Has anyone ever had a pony on loan or loaned a pony out? What should I know/be aware of?

[carrotsandcelery]

My dd (11) has been offered a pony on loan by a friend.

I have asked what the costs would be and how much exercise they would be hoping it would get.

It would still be kept on their property so I think, but will have to clarify, that they would feed it for her etc as I couldn't get her there every day.

What should I be aware of or watch out for etc?

Any advice gratefully received.

[Callisto]

Get an agreement in writing signed by both of you. Loaning can be great but it can equally turn into a nightmare for all involved. There is a generic loan agreement on the BHS website which goes through all of the things you need to be aware of and agree with the owners.

[CMOTDibbler]

You absolutely need to get in writing who will be responsible for vet, farrier, insurance, feed, tack etc etc. Also things like is she allowed to pull the ponies mane, trim, bath etc, as well as when can she ride, their expectations, can she take pony to pony club/gymkhanas etc

[carrotsandcelery]

All great points and much appreciated. Thank you

Anything else I should be thinking about?

[Mirage]

We own one and loan one and signed an agreement specifying what we could and couldn't do with him,how he must be fed/grazed and any issues he had.We keep him at home so had a list of all his tack,rugs,kit ect and the condition of said items.I worry about wear and tear,dd fell off and scratched his made to measure saddle as she went.I rang his owner and told her and she was lovely about it.

Check who is responsible for things like worming and vaccinations,they can be very expensive.

[BonkeyMollocks]

Another one here who says get EVERYTHING in writing! Don't leave anything out even if it sounds silly.

Make sure everyone involved knows what's what, Who is responsible for what, expenses etc!
Good luck :)

[CMOTDibbler]

Some more things people have strong views about that come to mind are poo picking (daily, weekly, where it goes, muck heap management), feed (you might think its nice to give them some chaff in a bucket, or some carrots, owner may not), hand fed treats, hay in the field in the winter, use or otherwise of rugs, lungeing and lots more.

[carrotsandcelery]

This is all really helpful. Thank you everyone.

I had thought of muck lifting, I hadn't thought of wear and tear of the tack or the feeding of treats or trimming of tail etc.

In most cases I would follow the owner's lead as she is more knowledgeable than me and lives onsite. She is a friend though and I don't want to create tension in the friendship by doing the wrong thing.

[Alameda]

how exciting for your daughter - good luck

(making notes as thinking of putting one out on loan/part loan and maybe loaning another one, but have never put anything in writing - there's a lot to think of isn't there?)

[BonkeyMollocks]

Alameda There is a sample loan agreement on the bhs website.
Just fill un the blanks and ajust accordingly . Its very usefull ! :)

[Callisto]

I've got down in my loan agreement that the pony is never to be fed by hand and that I need to be consulted if the loaner wants to give him hard feed.

[MoonlightandRoses]

Clarify under what circumstances and / or time frame the loan will finish.

If your daughter doesn't have insurance yet, the best way to go is to get BHS gold membership for her. It offers one of the best packages on the market for non-owners.
Your friend may also need to check her own public liability insurance covers the loan too.

[carrotsandcelery]

Lots of great advice. Thank you everyone!

[SaggyOldClothCatPuss]

Is the owner willing to teach your daughter? If not, she will need lessons of some sort. You need to factor this in.

[carrotsandcelery]

My dd already goes for lessons once a week at a local riding stable. I would continue that as I want her to ride lots of different ponies and not just this one.

[SaggyOldClothCatPuss]

Be aware, if your friends public Liability doesn't cover DD, that you can't make a PL claim against a minor. You would need to take out BHS cover for yourself, and accept ultimate responsibility for the pony, as her responsible adult.

[carrotsandcelery]

This insurance advice is really useful as I know nothing about it. I know that as a child with a pony myself, we were insured for any damage we did to anybody or anything. Is this is the same sort of insurance you mean?

[Treblesallround]

You need the insurance you described, but also if you're going to be responsible for the pony's vet fees you need to consider whether to insure for that, it can get expensive