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Original poster

Viewing potential loan horses - what do I need to know?

9 replies

Banterpanther · 03/12/2012 09:17

When going to view potential loan / share horses, is there anything particular I should look for / ask?

This is my first time doing this - nervous!!

Have advertised for safe and sensible horses only - but how do I know I can trust the owners and they are not just saying horse is perfect when it's actually a nutter....

Any tips much appreciated

OP posts:
Original poster
Banterpanther · 03/12/2012 09:19

I have already been told to ask to see them ride it first before I get on it myself......and if they refuse be suspicious!

OP posts:
SaggyOldClothCatPuss · 03/12/2012 11:56

I'd turn up a little early, just to make sure there's no lunging etc going on. Also, ride on more than one occasion. A good owner won't mind this if you are really serious about loaning their beast. You also need a good discussion about what the contract involves. Ask about previous illnesses, lameness, behaviour. Equally as important as the horse, make sure you like the owner. If you have any worries about their integrity, walk away.

N0tinmylife · 03/12/2012 14:09

I would have a think about exactly what you want from the loan/share, and write yourself a list of the questions so you don't forget any. Things like, who will be responsible for what. What has the horse been used for. Why is it going on loan, and is it likely to be permanent, or short term.

The good thing with loaning/sharing as opposed to buying, is that if it doesn't work out, the horse can always go back, so you would hope, it is more likely the owner will be honest. Good luck!

thingamajig · 03/12/2012 14:22

Be really clear on who pays for what, and on insurance. Find out if the owner wants the horse to be done by the same farrier and vet as before. Know what the owner wants the horse to eat, whether they need soaked hay, rugs, living in or out. What happens if equipment is damaged on your watch? Or wears out? Ask about passports, immunisations etc. Are you planning to keep the horse on your own land? How does the owner feel about other people riding him under your supervision? What about children? Could you do riding club stuff or competitions? Ask all the questions you would if you were buying the horse.
Be aware that the owner is going to be sizing you up as well as the other way around.

Original poster
Banterpanther · 04/12/2012 10:18

Thanks for all the tips.
Have advertised for a safe 'first horse' confidence giver.
A couple of the horses I have been contacted about sound quite advanced. A bit concerned ....

OP posts:
N0tinmylife · 04/12/2012 13:37

Don't worry, the right horse will be out there somewhere. Be prepared for finding it to take a while though. Make sure you have a good idea of what you want, and keep looking until you find that horse, don't be tempted to settle for anything else.

It took me several months of looking to find my loan horse, and to be honest 6 months in I am still not 100% sure he is the right one. Most of the time I think he is, but then he does something stupid, and I doubt him again.

Do you have someone experienced, who has seen you ride, who can come looking with you? A second opinion is always helpful!

MoonlightMerrimentandMistletoe · 05/12/2012 23:50

As N0t mentions - have an impartial party come with you to help assess.
Have a written agreement of expectations drawn up before taking on the loan (think there's one available to BHS members on their site
Have insurance for you and the horse (BHS again are the best place for this)
As Saggy mentions - show up a little early (up to 40 mins) and come back more than once.
Make sure you tack up the horse to get a feel for his on-the-ground manners and are the first to ride him
Even if you love the horse, don't take them on unless you are also comfortable with the owner as they are the one you'll have to be able to discuss things with.

Good luck!

NothingIsAsBadAsItSeems · 06/12/2012 16:42

If you're viewing a mare ask if she becomes very mareish when in season - I've stopped a viewing after being told that you had to leave the mare in the field for her entire season as she was unhandle-able.

Ask to see the horse brought in from the field or being turned out - helps to see how well mannered the horse can be

Ask to see the owner tack up - I'm always suspicious if the horse is already tacked up - I've had head shy horses and ones who bite when the girth is done up at the moment I have one who does both

Always ask to see someone else ride the horse first - including jumping if the horse is able

Take an experienced friend with you - When I was looking for my first I was thinking with my heart and not my head - Yes the horse was very cute and flashy but it had an odd way of moving when in canter, several scars on his legs and was completely unsuitable for purpose - BUT he was very cute and had a sad face...

Ask what the horse has done with their current owner/rider and what the owner would be happy for you to do with the horse

  • Is the horse able to do what you would like?
  • Can you have some lessons on the horse or enter competitions?
  • What will you be paying for?
  • What days will you have the horse?
  • Are you expected to do everything on those days?
  • What happens if the horse is injured on your day/s? - I got to the yard where my first loan horse was stabled and found her with a broken leg in the field... Massive panic - You need an emergency contact number/s
  • Will there be anyone on the yard when you are there? Could you ask them for help if you needed to?

Good luck with your viewing Xmas Smile but don't worry if it's not the horse for you

trueblood1fan · 06/12/2012 17:04

most, say 99% of horses are loaned because they have "issues" hence not saleable. a true safe saint horse is worth thousands so maybe aged or simply the 1% of people that dont ever want to sell. ifit sounds to good to be true, it probably is im afraid. how exp are you as i wouldnt loan to a novice. good luck :-)

ps take a friend :-)

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