Top Tips from Horse Shares UK

1. Take your time. Although your may receive a number of people enquiring about your horse, make sure you take your time and pick someone who is suited to both you and your horse. If you are looking for a horse to loan or share take your time finding the right one who is suited to your own needs.

2. Ask as much as you can beforehand. Before agreeing to seeing someone/a horse make sure you ask as much about them on the phone before meeting up. This will allow you to assess each horse or person’s suitability before meeting them. It wastes everyone’s time meeting up if they are clearly not suitable from the outset.

3. Try as many times as you need. If you are looking to share or loan a horse treat it in the same manner as though you are looking to purchase a horse. Ask to view the horse as many times as you feel necessary before committing yourself to a horse.

4. Get together. Once a loaner/sharer has been found it is a good idea for them to get together with the owner to talk the agreement over. Throw around ideas and make sure every eventuality is discussed and find out who is responsible for what.

5. Write a contract. One of the most important factors of a loan agreement is ensuring you have a written contract. This will ensure each party knows exactly who is responsible for what and what happens in certain circumstances. It can also act as piece of mind for the owner as it can include specific needs the horse may have. Make sure every eventuality is thought of and that each party receives a copy that is signed and dated.

6. Trial Period. It can be useful to have a trial period with any new loan or share agreement. This gives both parties piece of mind and can ensure that all parties are happy with the agreement.

7. Unannounced visits. In any agreement, unannounced visits may be a good idea from the owner’s point of view. It will be a way of ensuring that the other party involved is looking after the horse correctly and will give the owner piece of mind. Only do this a few times at the beginning of the agreement and periodically without. Make sure you include a right to do this in the written contract.

8. Do not become an over-controlling owner. It can be difficult for some people to see someone else look after their horse, but the worst thing you can do is become an over-controlling owner. It is unfair to the other person involved in the agreement and will no doubt bring it to an end sooner or later. Have all your horses’ needs and requirements written down in a contract and make sure the other party understands these. It may also be a good idea in a share agreement to accompany the sharer to the yard a few times to give you piece of mind if you have not agreed to a trial period.

9. Be flexible. Everyone has their days where they cannot make it to the yard and this can include loaners and sharers. Ensure everyone knows what to do when they cannot make it to the yard.

10. Know when to call it a day. It is important to realize if and when an agreement is not working out. For the benefit of all involved, end the agreement when this becomes apparent. It will be better for all involved in the long run.