Would this be cheeky?

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showjump2003

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There is a gentleman in my village with a big house and yard. He gave up riding years ago and keeps one unridable horse now as a pet in the field. He has a lovely stone yard and a menage going to waste. He has big posh electric gates so I can't just walk up to the door and ask him if he would consider letting me use his school. So... first off, do you think it would be cheeky or me to ask? I would love to use it for say a few hours at the weekends and in the holidays just for schooling of my own horses. He has a letter box at the gates so I was thinking about writing a letter and posting it in the box? What do you think?
 
i did that, put a note in a letterbox about someones menage, we are now great friends and hack out together, worth a try
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How does this sound?

I was just wondering if you would consider allowing me the use of your sand school. I am really desperate to get my horses fit and school them ready for the showing season. Unfortunately at the moment the ground is too wet for me to ride in the fields and in summer it’s often too solid to ride on regularly. Although I love hacking it’s almost Easter which means the roads are going to get busy and dangerous as is the beach resulting in 6 months of not being able to hack out safely. At the moment I face at least a 7 mile drive with the trailer to use a school. I would be very grateful if you would consider allowing me the use of your school. It would only be for myself and my two well behaved horses and I would be willing to pay for the privilege.
 
Sounds good, but I would preface it with something like "I hope you don't think it is rude of me to contact you in this manner, but ...."
 
Give it a go you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Would do as TGM said and start with "Sorry to bother you in this way). I would also mention that you are a responsible person and will clear up any poos etc made by the horses and will keep things as you found them.
 
You might also want to mention that you would respect his property and clear up any mess after yourself...that would help.
And obviously leave your address, name and telephone number!
Good luck.
 
Echo the others re- if you don't ask you don't get! Also agree re the addtions suggested.

I might be totally be on my own here but I would also suggest that perhaps you might be laying it on a little bit thick re why you want to use it... esp the safety bit
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I'd maybe feel a bit as though if I said no I'd be responsible some of that stuff... which might be to your advantage but I think it would irritate me if I'm honest.

I would perhaps phase it more in a way that lets him know how much you would be enhancing your riding (i.e. use the wet fields bit but perhaps not the road safety?) rather than pin quite so much on it? But as I say, others might disagree!

Go for it!!!!! Let us know what he says!
 
I agree with Lzt, it is a bit over the top!!! Just be polite as previous people said and say you would be willing to pay and would clear up after your horse.

Another thing I might add is that you wouldnt want to use it every day.
 
Just thought of another thing too- when you are telling him that you are responsible I would make it clear you are a responsible ADULT (or in some other way leave him in no doubt that you are not a kid).
 
Definitely not rude at all. This is how I leased some of my fields in England. Wrote a really polite letter and posted in mail box. In all cases, I heard back within 2 weeks and the outcomes were all positive.
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Yes, I was about to say omit the middle bit and offer to leave everything as you found it and treat his property with respect. I think you have nothing to lose and he can only say no. Good luck and do let us know.
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as they say in Scotland, nae cheek nae chance!!

Go for it you have nothing to lose and LOADS to gain, if you are polite and respectful then you have nothing to feel bad about. You never know, he may love to see the facilities being used again. Good luck!!
 
The only thing I'd add is something about how often you'd want to use it - 2/3 times a week - and for how long - say, 45mins - 1 hour each time (so in total 3 hours a week). Also mention what times of the day you'd want to use it. If you are going during the day while they are out, they might not be so keen on that until they get to know you.

Good luck.
 
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