in writing just saying that you will look after the horse in return for riding him and no charge will be incurred, and notice is to be given if the owner wants to re assume responsibility of the horse - also check who needs insurance for what just in case something happens to the pony/brother/you whilst you are riding/handling the pony (get that in writing too - people are way too quick to sue nowadays)! Good luck if you do go ahead and have time for the pair of them - just remeber having two is one heck of a lot more work than having one!!

 

[alfirules]

ditto the above.

I would make sure you have a written agreement, just because i know of a lot of people that have got in difficult situations when loaning and sharing horses etc. and it sounds very vague.

If the pony is stocky it will have no problem carrying you. I hope you have fun with him!

 

[ChasingTheDream]

You dont weigh too much if he is a stocky welsh type pony and remeber the days are getting longer so you will get more daylight..... its already not getting dark till 4.30 at the moment !

But just be careful that you dont start doing the pony and then the owner suddenly take him back, I would try to get some kind of agreement in writing just saying that you will look after the horse in return for riding him and no charge will be incurred, and notice is to be given if the owner wants to re assume responsibility of the horse - also check who needs insurance for what just in case something happens to the pony/brother/you whilst you are riding/handling the pony (get that in writing too - people are way too quick to sue nowadays)! Good luck if you do go ahead and have time for the pair of them - just remeber having two is one heck of a lot more work than having one!!

Good idea about it getting written down - didnt even cross my mind but will defo do this...hmm..I think Im going to go for it - whats the worst that can happen? If all goes well I'll take some pictures tomorrow and introduce to the lil dude