Horse Loan

[Rockrose]

Has anyone done this?
I have been offered a horse and I was thinking about loaning rather than buying until I can see if I can commit.
Anyone have experience of the pros and cons?

[calmck]

Not sure how it works in UK. We have horses at livery. The yard use for rides and lessons. We can say if we want to use on specific day or time. We pay half fees and some extra costs like farrier and vaccinations. Yard pay other costs and daily care. We do not have to go every day. We started loaning then bought as slightly more control

[tamborine]

ride horse for compatibility. find out livery costs, feed & shoeing. Get contract for horse health & length of loan.

Ive loaned mostly successful but one owner who demanded w/e use at my cost.

[teacake44]

Its just like eating beef really. I think you may have to buy it.

[Rockrose]

Thanks clmck and tambo for your useful answers.
The seller has 2 horses one is a show jumper and this cob.
I was thinking it was a good start as I would keep it at the same yard it is at the moment

[tamborine]

ride them first to feel their aid response. Show jumper might be flighty out of yard & cob might be dead mouthed. Will u ride in street?

[Rockrose]

Country lanes and fields

[Rockrose]

They are keeping the jumper it’s the cob their selling

[tamborine]

do you ride well? Can u stop a bolting horse

[Rockrose]

I used to I have restarted again but would use the cob whilst having lessons

[tamborine]

Best u ride out in company till ur sure of horse.....heels down in stirrups - tally ho ;)

[Rockrose]

Thanks tambo

[tamborine]

look out for a paddock to buy/rent, much easier & cheaper for horse management & better for horse than stabling.

[rsvp]

Ride the horse in a menage or enclosed space until you get used to it and handle it a lot in stable and yard - take it out on a quiet rides with a sensible horse/rider who knows the area and will keep you out of potentially tricky situations - obviously wear helmet and preferably a back protector. Get the loan agreement down on paper to include period of loan, who pays for what and when together with information should the owner want it back or you want to return it for any reason - sort out insurance for vets bills and liability as third party damage caused by the horse can be very expensive. Loans work well if done legally and responsibly but can go horribly wrong if not.

[Rockrose]

Thanks rsvp, the hat and body protector is a must because at my age i can't afford to hurt myself too much