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Post by tentative on Jul 7, 2007 16:54:18 GMT
I am tentatively considering loaning my 4yo D stallion out next year for someone to compete him in some ridden classes.
I appreciate this is a bit of a minefield and have received various warnings and heard horror stories SO I'd like some advice really.
Firstly, what is the likelihood that someone would want to take him on? It's not a necessity that he goes, more an idea, as I only have one pair of hands and with transport up the creek the broodmare is going to be the only one shown next year. He is backed and is fairly balanced in walk & trot although canter needs work. Has hacked alone and in company and has been out on the road too. Has been turned away for about 6 weeks as I have mares in for covering. This pony is well put together with plenty of bone and is a good mover.
Secondly, if someone is interested in him, what kind of checks can I do to ensure that they aren't cowboys? References can easily be forged.
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Post by past experience on Jul 7, 2007 19:36:26 GMT
from past expeience i would most strongly advise you not to loan him out. try to find a rider if you can then you know exactly what is happening to him. i will never do it again.
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Post by Dont on Jul 7, 2007 20:07:09 GMT
Dont loan out unless it is a last resort.
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Post by hp on Jul 7, 2007 20:24:53 GMT
I am sorry but i have a beautiful d mare on loan who is loved and treated as if i had paid a fortune for her. She is a much loved part of our family and i would be devastated if she went back to her owner. Please dont assume all us loanees are the same. I love this mare. She has just had a made to measure saddle and has nnot been rushed in her work. I firmly believe she has a great future which I am not prepared to spoil for a ribbon. We CAN be trustworthy.
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Post by tigger on Jul 8, 2007 20:09:54 GMT
Like HP I also loan ponies, currently a section C and a section D, both of which are lovely animals that otherwise I couldnt of afforded to buy. The are both looked after to a high standard and want for nothing. With both the owners I have a written contract, both are insured and they are welcome to come and inspect them at any time! So yes there are some very good loanees out there. Yes there are some bad ones but there are also bad 'loaners' so it is a two way thing! Loaning doesnt have to be a bad thing but definitely check everthing out thoroughly first, do contracts etc, visit the place where he would be going, also insist on a trial period and go on your gut feeling - if it doesnt feel right, dont do it. There are plenty of people/show riders who would willingly loan a quality stallion to show.
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Post by ickelford on Jul 9, 2007 11:57:23 GMT
I echo everyone else here...I have had both good and bad experiences with loaning, and have heard horror stories about ponies and loanees just disappearing off the face of the planet.
However it would be unfair to tarnish everyone with the same brush, I was very dubious about loaning (after a bad experience) an old dartmoor gelding we had who still had some years left in him , but we then found him the most perfect local home where he lived out his days extremely loved, cared for and wanted.
My advice would be to ALWAYS have a legal written contract between the both of you, fully vet possible homes and look at the condition of other horses around the home if there are any. Get several references anyway - make sure you talk to these properly, not just by letter, and that the stories between them are consistent, have a trial period and warn them that you will take random 'spot checks', without warning, whenever you feel like it. Afterall, it is still your horse. You need to make sure you had agreed about who is to pay what for farrier/vet/living etc etc costs before the loaning starts.
I believe that if done properly, loaning is very successful. I suspect the 'bad cases' are in the minority but unfortunately they are the ones you hear about. Good luck whatever you decide to do x
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