WWYD? Sharing a horse..

[Dumbo]

I currently own a TB that I use for hacking until he fractured his leg over a month ago. He's got another 3 weeks of box rest and 5 weeks until I can start riding again.
However, as much as I adore him, I do feel slightly over horsed at times. My comfort zone is pretty much limited to walking and trotting out hacking and possibly cantering in the school on a good day! He lacks manners too, eg. can be a s*d to pick up feet, to lead etc but I manage! I have thought about selling him but with his injury and on paper, he really isn't worth much and I dread the thought of where he may end up.
Anyway, while he's been out of work, a lady at the yard has let me ride her lazy cob and my confidence has gone through the roof! I feel totally safe on him, he's so easy to do and it's made me realise just how difficult my horse can be! I've hacked him alone too, something I can't do with mine.
She's now offered me the share of this horse for £40 p/m and I can do whatever I like with him. However, I don't have a job at the moment (actively looking!) so I pay for my horse out of savings and my Dad kindly helps with the livery bills.
I really enjoy riding this other horse but trying to weigh it all up realistically.
It is only £10 a week but I struggle to pay for my horse as it is. Is it worth that for the immense enjoyment I get? When I get a job I should be able to afford it. I also hope to start getting shavings free from the sawmill which will save me £20 a week. But winter is coming up and money will be even tighter. There are ways I can cut back on costs but what do you think I should do?

 

[Noodles_3]

It does sound a good offer and I'd be really tempted! You can't beat a horse that sends your confidence soaring. Is there anyone suitable to share/loan your tb to help with costs for the cob?

 

[Abacus]

Unless your Dad really doesn't mind helping, it seems a bit rude to take on an extra cost while you aren't able to meet it yourself, unless you have a very good plan to get a job.

The cob sounds perfect for you, if you can manage to find a plan for your own horse - would he be suitable for a more confident rider on loan with view to buy (obviously when fully fixed)? Whatever happens with the share, I think borrowing the cob has shown you that currently you have the wrong horse, so making the plan for your own horse is key. I would think about a way to find him the best home, rather than how much you might get for him - as you have described him, he is not worth a lot so a loan may be a better option.

 

[turkana]

It does sound like a good deal, maybe have a word with your Dad & ask him if he'd mind helping you out a bit more with the promise of paying it back when you get a job.

 

[*sprinkles*]

It does sound a good offer and I'd be really tempted! You can't beat a horse that sends your confidence soaring. Is there anyone suitable to share/loan your tb to help with costs for the cob?

This is what I was thinking. If he's suitable, have someone share your horse for the same price as you'll pay for the cob, then effectively it won't cost anything extra.

 

[Polos Mum]

Can you do odd jobs while job hunting to make £10 a week? Dog walking, poo picking, bit of baby sitting, helping out with people at your yard who are on holiday etc. that kind of thing so you can show your dad that you're willing to work for the extra costs not just expect him to keep covering you're livery while you're spending more.

What are your long term plans for the TB? He might be tricky to find a sharer for give his coming back from injury and coming in into winter but worth a try I guess. I might consider trying to rehome him and share until you have a steady job but then I personally hate having to rely on anyone for anything!!

 

[kc100]

Echoing the others here - find a competent sharer for your TB and charge the same as you will be paying for the cob, then there is no extra cost and everyone is happy.

In the mean time before you find a sharer for the TB speak to your dad and explain the situation - I doubt the lady with the cob will wait for you forever so you are best speaking to your dad and seeing if he's ok with you paying £40 extra per month in the short term - definitely run it past him before you make a decision out of respect as he's helping you so much.