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When the decision to become a horse
keeper was made, careful consideration
should
have been given to the finances needed to
provide a suitable standard of care, and to
where and how the horse would be kept.
Factors such as the care regime the keeper
is
planning to adopt, will influence the choice
of horse.
A hardy native breed may be perfectly
happy living in and working from a field
throughout
the year, but may require more intensive
management during the spring and summer to
ensure that the horse does not become too
fat. On the other hand, a fine-coated,
sensitive
horse (less suited to coping with inclement
weather conditions) normally requires a
higher
degree of care and supervision during the
autumn and winter. This is to ensure
exercise
and welfare needs are met, and to prevent
the horse from losing weight or becoming
unmanageable as a result of being stabled
for long periods.
Borrowing or Buying
Having a horse “on loan” from its owner
(also known as “borrowing”) is a popular
form of
horse keeping and an attractive alternative
to the substantial financial outlay
associated
with buying a horse. However, the costs and
responsibilities of keeping a horse are the
same whether it is borrowed or bought.
In addition to many private owners,
several equine charities (including The Blue
Cross)
place horses ‘on loan’ to approved homes.
There are many advantages to borrowing from
a charity, not least the quality of training
a horse will have received and the
subsequent
advice and support available to the new
keeper.
Written Agreements
Buying or borrowing a horse can present
many potential problems for the unwary
prospective keeper. Remember, when things go
wrong, considerable costs may be
incurred. Whether buying or borrowing, it is
essential to put the agreement in writing
and
to ensure that all paperwork (compulsory
equine passport, vaccination records and
breed
certificates, as appropriate) accompanies
the horse when the transfer is made.
Equine charities normally have clear and
concise loan agreements. If planning a
private
loan with a horse owner, it is essential to
ensure that a similar loan agreement is
provided,
which stipulates the terms of the agreement
and the responsibilities of both parties.
Clear arrangements should be made
regarding how and when the horse will be
moved to
its new home. Also, plans for its arrival at
the new yard and who will be responsible for
the horse throughout the transfer (to
minimize stress to all involved, especially
the horse)
must be specified. |
