When you own a horse, at some point someone will ask if they can come ride it. In fact, many different people may ask you this question. But should you say yes? Consider these six factors when making your decision.
Can the Rider Ride?
Think about the person who’s asking to ride. Are they a total beginner, or an accomplished equestrian? Do you trust their riding skills? If not, consider sending them some information on how to improve as a writer, such as this article on the seven characteristics all great riders have.
Is Your Horse an Appropriate Choice?
Think about your horse’s behavior and temperament. If you will be letting a beginner ride, can your horse be trusted to take care of them? How does your horse deal with strange riders? Has anyone other than you ridden him recently?
Could Your Horse Get Hurt?
If the person asking to ride is an experienced rider, then chances are they’ll want to trot and canter your horse – it won’t be just giving someone a pony ride. Think about what would happen if your horse got hurt during the ride. Do you want to deal with the vet bills and time off associated with an injury? Is it worth the risk?
Are You Insured?
Never let anyone, even the most talented rider, on your horse unless you are carrying insurance that will cover you in the event that the rider should get hurt. You never know what will happen when working with even the most trustworthy horse, so insurance is a must to protect yourself. Be sure to also have the rider sign a release before mounting up.
What Will the Barn Owner Say
If you board your horse, be sure to check with the barn owner before agreeing to let anyone else ride. Many barn owners have strict rules about who may and may not ride on their property, even if it’s your horse that will be ridden.
Do You Want to Let Them Ride Your Horse?
This might be the simplest of all questions to answer. Do you want to let this person ride your horse? No? Then don’t. Ultimately you own the horse and it’s your decision; don’t feel bad about saying no.
Horse Courses by Elaine Heney
- Listening to the Horse - The Documentary by Elaine Heney & Grey Pony Films
- Shoulder In & Out Training for better balance, bend & topline development with your horse
- Over 110+ Polework Exercises & Challenges to Download
- Dancing at Liberty & Creating Connection with Your Horse (11 lessons) - Grey Pony Films
Many people don’t understand all that’s involved in owning a horse, and may interpret a ride as being a quick and easy activity. Don’t be afraid to say no to someone for any of the reasons listed above, or for any other reasons you have.
Glenn lankford
I enjoy y'all information that y'all put out.
cedar
just make sure you trust the horse if you are like me and have 7 horses under the age of 10 that you may want a more advanced rider i have 2 yearlings one 2 year old a 5 year old and two 9 yearolds
Erik1986
LOL. Though he's settled down a bit as he gets older, my response to anyone asking to ride my horse has always been, "I don't have enough insurance." He's well schooled, but hot and a bit spooky, despite MANY densensitization exercises and efforts to get him to be more reliable. 96% of the time he's fine, but.....I have only permitted people that are professional or that I know are better riders than I on him. Now, my previous horse could be ridden by a child, despite being a 16.2 half TB. He was the type of horse who would slow down and wait for a beginner to recover their balance, or stop completely if he felt the rider was insecure. Miss him!