If you’ve decided to move forward with leasing a horse, you may be wondering what specific things you should be looking for in a prospective lease.
Leasing a horse is a wonderful way to enjoy the benefits of having your own horse without having the burdens that come along with full ownership, but it’s important to make sure that you find the right horse for you.
Here’s a comprehensive list of what to look for when leasing a horse:
Budget & Lease Terms
The first thing to consider is the amount of money that you will have to dedicate towards your lease fees.
This is one of the main factors that will help you narrow your search; being an equestrian can be quite expensive, and you’ll obviously want to find a horse that will help you build your skills as a rider without breaking the bank.
Consider the type of lease you will want (partial vs full) and the amount that you have to spend each month.
A partial horse lease will mean that the horse will only be available to you for riding at certain times of each month.
A full horse lease means you can ride the horse whenever you like without restriction.
If you plan on taking on a full lease, consider if you will have extra money to cover extraneous costs if needed; some full leases require the lessee to pay for certain aspects of the horse’s care, such as veterinary, farrier, deworming, boarding, bedding, or feed.
Every lease contract is different, so do your research and be sure to ask questions about what is and isn’t included in the lease fee for the horse you’re interested in.
Skill Level
One of the benefits of leasing a horse is the ability to work with a horse of a certain skill level for the duration of the lease, and when the time comes, having the ability to find another horse to lease that can help you progress in your riding.
Find a horse that fits your needs and wants and has some experience; there is always something to be learned from your horse, and you’d do well to ensure that you can “grow into” your horse as you work with them and develop your skills.
If you plan on competing with your horse, choosing a horse who is a seasoned competitor and has experience in the ring
This can have a massive impact on your growth as a rider.
Of course, you will want to make sure that you are not going for more horse than you can handle.
Being upfront with the owner about your skill level and ensuring that you do not check out horses that are too high-spirited or require a more skilled rider is extremely important.
Overall Health
Just as you would if you were purchasing a horse, you should consider having the horse examined by a veterinarian in order to ensure that they are in good health and will be able to train and work with you with no difficulties.
When you go to check the horse out for the first time, consider bringing your trainer or another trusted and skilled equestrian with you, as well.
He or she will be able to watch the horse as you complete your test ride, and they will be able to give you feedback that you otherwise would not have.
The process of choosing a horse to lease can be an easy one when the proper precautions and steps are taken.
Following the information you learned here, you should have no trouble at all finding your next partner in crime!
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