HELP - someone wants to share Troy UPDATE page 4

[chescar]

Before christmas I put a share ad up on cheshire horse for Troy - just a couple of days a week to ride and do all duties.

Well...someone rang up today.
A lady, bit older than me, been having lessons for 4 years, done BHS horse ownership something or other, wants to share a couple of times a week, She has been doing walk trot dressage tests at her riding school and now feels its time to share. Said she is interested in dressage and wants lessons and a nice sensible horse to learn on and share.

OMG - I'm petrified. I need a sharer as I'm exhausted with work.

She is coming on Sunday to meet him

What do I do
What do I ask
How much do I charge
What do I agree to letting her do/not do?

Help please. This is all new to me

[piccolo]

I think if she sounds as capable as she is i would consider sharing him a few days/however you want. Riding school lessons cost around £20 for a group, so you will have to think about what chores she had to do and how much she rides for how much.
I would let her show you what she is capable of in terms of riding and care. I have no idea regarding prices but i personaly would only pay a max of £10/15 at a push a day. That would mean 2 days equivalent of 1 lesson.

So long as you are happy in her ability. She might not do everything super quick, but as long as she is fairly confident, knowledgeble and safe then i don'y see the problem.

[chescar]

Thanks. So do I just watch her tack up and muck out and stuff? I don't want someone I have to teach. This is supposed to be to give me a rest.

[XenaWarriorPrincess]

Yer i would let her tack up etc, then you get on and ride first, simple walk, trot and canter should do, then let her get on.
Good luck!
xxx

[injioho]

I'd get her to bring him in etc and watch how she handles him. Then i'm echoing the others x

[Anni~Bell]

Defiantly be with her for the first few days just to see how she handles Troy, how she copes with stable duties then how she rides Troy :) For a couple of days you could charge anywhere between £20-£40 but it all depends on how much you want.

[chescar]

Do I need a contract for a sharer a couple of days a week?

[funkyboots]

i would, just so your all clear and both know where you stand with duties/days etc and if theres something you both want to do(weekend event) your gonna have to agree or negotiate or take in turns

maybe just summit in writing you both sign

[chescar]

Or I get first dips cos he is my horse!

[gem]

When I loaned Saf out I tacked her up slowly whilst explaining her random quirks involving tacking up. I was blabbering on all the way through. I rode first then watched her ride. She told me about her riding ability etc and I told her what she could and couldn't do with her (could hack, go to shows etc, couldn't do xc, jump without boots, let other people on her). Obviously I was putting a lot more trust in her seeing as she was going out on full loan but the same kind of thing applies for sharing. I'd recommend getting an agreement drawn up so she can't just leave you high and dry for no good reason (as my previous sharer did). When I was sharing for 3 days a week I paid £20. To be honest the owner was taking me for a ride because the livery was only £15 a week and she was out 24/7 with barely any haylage and no paddock to ride in but if you have good facilities etc then £20-£25 a week would be fine.

[Catg]

Ditto everyone else really.

When she comes to see him let her do everything as you would from scratch so if there's anything she needs to know about him it will prompt you to tell her. It sounds as though you won't have to teach her anything but you will need to coach her a little bit about Troy, just any little quirks that she might need to know about.

Ride him first and tell her things she might need to know, like the canter work you've been doing etc, then when she rides him watch for a few minutes to make sure she's ok and then leave her to ride him 'alone' so she can get a feel for him and concentrate on what she's doing.

If all goes well, definitely draw up some kind of agreement so you both know the deal. Like you say you may need to jiggle days around now and then so that you can both compete on him. I share Zeb and pay half of his full livery (£40 per week) so I pay £20 per week. Luckily for me I'm the only one that rides him but I would still be happy with 3/4 days per week, that's all I have time for anyway. I also pay for his shoes every 8weeks as he was barefoot before due to not being in work, you might want to factor this in aswell. Is Troy shod? Will the extra work he'll be doing affect his feet or ware down his shoes quicker?

Probably best to suggest she only rides in the school for the first few weeks to get used to him, recommend your instructor for her lessons as she knows Troy and will be able to help this lady get used to him. Then if she would like to hack out suggest she goes out with your YO/Friend for the first few times to get used to it and learn the hacking routes. I only suggest this as she's used to riding school ponies not private horses, it will take a bit of getting used to.

Then just little things like agreeing to share the tack cleaning, if she gets his saddle cloth a boots particularly sweaty/mucky in a lesson would you expect her to wash them and drop you a text or are you going to do all of that?

Also a quick heads up on who's who at the yard and who to stay clear of!

That's all I can think of for now.

Cat x

[Twizzel]

If you're wanting this lady to do stable chores, I don't really think you can ask for much money as she is doing you a favour by lightening the work load, whilst you are doing her a favour by letting her ride. For 2 days a week, maybe £10-£15 is acceptable. I used to do 4 days a week and paid £110 a month and did all stable duties and it included contribution towards shoes. When working out the money side of things you can't really compare to a riding school- a lesson at a riding school will include horse being ready to ride and tuition... bit different to riding a privately owned horse where if you want something done, you have to do everything, not just turn up and ride.

Work out what days you want her to do, get everything in writing if there is money exchanging hands such as what needs to be done on her days, what activities she can do with horse, what tack/rugs he wears, who gets vet and numbers of vet, responsibilities of owner (make sure horse is properly shod, tack available to ride in), responsibilities of sharer (come down on their allotted days, pay on X day of each month).

When she comes first, treat it like she is viewing a horse to buy- tack the horse up for her, ride him and then let her hop on. You will soon see if she's competent enough. If all goes ok, let her come back and gradually do more things like tack up, fill haynets etc. Only leave her to do the horse on her own when she feels comfortable, could be days or weeks but you will both know when you trust eachother and the horse for both of you not to be there every time she wants to be up there.

[funkyboots]

Or I get first dips cos he is my horse!



or that ......:p

[Laura T]

As a one time sharer I will put it from the other perspective. If I was going to see a horse I would much prefer to see it caught and tacked up whilst I was there. I would then expect the owner to ride first before I rode the horse. As Twizzel said if you are both happy then a gradual introduction would be good until you are both happy that sharer is there alone.

I understand what you said about first dibs for comps as he is your horse but many sharers would expect to at least be able to go to some comps, after all they are paying you and doing some hard work as well! Remember there are LOADS of people looking for sharers at the moment.

In our area it is usual to ask around £30 per week for 3 days. I think this is reasonable when you consider that livery without hard feed is around £50 and shoes are £60 every 8 weeks.

[Loony]

Ohhh Jo I hope she turns out to be perfect!! If she mistreats Troy in any way I'll come and knock her door down :evilgrin:

Oh and I'd want the owner to tack up and ride first too. Don't forget this woman has never met Troy before, she may not feel comfortable doing all that when she's only just met him, and getting on without seeing him being ridden first.

I think letting her do the tacking up etc should be on a 2nd day.

[CDR]

When I shared I paid £20 per week for 3 days so I would say £15-£20 for 2 days. I was allowed to do basically what I wanted although if I wanted to compete or do pleasure rides (which I didn't) I just had to check that she wasn't already planning on doing it herself.

When I went for a try we groomed the horse and tacked him up together but I guess she was watching to see that I knew what I was doing! I rode in the school, she watched me walk round but then left me for 10 minutes to get used to him so I didn't feel too pressured. Then she got on her friends horse and we hacked out together and had a chat. We trotted and cantered on the hack and I was in front some of the time so she could see that I could ride.

Once we'd confirmed details etc I asked to go down on one of her days to help her muck out so I could make sure I did it the way she wanted. She also showed me where other things were that day like rugs, first aid stuff etc.

ETA During the hack I mentioned that I would like my daughter to ride him too, just walking and trotting round the school being led and she was fine about that. Didn't mention anyone else riding but when I wanted my husband to ride and Lois' friend once, I texted her first to check it was OK and she was fine about it.

ETA again lol! The £20 per week was the total I paid so nothing more towards shoes. I did have to do yard duties on those days though and when he was stabled I had to go twice a day (turnout and bring in). I didn't have to pay when I was on holiday but in return I did some of her days when she was away.

[ness]

OMG I didn't know you were looking for a sharer Jo! good luck finding the right person for your precious boy!

[chescar]

Well I asked her to text me her mobile and she hasn't so I'm gonna tell her to naff off unless she has a damn good excuse why she didn't text me last last.

Not reliable enough I'm afraid.

[Catg]

Tut how disappointing! When Zebs owner first called me back about sharing I was bouncing off the walls with excitement. Any reasonable requests made by her would have been done straight away.

[Maria1986]

That's such a shame, I am sorry it didn't work out.

Catg - I was also bouncing off the walls when Beth was offered to me, if her owner had asked me to fly to the moon and back I probably would have given it my best shot!

[amandaxx1]

I would let her look at hima nd watch you ride etc the first time she comes and I would ask her to come again for a 2nd time and let her muck out/ tack up etc.

Not sure about price though x

[amandaxx1]

Oh just read the other stuff. Never mind, im sure you'll find someone else if she isnt back in touch x

[Twizzel]

Well I asked her to text me her mobile and she hasn't so I'm gonna tell her to naff off unless she has a damn good excuse why she didn't text me last last.

Not reliable enough I'm afraid.

Not reliable enough just because she didn't text you??? Have you thought that maybe something may have happened with her phone, something may have happened last night that meant texting was put on hold? Don't just discount her because she didn't send 1 text!!!

I remember when I first started with the horses I'm with now, that the day I was due to go see them for the first time my car battery died, doesn't mean I wasn't reliable; the horses' owners know that they can pretty much call me day or night if they need a favour because things crop up at short notice. Just don't discount this woman until you've met her, she may be perfect for you and your horse and may just have a reasonable explanation as to why she didn't text.

It sounds like you're not 100% sure that you want a sharer, so are finding faults before you've even met any potential sharer.

[chescar]

I did say unless she has a good enough reason why she did not text me her number I'm not interested.

I don't want someone who is going to say they will do something - then don't do it. I would call that unreliable! Surley she could have rang me back with the number if she was unable to text.

As it happens she still hasn't given me her number so ...yes...unreliable...not interested!

He is my horse and I want someone who I can trust. Not just someone to share my horse

[smellycat]

i havent read all the replies, but i can tell u my experience of sharing. When i went to see the horse i was introduced to it and shown around the yard, where things are ect. I tacked up the horse infront of the owner, she then rode for a bit and then i got on for a ride. The 1st horse i shared was £25 per wk and i rode 5 days a week and did stable duties, the 2nd horse i shared was £10 per wk and i rode 3 days a week. I never had any sort of contract.

Hope it goes well!

[chescar]

Well, my first thoughts of unreliable were true. She never sent me her number but I went to the yard at 2pm yesterday as arranged. She turned up just before 3pm.

I told her that I was sorry to waste her time (my time really) but as I was unable to contact her I couldn't tell her I had already found a sharer!

Which I have!!!!
A girl at the yard found out that I was looking for a sharer and said her husband is really intersted. So Steve takes over on Monday's and Thursdays as those are the days I struggle to get down to yard early enough to ride and do my yard jobs.

I'm meeting him at 4pm to show him the ropes.

[Catg]

Excellent news Chescar! x

[chescar]

It really suits me as he is only just learning to ride so will have a lesson off my YO on Mondays (Troy is ace in the school with newbies) then muck out and so.

On Thursdays his wife will take him in the school to practice what he did in his lesson, muck out and stuff.

His wife has a horse on our yard and is very experienced so she will always be there when Steve is to give him a hand.

No money is changing hands - he gets to learn to ride and I get two days off. Troy gets a nice pootle round the school 2 days a week without me nagging him to work hard.

I didn't want a sharer for the money - I needed a rest a couple of days due to work, so I sort of see it as free full livery for a couple of days a week.

[angelfire]

Hi

I part loan 2 days a week the owner invited me down to the yard for a chat, introduced herself and then her horse, gave me some background about herself and the horse, questions she asked.

How long have you been riding for?

Do you know how to muck out, change haynets, pick feet groom?

Do you know how to tack up and change rugs etc?

What days could you do and how many?

Then I was invited down the following weekend was asked to wear riding clothes.

Got there and did the usual cleaning duties, haynets, water change, etc, the got to groom pick feet clean bum all that stuff.

Then she watched me tack up and then had me go in the paddock for a ride on her horse, basically to see how I could ride, and what level of riding I was at and to see how confident i was on her horse has she is a ex racer, eventer, dressage etc,, she is very forward but not strong,,

Then she said start next week and we will see how things go and maybe could do another day later on... so far so good get on with the owner and she has no complaints so far,,,,

You will have to ask as many questions as you possibly can if she is as good as she says then you will be able to know if she can look after your horse as good as you can

Good Luck

[amandaxx1]

Sounds ideal, hope it goes well x

[CityLights]

thats a really nice thing to do to let someone to have a go with a nice sensible horse just in exchange for mucking him out twice a week, i think that will be a good thing for troy and you gives both or you some more relaxing days

[Twizzel]

Sounds like you've found a fab person :) Having had experience of formal shares where money is exchanged, and arrangements where no money is exchanged just a reciprocal agreement, the latter works far better I think :)

[Lesley_78]

Do I need a contract for a sharer a couple of days a week?

Defo go for a contract I had a loaner/sharer for one of mine and it was a nightmare I said treat him as you would your own meaning look after him well lol she was inviting people down to ride him ect, you really do need ground rules about everything there is contracts you can print off on the interent.

[chescar]

I'm very happy
Steve is a lovely man and comes down and helps his wife out with her horse most nights - then just stands at the gate in the school and watches her ride.

I suppose it gives him something to do while he is there, and he gets a couple of lessons a week on a safe sensible horse - I get a couple of days off - and Troy gets a couple of days which are more relaxing than when I ride him. I don't think steve will ride both nights, he is quite happy to muck out, feed and give Troy a pamper.

I'm happy that I know his wife will make sure that Troy is done properly and will not come to any harm.

[XenaWarriorPrincess]

Sounds like a great arrangement!!

[Maria1986]

Sounds like a perfect arrangement for both of you, I am glad it has worked out for you now.

[cuddie]

Sound like a really good arrangement, it's the same as I have! A friend of mine rides Nic and does all jobs every other weekend! She also rides once or twice during the week, so that I can get both Nic and Joe out together. No money changes hands, this might seem as if she is getting to ride for free, but she does all Joe's jobs too and then if I want to go away on holiday or for the weekend I have someone to look after them who knows thier routines and I can go away with the piece of mind that everything is beign sorted!