Things you Need to Know and do if you are Leasing Out Your Horse

Leasing out your horse can be a big decision and one that most horse owners don`t take lightly. You need to find the right person and make sure that you`re drawing a line on where the leaser gets rights and where you do.

This can be a stressful situation, but as long as you know what you have to do and what should be done ahead of time, then leasing can be a fantastic opportunity for both you and for the lessee.

Interview The Lessee

Before you ever agree to leasing out your horse to someone you should interview them and make sure that they`re a good match for both you and your horse. Whether your horse is difficult or the sweetest one out there, some riders and horses just don`t mesh so you want to try and avoid this situation.

If possible, see how they ride or how the act around the barn, these can be good indicators if you think you guys will form a good partnership or not.

Get A Detailed Contract

The most important thing when it comes to leasing is getting a very detailed contract that very clearly outlines what your rights are and what the lessee`s are. The last thing you want are disputes over who gets the horse when, what the lessee is allowed to do or have your horse be mistreated or not cared for properly.

In addition this should address the financial burden on the lessee as well for any emergency care bills or any other responsibilities the may have.

Do Sign A Contract
No matter what, you should be signing a contract. Don`t just go by an oral agreement, but one that has everything laid out in simple terms and talks about every aspect of the agreement. You both should sign and this and potentially even have a lawyer look it over to make sure everything is in order.

Don`t Sign A Contract You Haven`t Read

This goes without saying, but too many lessees don`t read the contract because they already spoke to the owner about everything and they just assume it`s all in there correctly.

Just read everything over a couple of times and make sure to ask any additional questions you may have before signing.

Lessees Are Usually Responsible For Routine Care

While this should be in the contract, you should know that typically lessees are responsible for any routine care the horse may need, such as regular vet check-ups or farriers. However, you should make sure you discuss with the lessee and the instructor what isthe routine for your horse so that everyone understands what is expected and also to make sure there are no surprises in the contract.

Sort Out Insurance Details

Before you lease your horse, you need to consult with the insurance company if your horse is insured. Make sure they know the details of the new place where your horse will be and also decide with the lessee who will be paying the premium.

Leasing your horse can be great because your horse will get even more attention and love if done right. Sorting out these details before you make the commitment will make sure that you, your lessee and your horse will be happy and remain that way.

Leasing a horse do`s and don`t`s

Leasing your horse out and leasing a horse as a lessee is a big commitment. There are a lot of things that have to be decided on and things that you need to think about before you enter an agreement like that. It can be a daunting process, but there are a few specific things you should definitely do or not do, whether you`re the leaser or the lessee to make the process go smoothly and make sure everyone knows what they`re agreeing to. Do Specify A Start And End Period
Every contract for a lease should include when it`s going to start and when it`s going to terminate, and specify whether it`s a month-to-month lease or for a set period of time. This should be written down and agreed upon, because this isn`t something you can change at a later date.

Do Specify What Riding Is Allowed
When you`re leasing out your horse you need to make sure the lessee understands what they`re allowed to do with your horse and what they`re not. If your horse is not a jumper, specify they aren`t allowed to jump. Or maybe they`re incredibly skittish and you don`t want them taken on roads or on rough trails. All of this should be specified in the contract.

Don`t Enter An Agreement Without Visiting
A lessee or leaser should never enter an agreement without first meeting with each other, talking things through, seeing how they both ride and where the horse will be staying if this person signs the lease.

Both owner and lessee should know the other person and understand either where the horse is coming from or going to prior to signing anything.

Do Try A Trial Period
Sometimes a trial period is a great idea to make sure the horse and lessee are a good fit. Typically this is one to three months and can be a great idea to just make sure everything will go smoothly and work out any potential kinks in the contract.

Leasing a horse is a big responsibility and it`s important to make sure it`s done right. With careful planning and dedication, both lessee and leaser will have a great experience.
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