Pepper going on trial advice please!

[kaya]

Hi everyone, I advertised Pepper (eventually) I had someone out see him tonight, they have since text me to say they would like to take him on a 2month trial which I would be okay about, but I have heard all these horrible stories about loaned horses and am wondering what precautions I should take if he goes.

[My Crazy Clan]

Great news, I like the fact more people are putting them out on trial for longer.

[black crow]

Id make them put a deposit down and sign something as a form of agreement about the trial, and what you dont want them doing while they do not 'own' him

I have always put my horses out on trial, so good on you for it!

[lilholley]

I would take a deposit, hold his passport and get a written agreement drawn up. Basically like a loan agreement, with it modified to include the sale at the end of the 2 months. List everything you send with him (in case it doesn't work out) and state that his condition. i would also take pictures of him and include them with the agreement.
Hope it works out
x

[chescar]

Some fantasic advice - don't think i can add anything else. I like the taking the photos idea

[kaya]

Never thought of the taking photo bit, great advice!! what kind of deposit should I ask for, another good bit of advice I would say a percentage but how much 5, 10 or more? I just bought a brand new saddle proffessionally fitted for him which will have to go with him but is not included in the price if he is sold. I have to pay to keep my stable incase things don't work out which is fine, he will be due to be shod while with loaners (he was shod 3wks ago and is shod every 8 weeks) should they pay next shoeing, what expenses should I be liable for while he is on loan??

[helena]

I would also go and see where he is to be kept and get ID, such as proof of address from the people he is going with. It doesn't matter how nice they seem, you never know, and it's pretty easy to get hold of a new passport.

Someone at our stables loaned a horse out short term and never saw it ever again - they gave a false surname and he had no way of tracing them.

You need to agree what they are liable for, such as if he gets injured in any way, they should pay the vets bills. This needs to be in writing, signed by both parties and witnessed by someone else.

Personally I would say that they should pay for everything while they have him, all I would expect you to do is keep up his insurance if he is insured, you also may need to tell your insurers that he is moving.

You need to list everything you send with him in the written agreement, preferably with a value next to it to make sure you get it back. You also need to state if there are any activities that he can't do, and what he should be fed on, what tack he should wear

I would actually ask them to pay at least 20% of the value, and I have heard of some people asking for payment in full before the horse is moved, and agreeing to refund if the sale is unsuccessful.

[bimba]

I think the percentage you ask depends a bit on how much the sale price will be, it needs to be enough to act as a deterence if they were to not be 100%. Make sure the saddle is stated in the first agreement as only being a loan and maybe put the additional cost in there too just to be on the safe side. I would expect them to pay for shoes, after all they will be using him! To be honest I don't think you should have to pay anything while he's on trial but I would keep up your own insurance on him just in case!

Other than that can only echo what the others have said!