Where to look for a loaner /sharer

[05jackd]

I am slowly thinking about looking for someone to ride one of my ponies over the winter (and beyond if it works).

Working full time, I do not have enough daylight to ride two now and he likes a fuss.

I am a really relaxed person and they are looked after regardless of if / when the person comes and there is minimal if any stable chores to be done.

I would just like to find a nice kind rider who would like to ride out a 14.3 a few times a week. He is novice friendly but I do not have time to teach someone the basics so they need to be capable and self-sufficient.

I don't want to sell him and financially we can manage but a contribution would be nice.

However after several bad experiences I am a bit sick and just not sure if it is worth the bother.

My trust is a bit shaken and if I don't find the right person it won't hurt him to be in the field!

Where do I find a nice reliable sensible person?
We have a very private own use yard so I am not keen on advertising on Facebook.

 

[starbucker]

Ask around horse friends if they know anyone looking if not keen on advertising, some find one on preloved best vet them thoroughly via message / phone before you even meet / ask for reference on a past loan if possible. Finding a good one is hit and miss and even good ones can come and go as they move on to get their own etc, will be easier to find one if you have arena to ride when dark if not you may be limited to mums / retired or if youre lucky you'll find someone who works shifts. To be honest though when I took on a first loan I was one of the more reliable long term ones at the yard (at 25 years old) .. may be worth putting in the effort for 2 weeks to get someone up to speed assuming their not a complete numpty. I was really appreciative the opportunity at the time

 

[Abacus]

My best sharer came from an ad on Horsemart, and she has been with me for about 10 years. There is some luck though involved in putting an ad where the right person will see. Personally I have found people on FB tend to be quite flakey (unless they are friends of friends), and one of the more traditional ad forms may be better - even a simple card in a tack shop might be worth a go, and you don't have to state the location of the yard until you've spoken to someone and even met first for a coffee elsewhere. Ideally I would advertise locally as some people will be put off by too much travel especially in winter (that said, my wonderful sharer drives about 50 miles twice a week to ride, so they do exist).

 

[splashgirl45]

What about putting a card in local feed merchants . Ask your farrier and vet to put the word out . Also local riding club newsletter might be worth a try , or I think it’s ok to mention it on here in case any of us know anyone. Just say the area you are in as someone would need to be reasonably local . I used to travel for half an hour and that was long enough .