Leasing a horse can be a great opportunity to get a sense of what horse ownership is like without the long-term financial commitment. In order for a lease to be successful, though, you will want to make sure you follow these seven tips.
1. Be Honest About Your Experience
In order for your lease to be a success, you need to be matched to a horse who is right for you. The first step in finding a good match is to be very honest about your riding experience. It may be tempting to say that you’re capable of handling a high-spirited horse, but this can place you in a dangerous situation if you’re not actually experienced enough to deal with that type of horse. Be honest about your abilities.
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2. Decide What Type of Lease Is Right For You
There are many different types of leases. Some allow you part-time access to the horse a few days a week, while others give you full responsibility for the horse’s care and riding. You need to decide what type of lease is right for you, and also consider whether you want to lease a horse that you can bring to your own farm, or if you are happy to ride a horse at his own farm.
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3. Think About What Characteristics You Need In a Horse
Think about what types of characteristics you need in a lease horse, such as size, temperament, discipline, abilities, and training experience.
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4. Bring Your Trainer Along
Your trainer can help you assess whether or not a particular horse may be a good match for you. Make a point of bringing your trainer along with you when you go to test ride a potential lease horse.
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5. Ask Plenty of Questions
When you’re looking at a potential horse to lease, take the time to ask as many questions as you need so that you fully understand the situation. Some leased horses come with tack, but you may have to supply your own tack for other leases. Some leases require that you pay for farrier care, while that may be covered in other cases. The more detailed questions you ask, the better you’ll understand the lease.
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6. Always Sign a Contract
Never agree to lease a horse without a signed contract. A contract spells out the details of a lease and protects both you and the horse’s owner.
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7. Read the Contract Thoroughly
Before you sign a lease contract, make sure that you take the time to read it thoroughly. You should be able to understand all of the aspects of the contract, and should be comfortable with all of the rules before you agree to sign the contract and begin the lease.
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