Any point putting my 3 yr old up for loan?

[Bailaconmigo]

I've had him since he was ten months old and he's got excellent ground manners, fine with shoeing, loading, clipping, etc. Easy to catch and just an all-round calm, steady gelding. But he's unbroken.

I've just had a baby and that, plus other reasons, mean that I simply do not have the time to dedicate to him that I had planned.

He's currently on full livery for £500/month.

There's a lady at the yard who loves him and has repeatedly offered to buy him but he will never be for sale and she knows that. So she would be my first port of call for a loan. Questions -

Is it reasonable to put an unbroken rising 4 year old out for loan? I envisage the loaner putting in a lot of effort to break him in and bring him on and then having to hand him back to me; is that fair?

I don't mind if he's loaned for cuddles! But I'm imagining that people who are interested in that are thin on the ground.

What are the standard terms for putting a horse out on loan in terms of ongoing costs?

TIA.

I would, because my pony is basically out of action for months and I would love a project for this Summer. BUT, I couldn't afford the livery for two, so I would offer you my time and effort for nothing, but I couldn't pay to keep the horse too ... which is, I guess not the point !

Chuck him out on full grass livery or youngstock livery, my mare was backed late (6) and she’s the most level headed horse you’ve ever met.

You don’t break a horse to a specific style of riding and habits, unless you mean breaking him with Western tack and then bringing him back to a dressage yard..!

Breaking a 3 year old should be as universal as any riding ‘style’ can be

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the advice. I'm thinking over my options, will update.

If you trust this lady and know her abilities perhaps offer for her to potter away with him as she wishes while you still pay the livery etc. maybe you could drop down to part livery as a result. That way your youngster is still getting a Trent ion and not turning completely wild but you aren't expecting someone to do all your hard work then just hand him back.