Would you share a horse?

J

JazFisher

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I am almost 18 and have my gorgeous boy Star but I am taking a massive wage cut to do an apprenticeship meaning things are going to be extremely tight rather than the usual slightly struggling ;)! I was wondering what peoples thoughts are on sharing a horse. I was thinking £10/week in Summer and £20/week in Winter for 3 days riding and the occasional competition? Would you trust somebody else with your horse? I think I would need to see their riding before hand quite a bit as I love Star the way he is and wouldn't want him to be "ruined" although I would still ride 3 other days a week.
 
I share someone else's now and when I get my own would defo do the same if I needed a bit of help. Like you say you're still riding him and have control. Personally I do everything my owner wants as I am so happy to have horse time and am eternally grateful!
 
JazFisher said:
Do you think it is acceptable to want to see someone ride prior to making any agreements, and having a contract? As I would like some sense of security that they will be there when agreed in case I can't make it. :/
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Absolutely - It's a must, I'd say.
 
JazFisher said:
Do you think it is acceptable to want to see someone ride prior to making any agreements, and having a contract? As I would like some sense of security that they will be there when agreed in case I can't make it. :/
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You most definitely need to see a potential sharer ride and handle your horse before you agree to anything and then possibly a trial period?

One thing i would say is that unless you have very set days I would advise you not to consider yourself 'free' on the days that your sharer has him. If you are wanting to find a sharer that will do both ends of the day on their days then that will be harder, if you are wanting someone to put to bed on the day that they ride then they have to coincide their riding time with bedtime otherwise it means two trips for them and this can be problematic. Some sharers just want to turn up and ride, others want the responsibility of the horse being 'theirs' for the days that they are riding...

Advertise on horsemart for lots of replies and take it from there. You might have to sort through a lot to find someone who will be right.
 
I would, as long as there was a trial period. I have already got a sharer waiting for when I get a horse later in the summer. But then I have known her for a while plus we ride together so totally trust her.
Your charging that per week for 3 days riding? That is good! When I looked into sharing people wanted £20 a day with a min of 3 days! That's worked out at £240 a month! I'd rather pay the extra and have my own! Good luck with your search!
 
If it were a case of sharing or not being able to afford one, I would definitely share. You will obviously need to see them ride, don't believe a WORD anyone says about their riding ability. Also, don't take the first person if you don't think they're any good, sharing is in demand and others will definitely come along. Go for a tenner a day or at least £20 a week, no different charges for summer or winter.
 
Billie1007 said:
You most definitely need to see a potential sharer ride and handle your horse before you agree to anything and then possibly a trial period?

One thing i would say is that unless you have very set days I would advise you not to consider yourself 'free' on the days that your sharer has him. If you are wanting to find a sharer that will do both ends of the day on their days then that will be harder, if you are wanting someone to put to bed on the day that they ride then they have to coincide their riding time with bedtime otherwise it means two trips for them and this can be problematic. Some sharers just want to turn up and ride, others want the responsibility of the horse being 'theirs' for the days that they are riding...

Advertise on horsemart for lots of replies and take it from there. You might have to sort through a lot to find someone who will be right.
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Luckily my yard is fab and I only have to go down once a day whether he is in or out as I leave hay/water outside stable and they put it in, in the morning for me. So this shouldn't create a problem. Definitely something to think about though :)
 
I would, but only if they have the same ideas about care that I have, and had their own rider insurance. I should imagine it is easier to find a sharer at the moment with most of the summer (!) ahead of us. I think £10 for three days is too cheap, would hardly cover the cost of shoes (if applicable)
 
I have shared and for the most part everything was ideal. We agreed to split costs, so I paid half of livery costs, food, shoes etc and was happy to do so. I also was happy to do a fair share of the work. A lot depends on trust - so treat it like a job interview. If possible arrange to spend time with your sharer on a regular basis - even better if you are able to 'borrow' a horse and ride out with them occasionally.
 
Equinus said:
I would, but only if they have the same ideas about care that I have, and had their own rider insurance. I should imagine it is easier to find a sharer at the moment with most of the summer (!) ahead of us. I think £10 for three days is too cheap, would hardly cover the cost of shoes (if applicable)
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I just set the prices at slightly under half of his weekly rent to help financially. He is barefoot and occasionally has some pony nuts or chaff if he has been good or needs to have a supplement. I'm really not sure though :/
 
I have a sharer who I could not manage without as I am on mat leave so both time and money are tight. I am lucky in that I already knew my sharer and she had ridden my mare a fair bit before, so I have no concerns on Missy being messed up. I do have a very detailed contract and a schedule though, even though I know and trust my sharer I wanted to make sure we both went into the agreement protected and with our eyes open.
 
I pay 15 a week but just hacking and living out, cripes if someone wanted 20 a day for 3 days a week I'd say do one and get my own! I think its a bit of a joke how much some people charge, I think it has to work out better than riding lessons at least unless the horse is some sort of grand prix schoolmaster!
 
I've had sharers for my pony, who I didn't have enough time for,and it has worked well. But do be fussy, there are plenty about, I never even advertised, and do make sure they have their own accident insurance, and have a contract in place. watch them ride, have a trial period, and be prepared to be a bit flexible, although if you are happy for themto do the odd comp, sound like you are prepared to do that already, as so many owners won't.
 
I have shared someone elses and if necessary I would share my own.

I would be quite particular about what I expected of the person sharing, in terms of horse must be seen to even if you can't / don't want to ride (some people just think they look after themselves when they aren't ridden), how I want horse handled, mucked out, fed etc... you think it's common sense but it's not to all and I would judge someone's suitability by the questions they ask and the things they say... oh and even how they dress(!)... not just on how well they ride.
 
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