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Discuss horse riding and ownership on our Horse forum.

The tack room

Are there mums out there with free time during the day who would exercise a pony for free?

14 replies

zirca · 04/04/2013 11:28

Or am I just hoping for something that isn't there?

I'm going to be moving mine to grass this summer due to childcare costs, and it will be difficult to get the pony worked on weekdays in winter. Do you think if I did not ask for any £, I could perhaps find a sahm or part time working mum who has a bit of spare time and would like to ride during the week year-round? If they were busy in holidays that would be fine as I teach so could take up the slack then. I'm talking 14.1hh pony here so not tiny, well behaved etc.

OP posts:

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CMOTDibbler · 04/04/2013 11:34

Yes, there are people out there - easier of course if your horse isn't a nutter like so many who are up for share !

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MaidMiniEgg2012 · 04/04/2013 11:52

I should imagine someone would love to exercise your pony. We are a horse owning family and have loaned our horses out (mainly to older teenagers with abilty to work them properly) for years due to work commitments etc.

I would be careful about who though, on one occasion I allowed a friend of my DFs to exercise my horse and he picked up all sorts of bad habits and developed a hard mouth, so snaffle was useless. DM went mental.

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Mirage · 04/04/2013 12:56

I'd do it.Although all I'd want to do would be hack.

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DreamySleepyNightySnoozySnooze · 04/04/2013 13:02

I'm sure you'll find someone. I have done this with lots of horses - some wanted them working hard/schooling etc to maintain condition for competitions, others just wanted me to hack them out. Some asked for a contribution towards shoeing costs, others didn't. I'm just happy to have a horse to ride!

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SaggyOldClothCatPuss · 04/04/2013 13:15

Id imagine that youd find several people even if you asked for £! Im planning on advertising for a share for DGiantShetland soon, and Ill definitely be asking for a small contribution.

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TackedOff · 04/04/2013 13:55

I would ask for a contribution, just to focus the rider's mind and ensure that they are serious. If they don't pay you may find they just turn up when they feel like it and never when it's cold (happened to me last year!)

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Butkin · 04/04/2013 14:28

Never charged people for riding my horses - always felt they were doing me the favour!

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CMOTDibbler · 04/04/2013 14:39

As a would be sharer, I have to say I am put off by people charging when they put lots of requirements on the agreement. I think if what you are looking for is for your horse to be cared for and exercised to your instructions then they are working for you.
If on the other hand they get to turn up on their allocated days and do as they wish, or thet get more freedom to ride at weekends etc, then its fair to pay

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olibeansmummy · 04/04/2013 17:12

I'd do it if you lived near me :) also maybe an older teenager would love to do it and have the time after school.

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zirca · 04/04/2013 20:47

Hmm, so how much would be reasonable to charge then, for unlimited weekday only riding, no facilities so hacking/schooling in the field only? Pony is forward going but bombproof and very safe.

OP posts:

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PanicMode · 04/04/2013 21:50

I would! Have been looking for something similar locally (half heartedly as DS4 doesn't go to nursery until next term).

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newfavouritething · 04/04/2013 22:01

I tried to get someone to ride mine and advertised for experienced rider in the local paper - big mistake - I just got lots of people that had only had lessons in riding school horses. I just asked them to catch him, tie up, remove rugs and pick feet out etc. On the phone they were amazing, in the stable most were clueless and didn't get as far as tacking up. Found one girl that used to have her own etc, and all was going well until she got glandular fever and moved back to her parents. So after that essay, would recommend finding a friend of a friend or similar :-)

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ruby1234 · 05/04/2013 18:49

I exercise other people's horses, but always stipulate 'no money either way'. I advertise occasionally (if short of a horse) in the local saddlers, explaining my experience and horsey requirements. Am always inundated with offers.

If I were you I would be very careful of charging.
Not sure exactly how you would stand legally, but are you insured to hire out your pony for a fee? What if the hirer falls off and sues you for damages? What if there is a road accident and the drivers sue? I think the legality is different if you are charging for the use of your pony, rather than someone just riding it for pleasure.

Sorry, don't mean to put you off, there are lots of able riders around, they just sometimes take some finding.

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zirca · 05/04/2013 20:35

If I were you I would be very careful of charging.
Not sure exactly how you would stand legally, but are you insured to hire out your pony for a fee? What if the hirer falls off and sues you for damages? What if there is a road accident and the drivers sue? I think the legality is different if you are charging for the use of your pony, rather than someone just riding it for pleasure.

Sharing is perfectly legal and ok with insurers. So long as what the person pays does not exceed the cost of keeping the horse, it is not seen as hire or reward. I was only wondering about charging as someone above suggested I should.