Sharing a horse
When a hectic, full life involves juggling work, relationships, children and more, is sharing a horse the way to make it work? You share your thoughts…
SOLO
I have four children, a fiancé, one horse and two jobs. It’s hard work but it’s all worth it in the end — my children enjoy being outdoors and we make it a family affair by taking a picnic and going for walks after all the jobs are finished. Laura Laing
SHARING
I had a long break and shared a loan horse. I wanted to get back into horses without the pressure of owning one, as I had two young children. Ten years on I still have that horse but I now own her.... and a mini farm. Things do work out. Hayley Tipples
SOLO
I was struggling to ride or even see my horse or boyfriend around my full-time job. I had no life at all. So now I work nights only and absolutely love it. I get to see my horse every morning after work before bed. I don’t feel too guilty not riding much and my horse actually loves just being a field ornament on her rest days. Sam Critchley
SHARING
I’m a single mum with other animals, a full-time job and a loan horse. The saving graces for me are my two lovely sharers. One rides once a week and the other usually twice a week. They do a fantastic job keeping my horse fit in winter when I can only get out at weekends and the financial contribution is a big help too — it would be a real struggle otherwise. Good sharers = godsend! Rosie Arkell
SOLO
I am not sure how I do it with two young children, 11 horses and three part-time jobs. My horses have to work round me to a certain extent, but I ensure they have everything they need. Vicky Hone
SHARING
I had to sell my horse after my divorce and missed not only riding, but caring for my boy too. Luckily a kind friend offered to share her horse with me. It meant I could have a horse in my life again. Cat Matthews
SHARING
Sharing gives me the flexibility too to enjoy horsey time without compromising on family time. Plus, financially it eases the pressure while still allowing me the pleasure of caring for a horse. Alisa Morgan
SOLO
I’m a busy mum, and work during school hours. If I’m lucky I ride three times a week. In the past I felt guilty about everything.... if I went riding, I wasn’t spending time with the kids; if I didn’t ride, I worried about my horse’s weight. Now I’ve given myself a talking to and I no longer feel guilty. I ride early in the morning at weekends and do my best to get out in the week. Hannah Gardner SOLO I have three horses, six dogs, three cats, a parrot and three children — in addition to working 45-50 hours a week. My horses keep me sane and adjust to the amount I can do with them. Cat Gregory
SHARING
Try sharing. I did this for about four years before taking the plunge and buying the horse I shared. I rode every Saturday and paid a financial contribution towards his keep. I helped with yard chores when I could and also rode extra days by arrangement at no extra cost. It worked well for me. Jackie Williams