The dos and don’ts of sharing

We all enter into the commitment of horse ownership with the best of intentions. However, sometimes life changes see you desperately trying to claw back the time and hours you once couldn’t imagine pouring into anything other than your equine bestie, in order to restore some kind of order to your life.

Perhaps the lockdowns of the last year have given you time to reflect on how much of your life is swallowed up by horsey admin. Maybe you’ve experienced a drop to your income, or you think your horse may benefit from someone able to ride him in weekday daylight over the winter months. There are a number of reasons that might make a sharer for your horse an appealing option, but where to start? Read on for our look at the dos and don’ts of finding the perfect sharing situation.

Did you know?

If finances are a real concern, you can contact a charity or the National Equine Welfare Council for help and advice. Head to newc.org.uk for more information.

Making the decision

Adding another person into your horse’s life has so many rewards. Your work and costs are shared, your horse benefits from another rider to keep him fit and do fun things, and the pressure to be your horse’s everything is eased. You could even gain a friend out of it, too. Before you think about advertising…

Do…

• consider your motivation Where does the need or desire to share your horse come from? This will inform the kind of sharer you seek. Is it someone to hack your horse, school him or a bit of both? Are you struggling to meet the extracurricular and financial demands of horse ownership? Do you need a specific day or days covering? Working out exactly what you need will help you land the perfect situation
• seek advice from an experienced sharer Whether that’s on an online forum or through one of your contacts, guidance from an experienced voice will help you understand what works and what doesn’t

Don’t…

• feel bad or guilty No matter how you might feel, finding the right sharer for your horse can only be a positive thing. If your finances aren’t what they were pre-pandemic, you’re doing a responsible thing. If the time and physical commitments are taking their toll on you, you’re finding a viable way to relieve the strain. Plus, you’re giving a horseless someone an affordable route to caring for and riding a horse 

For more handy hints on sharing a horse, grab your copy of February Horse&Rider, out now!