Loaning a horse or pony
| Loaning a horse or pony If you are considering loaning your horse or pony for any reason but particularly during the current challenging economic times, do so with forethought.
The BHS offers some comprehensive advice on loaning or leasing a horse or pony. Please follow this LINK for more information. |  If you are looking to loan or lease a horse or pony, always make sure it is totally suitable - especially if the horse or pony is for a child. |
There is a wealth of advice on the Internet - naturally of varying qualities so be aware.
- Always draw up a written agreement properly signed and witnessed.
You don't need the expense of a solicitor. A good start point is the BHS sample loan agreement HERE
Do not be tempted, because you know the borrower or owner, to overlook this aspect of loaning. Also if you advertise for a loan home, subsequently meet a prospective borrower and ‘get a good feeling' about them, this is not evidence enough of how your equine will be cared for during a loan period so a written agreement gives you some control of access and allows you to stipulate standards of care expected. Ask the borrower for a couple of references to support your agreement if you feel the need (their farrier, vet, livery yard, riding instructor). No decent horseman/woman would object to this request if they are confident of their own standards.
- Carry out the conditions of the agreement e.g. regular visits/reviews. This helps to assert the provisions of the agreed terms. Failure to do so could lead to the specifications being overlooked. Prevention is better than cure.
- Loaning is a 2 way concept so don't expect an prospective borrower not to have requirements to.
e.g. borrower will need adequate notice should you want to release your equine from the agreement- they may have plans to take a child to a show or something, borrower will probably want tack included in the deal as purchasing new tack for a horse/pony temporarily in your care is unreasonable (and you want the tack to fit!) etc.
- Be prepared that the loan may not work out. Some equines may not adjust to their new surroundings easily and the borrower may not want to persevere if they have not purchased the animal.
- If you are looking to take a horse or pony on loan always make sure it is totally suitable for your requirements especially if the horse or pony is for a child.
This information has been kindly provided by Voices for Horses member Clare Summers
Related ArticleThe Do's and Don'ts With a New Horse
Added on: 25/11/08.
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