where are all the sharers???

I don't know where we've all gone! I had a horse wanted advert up over summer and had so many replies I was able to really pick and chose. That has never happened before, it's always been tough to find a horse as there's so many sharers!

I wish I could answer some of these for share ads, but as I'm in placement year I've no idea where I'm going to be, and who wants a sharer for a very uncertain amount if time?
 
I think a lot of it is just money these days! It's so hard just to get on with every day life at times and people have to prioritise other things before luxuries.

I know that's one of the reasons for me at the moment anyway! Everything is just so bloody expensive. I wonder if I will ever have a horse again at this rate!
 
Just had to unfortunately end my share due to my A-Levels...a shame but it needed to be done so I can focus on my (huge!) workload.
 
It's such a shame, it's a cheaper solution to having the expense of your own. But it's true I understand times are hard for everyone at the moment. But I can't believe how little interest iv had for an amazing horse!!
And from most ads iv read I'm being pretty reasonable and flexible with my requirements!
Maybe I'm advertising in the wrong places! Wheres good!?
 
serena2005 said:
It's such a shame, it's a cheaper solution to having the expense of your own. But it's true I understand times are hard for everyone at the moment. But I can't believe how little interest iv had for an amazing horse!!
And from most ads iv read I'm being pretty reasonable and flexible with my requirements!
Maybe I'm advertising in the wrong places! Wheres good!?
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Preloved and local horsey fb pages. Equine Adverts and Horsemart also maybe? What are your requirements?
 
TE=FlaxenPony05;1208456and local horsey fb pages. Equine Adverts and Horsemart also maybe? What are your requirements?[/QUOTE]


I don't mind how many days they want, I'm happy for her to be competed etc. £100pm yard duties to be done on days they go up. But to be honest she's so clean Shes mucked out in 5 mins! We are a hack away from a competition yard so she could ho out jumping every week!


Shes on preloved... But adveetised as a project as I didn't want novices... Is that a put off?? I hate "not a novice ride" ad
 
A sharer? I'm having just as much difficulty finding a reasonably competent rider! Absolutely no costs involved and great hacking in forestry and on beaches.

The last one neglected to give warning when she was coming and arrived when no one was here. She tried to catch an unbroken brood mare with foal at foot to ride but gave that up when "another pony kept interfering...".

Erm, well, stallions don't really like their mares being taken away so it was no wonder he objected! Just lucky for her, he is a sweetie and wouldn't hurt a fly!:eek3::rolleyes3:

Anyway, I want to be here with the video camera when she tries to ride that mare!:D
 
Sometimes I think it's just the right person right time when you get lucky with a decent sharer.

Try Fb groups, preloved and local tack shops. I have also had some success with horsemart. You have to pay a tenner to advertise, but worth every penny if you find someone.
 
The project bit will be your problem. Who wants to pay for the privilege of bringing on a horse for someone?

If she's not really a project then don't say she is, and just state that you don't want any novices. However you do need to be realistic about what she is and what you are offering.

If she is a tricky ride, does she compensate for it in terms of ability? Is she really well schooled, a great jumper etc?
 
Money and distance is a huge issue.. I'm a 15 year old and I have to rely completely on myself to get to my two which Im loaning (13.1hh welsh C and 17.2hh Danish warmblood). The yard at which they're kept it (which is private so I don't pay) is 6 miles from my house ( a decent biking/walking journey). I don't pay for loaning either, I do have to pay for feed, hay, extra tack etc though
 
TBH for sharers quite pricey, I had good ones but charged only £80 a month for schoolmasters that were very simple and they could hop on and have fun straightaway (and I took them to competitions with me) and no chores!!

Especially coming into winter - if cash isn't your main objective try putting price negotiable to the right rider maybe.
 
I was literally bombarded with replies when I put a share wanted advert up a few weeks ago. I am wary of any shares that are described as a project since I would be worried about the horse being sold on once I'd put all the hard work in (which has happened to me before!). I would definitely lower the price a tad and see if you get any more interest. An experienced rider with lots of money to spare is likely just to have their own horse!
 
I'm a sharer and think the reason there are fewer of us around is less and less people especially youngsters (which I'm most certainly not) from non horsey families/backgrounds are learning to ride because it is so expensive plus there aren't as many riding schools around these days. Then there is the problem that you are often considered a novice going from riding school to privately owned horses which, I can fully understand but means the problem is likely to get worse. It's a shame because its such a great sport and keeps you so fit :D good luck though I hope you find the right person soon
 
Tess Love said:
I'm a sharer and think the reason there are fewer of us around is less and less people especially youngsters (which I'm most certainly not) from non horsey families/backgrounds are learning to ride because it is so expensive plus there aren't as many riding schools around these days. Then there is the problem that you are often considered a novice going from riding school to privately owned horses which, I can fully understand but means the problem is likely to get worse. It's a shame because its such a great sport and keeps you so fit :D good luck though I hope you find the right person soon
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Well said.
 
I advertised my pony at the beginning of summer. Only wanted £10 a week to help out with hay costs and in return they could have 3 days with my pony with only poo picking as a job. Stated in my add he was strong and forwarded and that I didn't want children young teens, but would consider someone over the age of 18. Had literally hundreds of replies from 12, 13 year olds. It got to the point where I stated on the add no under 16's will be replied too and I still got loads.

Eventually (2 weeks ago) a girl replied who is perfect. She has been up a couple of times and got on so well with my boy, and as we speak she is up at the yard now while I sit nervously chewing my nails waiting for her to report back!

They are out there, they just aren't willing to pay a lot of money to look after someone elses horse. I dont think it is like years gone by when people would work hours at a yard for a short free ride. My share is more about time as I work full time as well as doing an OU degree, so any money is a bonus. My sharer is a student so has lots of free time to spend with my pony which is what is important to me.
 
I'd also like to find a sharer but I've just experienced a one month wonder. I think you have to be careful not to be drawn into the situation of providing someone with a cut price riding school horse. I wasn't even asking for any money but simply for someone to come to shows with me maybe once a month to lend a hand in return for riding twice or 3 times a week on a really well schooled safe horse. Unfortunately she keeps cancelling (funnily enough I still have to do the horses if I have flu or a cold or if they lose a shoe). 4 cancellations in 6 weeks ... too much hassle.
 
I have just sold my own horse due to time and costs. I have had my own horses since a child and have competed in dressage and show jumping and may be looking for a share after Christmas but if I saw a project for a paying share I don't think I would be interested. If your horse isn't really a project don't say it is but perhaps say you are looking for a rider with experience doing x, y, z.
Or if your horse does need work and you are looking for a rider to improve her for you then say this but don't expect them to pay for the privilege of improving your horse for you. It may just be the wording of what you want that needs clearing up
 
I was having a hard time finding a horse to loan for myself!! Ive ended up buying one now! Im still looking now for something with about 10 with abit of experiance and not completly off its rocker to ride 1 day a week, all I keep finding is horses that are too crazy and thats why the owner wants some other mug to ride or pushy owners that wont let you just get on with what you want to do, or other owners thinking their bloody pro eventers when really happy hackers!!! I suppose it swings both ways really. Oh and not to forget the exortainate amount they want you to pay to look after their horse!! I dont mind having to pay for shoes and feed and whatever the livery is but some nutcase wanted £35 for 1 day... absolutly barmy!!!
 
Mithras said:
I'd also like to find a sharer but I've just experienced a one month wonder. I think you have to be careful not to be drawn into the situation of providing someone with a cut price riding school horse. I wasn't even asking for any money but simply for someone to come to shows with me maybe once a month to lend a hand in return for riding twice or 3 times a week on a really well schooled safe horse. Unfortunately she keeps cancelling (funnily enough I still have to do the horses if I have flu or a cold or if they lose a shoe). 4 cancellations in 6 weeks ... too much hassle.
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You sound like my kind of owner :)
 
milo'n'molly said:
I have just sold my own horse due to time and costs. I have had my own horses since a child and have competed in dressage and show jumping and may be looking for a share after Christmas but if I saw a project for a paying share I don't think I would be interested. If your horse isn't really a project don't say it is but perhaps say you are looking for a rider with experience doing x, y, z.
Or if your horse does need work and you are looking for a rider to improve her for you then say this but don't expect them to pay for the privilege of improving your horse for you. It may just be the wording of what you want that needs clearing up
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This is 1 of the problems Ive been facing!! grrr cheeky *******
 
serena2005 said:
TE=FlaxenPony05;1208456and local horsey fb pages. Equine Adverts and Horsemart also maybe? What are your requirements?
Click to expand...


I don't mind how many days they want, I'm happy for her to be competed etc. £100pm yard duties to be done on days they go up. But to be honest she's so clean Shes mucked out in 5 mins! We are a hack away from a competition yard so she could ho out jumping every week!


Shes on preloved... But adveetised as a project as I didn't want novices... Is that a put off?? I hate "not a novice ride" ad[/QUOTE]

You want £100 per month aswell as it being a 'project' horse? No wonder your not getting any replies.
 
I've just looked at a website in the South West and there are 181 adverts for sharers in about a 30 mile radius and more being added daily. I think the problem is that there are very few adults that are experienced riders that have enough time for a horse be it to own or share. Or if they have the time they don't have the money. Not sure what the answer is, which is a great shame because its such great sport and keeps you so fit but sadly probably not a sport that is really growing in this country anymore?
 
Carrots&Mints said:
I don't mind how many days they want, I'm happy for her to be competed etc. £100pm yard duties to be done on days they go up. But to be honest she's so clean Shes mucked out in 5 mins! We are a hack away from a competition yard so she could ho out jumping every week!


Shes on preloved... But adveetised as a project as I didn't want novices... Is that a put off?? I hate "not a novice ride" ad
Click to expand...

You want £100 per month aswell as it being a 'project' horse? No wonder your not getting any replies.[/QUOTE]

I'd consider repricing too - as in all honesty, it doesn't cost me that much more to keep my own per month including hay, feed & bedding. Obviously lessons & any other extras are more cost, but I assume you wouldn't cover competing costs - plus, if she's by your own admission, a project are they likely to be able to take her competing right away?

She sounds a nice sort & I hope you find someone.

I shared/loaned for a bit after my old horse was PTS, but in all honesty the 'hassle' of the owner made it more attractive for me to buy again for not a considerable sum more. Not saying you will be a 'hassle', by the way, just my own personal views (and the owner was nice & a friend of mine, but helping her out by paying to ride & keeping the owner happy - can be a minefield!)
 
I don't get the charging a sharer to be honest, apart from maybe a token amount to make sure they are serious about it. A owner is looking for a sharer to make their lives easier, and they want someone to pay for the privilege of helping them out?!
 
BWa said:
I don't get the charging a sharer to be honest, apart from maybe a token amount to make sure they are serious about it. A owner is looking for a sharer to make their lives easier, and they want someone to pay for the privilege of helping them out?!
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I don't want to charge for a sharer, but want help in return, but I am unusual. I don't think theres many horse owners who would provide a free horse for someone else to ride. And most people would want a small payment towards shoes and feed at least, as there might be more usage if someone shares the horse. Making a small monthly payment towards it also signifies that they take it seriously and are committed.

tbh I don't know about making my life easier, its much more hassle if someone says they're coming then changes their mind, or if I have to book lessons on a certain day which doesn't really suit me, because the sharer likes to come on Tuesdays and Thursdays or whatever. But I do that because if I've made an agreement, I stick to it. And the sharer I've got has never cleaned a saddle or a bridle, met a farrier or mucked out (because its summer), so excuse me if I'm slightly sceptical about the "helping me out" bit.

But no, I certainly wouldn't provide someone with a free horse to ride, along with tack and shoes. How much is it to go to a riding school now? £35 or £40 for an hour?

I've had some excellent university students as "unofficial" sharers, but unfortunately they don't have transport to the yard or need to work part time to finance their courses.
 
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