Where have all the sharers gone?

[Flora]

I have a couple of horses on my yard for part loan due to owners having young children or about to have them and seems impossible to find anyone for them. We have had people who insist they are experts and turn up with no hat and dont know one end of a horse from the other. They are basically getting a horse of their own to do with as they wish, within reason, so I dont see a problem in a contribution being paid towards their keep. After all, it is far cheaper than having to pay the full cost of owning one outright!

 

[Jojoba]

I agree. I've had a fair few enquiries from teenagers but I'm really dubious, I do have one coming for a second try but it's more the fact that it's a quiet yard and they would be in sole charge - if something went wrong, eek. I also would like a rider who's decent enough to notice if something was wrong, in the past I've stopped other people's sharers getting on a lame horse, simply because they weren't experienced enough to notice. It's all very stressful .

 

[Jenni_]

I don't agree that you shouldn't pay- I think it depends on the arrangement.

If someone asked me to school a naughty or green horse, I'd expect to be paid - but if I didn't have anything else to ride I'd be grateful for the horse contact and do it for nothing.

The horse I am 'sharing' now has done no end of good for my confidence - taking me from not being able to jump a tiny cross pole without the fear to jumping 1m tracks with ease. My ability was there, but what he has restored in me confidence wise is priceless... I pay something towards him. And I do jobs / yard maintenance on the private yard!

 

[Jojoba]

Just tried to Pm you Jenni but your inbox is full. I enquired a while ago about sharing a horse at that yard you're at, just wondered if it's the same one. I could do with some jumping confidence too .

 

[Mince Pie]

I'm also now sharing a fantastic little NF pony, I get free rein (no pun intended!) as was told "as long as he gets at least one day off a week, fill your boots!". I am hugely grateful to the owner as my health means there are days (and sometimes weeks) where I can't get to the yard and I'm unable to work which means that owning my own is no longer an option - I sold my lovely boy after ten years, last year. I was asked to contribute towards shoes - £20 every 6 weeks but have actually set up a standing order for every 4 and buy things like fly spray as well. I know what owning a horse costs and to be able to ride without having to worry about those costs is, to me, a godsend. I agree that just because a sharer is treating a horse/pony as their own doesn't mean they shouldn't pay, firstly because part of having a horse is costs and if you are sharing a horse then you should share the costs. Secondly I find people are more likely to be reliable and committed if money is involved, rather than a 'free ride'.