Sometimes leasing a horse can prove a better option than owning, offering the benefits without all the responsibility or cost.
So you're interested in horses and you'd love to own one, but you can't afford to buy one outright and pay for its upkeep? Maybe you live in an apartment building with no barn and certainly no yard or trails for a horse to enjoy. Or maybe you've thought about buying a horse, but you're just not ready to take the plunge and make the full commitment. Leasing a horse may just be the perfect option for you.
Leasing can serve as a sort of "trial run" to determine if the time, finances and upkeep involved are really feasible. In addition, leasing may be a good option if you have children who want to get involved with horses or compete in shows. This way, they can get a feel for what horse ownership may be like, and you can also avoid having to buy new horses to keep up with your child's growth or changes in ability level. Also, you won't get stuck if your child's interests move on to something else.
If you're interested in leasing a horse, you should start by making inquiries at stables or ranches in your local area. Check with horse owners who may be interested in setting up a lease or may be able to send you in the right direction. If there are no local options available, internet searches offer many sources for leasing horses all over the world.
Once you've decided on a leasing, there are several types of leases to consider. For example, a "care lease" involves only the expenses involved in caring for the horse to a certain level, such as routine feeding, shoeing and veterinary maintenance. Another option is a "half lease", in which the lessee pays for half the horse's expenses in exchange for riding privileges. A "part lease" provides a pre-determined number of scheduled riding hours with the horse each month. Some leases give the lessee total responsibility for the horse for a specified length of time and require the purchase of insurance which names the lessor as the beneficiary in case of an accident. In addition, some leases are very specific about what is expected for boarding, training and showing the horse, while others are more flexible and allow the lessee to make some of the decisions.
Before signing a lease, be sure you understand what your specific responsibilities are. Discuss what your expectations are to determine if they are in conflict with the horse owner's. Some important areas of discussion include how often the horse will be ridden, how much work will be required of him, the types of shows he will perform in and the number of shows he will be expected to attend.
If you are responsible for feeding, be sure you know the proper schedule and amounts, as well as what type of food you are expected to provide. In addition, ask if any supplements are necessary and what type.
Determine expectations for boarding arrangements, such as what type of facility is required.
Discuss whether or not you are responsible for insurance. If so, what type is required and what should be covered?
The lease should also specify who is responsible for fees for veterinary care if there is an accident resulting in an injury to the horse.
Finally, be sure you discuss all fees that may be involved with the lease. These may include a regular monthly fee and additional costs for food or veterinary care.
For some people, leasing a horse may prove to be more feasible than actual ownership. Such an arrangement can provide the enjoyment of a horse without all the added responsibility or cost.
