Why is it so hard to find a rider/sharer in devon?

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Bluecat

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We have recently moved to near okehampton and I could do with a hand exercising my 3 horses.I don't need somebody to school them unless they wanted to.mostly just hacking.partly also so I have some company.they could jump or do dressage if they wanted and were confident and experienced.I've advertised and expected abit of response as don't want any money and they can do days and times of their choice but I've had hardly anyone contact me.I'm not sure if its just the area?I've put that they need to be confident riders as my horses aren't difficult but definetly need somebody that knows what they are doing!I'm not sure where I'm going wrong or does everyone want to be paid to ride now??
 
I've had the opposite problem, I cant find a horse to share!

Where have you advertised? The best places have found in the past are local tack shops/country stores but also preloved and equine adverts etc

Good luck!
 
I've advertised on preloved and equine ads!I'm going to put an ad in the local tack shop.I would loved an opportunity to ride when I was younger without paying or having to do chores but noone seems interested!
 
I'm always amazed at these type of posts as I have advertised for a sharer a couple of times and got absolutely inundated with responses and so has everyone else I know and money was expected for these too!

Where have you advertised? Best places by far are your local Facebook horsey group, equine adverts, ad trader, free ads etc.

I'm sure you'll find someone :)
 
I grew up in Devon, and as a enthusiastic ponymad but ponyless kid, I would have jumped at the chance for a horse/pony to exercise.

I used to put wanted ads up in the local Mole Avon and would get people ringing up asking for help riding their horse. I would spend every spare hour of my life pedalling to yards on my old bicyle with tack over the handlebars and come home hours later absolutely shattered and covered in horse muck. Oh the good days!!

Do they still do the AdMArt paper down your way? That was a good place to advertise, it came out every friday. It's been a fair few years since I moved away though :)
 
I've tried facebook too!nothing!I'm surprised too!we are near quite a few places I.e hatherleigh,winkleigh,holsworthy ect and I've put this but still no interest!
 
MissMistletoe said:
I grew up in Devon, and as a enthusiastic ponymad but ponyless kid, I would have jumped at the chance for a horse/pony to exercise.

I used to put wanted ads up in the local Mole Avon and would get people ringing up asking for help riding their horse. I would spend every spare hour of my life pedalling to yards on my old bicyle with tack over the handlebars and come home hours later absolutely shattered and covered in horse muck. Oh the good days!!

Do they still do the AdMArt paper down your way? That was a good place to advertise, it came out every friday. It's been a fair few years since I moved away though :)
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Me too lol! Good old days indeed. You WILL find someone, may just take time (although god knows why) but adtrader well and truly alive down here, also freeads. I know it's a bit more expensive but IF they could be competed how about an ad on horsemart/horse quest? Or local livery yards/RS's, drive around at the weekend and put up ads in them all? Our local facebook group is always inundated with people wanting/offering shares so thought that might be a good avenue but may depend what area you are. hmm
 
I've got a super girl to ride out with at the mo; she's an absolute godsend and I just don't know how I managed without her.

She came via word of mouth: mentioned to a friend that I was looking for someone and she just appeared!!! And has been totally indispensable since.

Putting up adverts are a waste of time and energy IME: all you'll get is novice numpty riders who'll think they can ride and they patently can't! Even if you put strictly no novices it won't discourage them believe me!

Best thing is word of mouth. I'd start with having a word with some Pony Club mums if you know any, or the local Hunt - and work from there. Also trawl around some shows etc and see what/who comes up.

Good luck anyway. Sorry, my girl won't be any good to you as we're the other side of Exeter (and you're not having her anyway!!!! -she's too blimmin good to let go :) :) ). I've always said that if she emigrates she can just take the horses with her!
 
Lol your girl sounds perfect!I'm finding that the people that do reply are novices or timewasters!nightmare!
 
Bluecat I'd literally bite your hand off if you weren't so far away :(
I'm sure you'll find someone sooner or later, and I agree with the others that word of mouth is by far the best. Hope you find someone soon :)
 
Find out if there is a Riding Club branch. I know there is a North Devon Riding Club and also a Bideford Riding club. You could advertise on their Facebook page or in their newsletter.
 
I too am having the opposite problem! I am looking for a horse share and keep seeing these adverts like your which are exactly what im looking for but the wrong end of the country!! So frustrating!!! Im experienced and so keen and sure i could be a great help to somebody, its just finding them!!
 
I'm going to put an ad in moleavon tommorrow.hopefully ill find someone through that!can you move hannah??lol
 
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