Would a sharer or a loaner...

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Tamski

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Be prepared to do a six week rehab program?

My horse has just come back from a two year loan. He wasn't sound when he came back and has since had hock injections and is now sound and very happy.

He needs to be built back up to full work slowly and the vet has given me a program to do.

However I've got two small children and am struggling to give him enough time, hence the reason he was out on loan initially. Do you think a sharer or a loaner would put the time in to build him up or should I just forget about him until I've got more time?

Thoughts please.
 
I'm a sharer and my sharemare has been completely unrideable (and at some low points, stable bound) due to severe bouts of lami (brought about by Cushings) for about 20 months now.
Saying that I have been with her for approx 5 years now and I can't imagine life without her, so I would say yes, some sharers are prepared to do that :)
I would be very thorough though to make sure the person in question is the right one to do this for your horse.
K x
 
Yep - so long as you find the right person. I share. My share fella had a 6 week in hand rehab program followed by 6 weeks ridden before being declared fit for usual work (rehab for back issues). I enjoyed doing the rehab - watching him change physically and seeing his outlook on life improve as he became pain free and suppler. He was always a nice boy but he's fab now - safe but fun with a definite spark and cheekiness.
 
Are you talking about an existing sharer/loaner, or advertising for someone? I think if they are an existing person and have built up a relationship with the horse then they should be willing to do what is best for the horse - as in the long term this will mean they can continue to ride.

I think there are people out there who would put in the rehab work with a new horse, but as I am a bit of a control freak I would worry that they would do too much too soon and the horse would be lame again. So if it was a complete stranger then you do run the risk of them pushing your horse that bit too far too soon. Which could put you back where you were before - with a lame horse.

Are you on a big yard where others can keep an eye on the rehab process? That would help. I rent a field, so no-one to report back how things are going most of the time.

When I loaned my first horse he was coming back in to work after tendon problems. I wanted him on long term loan so it was in my interest to do the rehab - we literally started with 10 mins walking a day and built it up from there. That was in winter too! Got him in December. :D

I would trust my sharer to carry out rehab, but she has been helping me out for about 10 years now and is very reliable and trustworthy. But not sure I would advertise for someone completely new.

Good luck! I know where you are coming from re lameness issues, and so you must be thrilled at the good prognosis for him. (Sorry this is a bit rambling - trying to cook at the same time!!)
 
Thanks guys. I have already been riding him and lunging and he's not bonkers, surprisinfly sensible in fact. Just don't have enough time to be consistent with him.

He's kept at home so don't have the advantages of being on a big yard.
 
It wouldn't put me off getting on a horse that has had prolonged time off - that's what I did with my old boy after having a 20 year break from horses. Looking back I didn't even see his owner ride him - she delivered him to me and I very trustingly took her word and got straight on him after sorting out a saddle. He was fine. Don't think I would be so brave now!!

These days I would ask to see a horse first before I get on. But if he was sensible for his owner I would get on straight afterwards.
 
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