I have a very good possibility that I will lease a horse for the summer?

Question

Is there anything in particular I need to know? Leasing options? etc.

Thanks, and I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

When leasing a horse, make sure you get the agreement in writing.  Before you sign the agreement, make sure you understand and agree to everything that is in it.  You may want to negotiate some things.

Leases should spell EVERYTHING out.  Who is responsible for feeding, watering, vet bills, farrier bills, injuries to the horse and injuries to people, property damage, etc.?  Where will you be able to ride the horse?  Can you transport the horse to different locations for different events or to trail ride?  If you are leasing a horse and will be boarding it at the facility holding the lease, will anyone else be allowed to lease the horse?  How often will you be able to ride the horse at the facility?  Are there any penalties for ending the lease early?  If you have trouble with the horse you have leased and cannot ride him, will you be able to trade him for another horse?

Ask to see the vet log for the horse you think you want to lease.  Be sure there is nothing on there about any injuries the horse may have suffered from in the past that could be triggered again by riding him.  If the people you are leasing the horse from don't have a vet log, have the horse vet checked for soundness.  You may want to find some kind of form you and the horse's owenr can sign that says you are receiving a sound horse.

Take polaroid photos or digital photos of the horse before you lease him.  Take them from all angles and close up where there may be scarring, bite marks from other horses, or anything else that might not look quite right.  Initial the photos and have the owner do the same.  Be sure to put the date the pictures were taken on the photos.  This will cover you should you return the horse with a scar that was there from the beginning.

The main thing is to cover you butt and make sure the owner has no way to sue you.  Don't get so excited that you don't read everything or think everything through.  Take a few days to consider each horse you like.  Be sure to ride them and handle them before you lease them.

I hope this helps!