Guide to Sharing a Horse or Pony

Owning a horse is a rewarding experience but can become very time consuming and costly. When personal circumstances change it can sometimes mean we cannot always spend as much time as we like with our horses or afford to pay for their upkeep. In these kinds of situations sharing can be an ideal solution. Instead of being left feeling guilty about not spending enough time with your horse or riding them often enough, you can advertise for a sharer.

From the other perspective, sharing can be an ideal solution for someone who is unable to commit the time or finances to having a horse of there own. It can be a great way of gaining experience of owning a horse without all the responsibilities and can act as a stepping stone between riding at a school and horse ownership.

Here, we will explain all you need to know about what sharing is and how to go about finding someone to share your horse or finding a horse to share.

What Exactly is Sharing?

Sharing is ideally suited to people who, due to a change in circumstances, can no longer offer their horse the time or money it needs. In a share agreement, the owner is still very much involved with their horse which will usually remain at the same yard. Normally, the owner and sharer will share some of the responsibilities of owning the horse. Each will have their set days or times when they will look after and ride the horse. However, every share agreement is different to suit the needs of the horse and owner. If the share has been arranged due to financial reasons, the owner may ask for a contribution towards the cost of keeping the horse in return for rides. In other arrangements there may be no financial contribution required. In these kinds of agreements the share is usually offered on a ‘work for rides’ basis. By this it means that the sharer will do stable chores such as mucking out and in return is offered the use of the horse. In other agreements the sharer is only responsible for exercising the horse- it all depends on what the owner needs. Where a financial contribution is required it normally goes towards the costs of livery, feed and shoes. All these responsibilities need to be written down in a contract, described in more detail below in the section headed ‘Get it in Black and White’.

Suggestions For the Owner.

Although it is simple enough to place an advertisement seeking a sharer, you must think it all through carefully beforehand. Before placing an ad, think of the reasons why you need a sharer. This will help you towards thinking about what you need to ask of the sharer. Try to be reasonable. If you need help financially, you cannot expect a sharer to pay a huge amount to help towards the upkeep of your horse. If you are struggling financially loaning may be a better option until you sort your finances out.

You have to be honest about your horses ability and any faults they may have. When someone gets in contact about sharing your horse ask as many questions as you can. If you like the person, ask to meet them at the yard. Assess each person who wants to share your horse and only accept if you are happy that they can handle your horse and have enough experience. It is also important that you like and get on with the person. You also need to make sure the person can make the times and days you need them to look after your horse. There is no point in the share if you need someone to do mornings and they can only make evenings for example. Don’t just jump into a share agreement because someone has come forward. You need to make sure they are right for you and your horse.

Once you have found someone who you believe will make a good sharer it may be a good idea to accompany them the first few times they go to the yard. This will ensure they know exactly what to do, where everything is and it will make it easier for them to get to know everyone at the yard. It can also give you peace of mind knowing you are leaving your horse in good hands. After this, leave them to it. For a share to be successful it is important not become an over-controlling owner.

Suggestions For the Sharer

You must be honest about your own ability and experience. Do not agree to a share unless you are confident and happy that you can handle the horse. It will not work out if you find yourself over horsed and can result in knocked confidence as well. Ask as many questions as you can before you agree to go and see a horse, and only agree to see the horse if it sounds suitable for your needs. If you are unsure of anything, simply ask the owner.

When viewing a horse, it is a good idea to be as involved as you can. Do not stand around waiting to be asked to do something, ask if you can help. In addition, you must be clear about when you will be able to help out. Do not agree to a day if you are unsure if you can make it or not, it is unfair to both horse and owner.

Get it in Black and White

Once you find the right person/horse to share, get together to discuss the details of the agreement. Work out exactly who is responsible for doing what. If money is involved- how much and when has it to be paid? Who is responsible for insurance, vets bills, tack and equipment repairs? What happens if either party cannot make it to the yard on their set day? Also make sure you include any specific needs of the horse and what the sharer is allowed to use him for. Write everything down and ensure each party has a copy that is signed and dated. Make sure the agreement makes sense and it can be beneficial to get legal advice.

Advertising

When looking for a share there are a number of places to advertise. In addition to this website it may also be a good idea to post advertisements in local papers, tack shops and equestrian centres. We wish everyone good luck in finding the perfect share agreement.