Question for horse owners- anyone here lease a horse?

[KatnipCrzy]

I have just started riding lessons and I love it.  I have always loved horses- and have finally decided the time is never going to get “better” so at 35 years old I decided to pursue “the dream” of learning to ride.

I am way too much of a beginner to buy a horse at this point- and I like my teacher and her horses- so that is not an issue.  But I would love to get some more experience and then not be limited by “lessons times” to spend time with the horse, grooming, riding, etc.

But I also have a huge commitment fear with horses also- I can not think of anything worse than buying a horse and not being able to financially properly take care of it.  I despise people that do this- and I would not want my inexperience/lack of overabundance of money(LOL) or anything else like that cause a horse not to get more than just proper care- but ideal care.

I was thinking about maybe leasing (months from now) and wanted feedback from anyone.

I fell in love with a horse at the barn that is a small, sweet little mare.  She loves attention and I have groomed and pet her even though I cannot ride her.  She apparantly is the DEVIL with a saddle on her-  she has only been there for a couple of months and the first and last time the owner tried to saddle her the horse just about fell on her.  So since the owner/my teacher does not have health insurance right now she won’t work with her in case of injury.  But she is 12 year old Paint and sweet for loving and grooming and gets along with all the other horses- guess she just thinks she should be admired and pampered and does not need to “work”.

So it makes me sad to think about Emma (devil with saddle horse) because I adore her (don’t know why she has the *zing* factor for me).  But I have to think I would be crazy to possibly think about buying or offering to co-own and pay for training, etc.  I am a beginning rider and I can’t justify paying for a horse that I will not be able to ride- and I am sure there are no guarantees with training.

At least I know that I don’t know enough to buy a horse- a healthy horse that is suited for me. 

I think I might have to start hinting to my Mom how much I NEED a horse…maybe I can get her to finally give in after 35 years and just let me get a horse!!  I always begged for one as a kid- and that never worked.  Maybe she will want to buy me one now.  LOL.  

[wendyzski]

I leased for a while when i was in junior high.  I took riding lessons and helped care for her but when my hay allergies kicked in that put paid to that plan.

I personally think it’s a win-win for both leaser and owner – they get help caring for a very expensive pet and you get to play with them!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

LOL I know how you feel-I’m still asking my parents for a horse. Think I’m going to have to wait until I can afford one on my own.

I’ve leased several times and would totally recommend it (Just not leasing now as I haven’t found a horse that I like at a decent rate). You can either 1/2 or full lease (or in some cases 1/4 etc).

What you want to make sure it outlined in your lease contract is WHO pays for vet care, worming, farrier, shoes etc. Often a full lease means you, the leasee has to pay-but not always. With a half lease you generally don’t. Don’t sign on if your responsible for vet care-as you know there can be huge emergency bills that come out of the blue.

Make sure the use of tack (saddle, bridle, brushes) is included-you won’t have those as they generally should be purcahsed to fit the horse. Also make sure the facilty you lease at has an arena you can use. If they are a major show barn there may be no time to use it outside of lesson time.

There are also often horses for ‘free lease’ which means you pay nothing. They just need their horse exercised and don’t have time -those are perfect

If you find a horse to lease at the facility where your doing lessons-that’s perfect because then you can ride him/her in your lesson

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