Pony owners- is this cheeky?

[Headshoulderskneesandtoes22]

DD started riding in sept at our Local riding school, 5 mins away. Over lockdown it has closed and isn’t reopening. The next closest riding school is 1/2 hr away in the opposite direction from the rest of our lives (work/school etc). DMs NDN (also 5 mins away) has a perfect almost never ridden pony. NDN has taken dd out on the pony before, maybe 3-4 times, but it’s never been a regular thing. Would it be cheeky to ask if dd could ride the pony regularly under my supervision (I used to ride and am confident around horses)? I would be happy to make it a financial arrangement and additionally get dd to do poo pick up in the field etc so that she gets an idea that horsemanship is not just showing up and having a fun ride. Although owner is DMs NDN I do know her quite well and have been riding with her in the past. The reason that the pony isn’t ridden is that owners children have outgrown it and she doesn’t want to sell it. I just don’t know if this would be regarded as super cheeky in horse world? Failing that I could put a request on the village fb page to see if anyone wanted some help. We don’t want to buy or even loan a pony at this stage. Thanks.

What insurance do you/they have? You can ask, but frankly I imagine they would expect you to commit to caring responsibilities (share or loan type agreement) to make it worth their while. Is the pony even suitable for a complete beginner? Word carefully so they don't feel backed into a corner, and don't pester if they say no.

Not cheeky, perfectly OK in horsey world.

Good kids ponies often used by word of mouth.

Absolutely ask, she can always say no. She knows you and I would certainly be delighted at that.

We have friends with an outgrown pony. They usually take him to village fetes etc but other than that he is unused. I've asked exactly the same for Dd for next year as all the ones we have are to big really and she's not needing her own tiny little one yet.

Good luck, I hope it works out.

Would they loan it to you?

In terms of insurance I used pet plan when my daughter started riding other people’s horses.

My daughter was able to ‘loan’ for free once a week because the owner wanted the horse to be ridden regularly- now she goes 3 times a week but pays

@FluffMagnet thank you. We only have standard public liability insurance with the house insurance. Pony is perfect for a beginner. I would be very careful with wording as wouldn’t want them to feel awkward. Certainly wouldn’t pester. Think they may appreciate the money as their main source of income was lost during lockdown.

@Nishky thanks for advice re petplan

I'd be delighted to have an offer like that for my outgrown pony! It's a real chance for the pony to be loved and used and have a more fulfilling life.

I had a similar arrangement when I was a teenager. Pony was kept at full livery by owners (outgrown by child but didn't want to sell). I paid a very reasonable contribution and could ride as often as I liked. She was a lovely, bomb proof ride and I was a fairly competent rider at that point. If I had been a beginner I probably would have wanted to continue lessons as well.

All she can say is no. She might be thrilled that the pony will be loved by a child again. It sounds like you're planning to help out with its care too so it sounds perfect.

If you join WHW or the BHS you get public liability insurance as part of your membership benefits. 👍

If you’re happy to make a financial or poo picking arrangement then it’s not cheeky at all.

As long as you’re clear that it would be paid and your DD would be happy to help with some care, and you also make it clear they’re very welcome to say no, it sounds like a great proposal!

I agree, not cheeky to ask. Obviously if they say no it would then be cheeky to pester but I'm sure you won't do that!

It would be worth putting a proper written share/ part-loan arrangement in place if they say yes, to cover off what financial contribution is expected, what care duties you'll do, what will happen if you are ill or on holiday and unable to see to pony, and what the arrangement is if pony is ill or injured, or if either party wants to end the share. Also whether only your DD is authorised to ride the pony or if siblings/friends are included too at your discretion (I would expect the former!). From bitter experience things can turn sour if all this is not agreed upfront and obviously as she's your DM's friend/neighbour you wouldn't want to put her in an awkward situation!

Agree, for insurance go for PC or BHS junior membership which gives your DD 3rd party and personal injury cover as well as other benefits. The pony's insurance if they have it should normally be covered by the owner in a part-loan arrangements (if a full loan and kept by you then you would cover).

Not at all cheeky. Just offer to have third party insurance, plus to insure the pony if they want. Offer a financial arrangement with added pop picking. And add that you completely understand if they don’t want to.

Not at all cheeky, you can adk, she can say no if she wants. I'd love it. What worked best for me in a similar position, was a shared type agreement. My sharer paid for the points shoes (as pony only needed shoes due to her riding it) and she had one lesson per week with an instructor which she paid for. I paid for everything else.

Sharer committed to specific days per week, 2 after school and Saturday mornings. All I wanted was for her to give the pony attentions, but she also did poo picking and mucking out just because she wanted to!