This is a question we get asked a lot here at UWE Riding Club, and I can really emphasise how difficult it is. My cob is very ordinary (though obviously I think he’s the best!) and definitely isn’t a competition horse. I struggled to consider my options for him when entering university for the first year, and thought I should share my conclusions to help you out.
1. Sell him/her.
This was never a viable option for me or Domino, but it may be the best option for your horse. Consider their temperament and need to work; their age; if they’d be happier in a new environment or if they need stability; their health, age and desirability on the buyer’s market. Consider advertising ahead of September, so that you’ll have time to deal with potential time-wasters!
2. Working livery.
Again, consider your horse’s temperament. Would he or she be suited to being a riding school, and would they like the busy environment? Some riding establishments around Bristol will accept horses on working livery dependant on vacancies, but remember to check out their turnout (or lack of) and facilities, and ensure you have a contract! You will be required to pay to keep your horse on working livery. You will be able to state what level of work you wish your horse to be doing, and will have access to all their facilities (and often instructors) if you chose to put your horse on working livery.
3. Loan to a riding school.
For me, this was the best option for Domino. The riding school will usually pay for everything your horse requires and ensure he or she is happy and well, yet you will be in full control. Again, ensure you have a tight contract (I recommend checking out the BHS suggested loan agreement contract). The main positive to loaning to a riding school is the variety of work your horse gets to do: he or she may be used for beginners lessons, advanced riders cross-country lessons, jumping, hacking or RDA, dependant on their temperament and ability. However, consider if they are fit and young enough to be able to earn their keep – it is a business at the end of the day! One of UWE’s campuses, Hartpury College, will take horses on a loan basis, though you will be required to make some payments towards his or hers keep.
4. Retirement/turn away.
This would not suit every horse, but may suit some. You may have to leave him or her at home, with your parents (or similar) looking after them, but at least they are there for when you go home during holidays and weekends. The good news is that you know exactly who will be handling them each day, which means they will have consistent care; the downside is that whoever is taking care of your horse whilst you are away will have to spend time (and money if you cannot!) on their care.
5. Private loan.
This suits some more than others. Whilst there is no assurance that your horse will be fully cared for, it is worth considering particularly if you want your horse being ridden and/or competed. There is usually no cost to you as the loaner would pay for everything your horse requires. You would be able to visit as often as you like and you may get updates on your horse from the loaner; you may even become good friends with the loaner! You also have the security that the horse remains legally yours, so that you may remove the horse from the loaner if you are unhappy with the arrangement. Again, check out the BHS loan agreement contract as a contract is crucial.
6. Full livery.
This is perhaps the almost perfect option: your horse will be cared for you, handled, and ridden by experienced members of staff, all to your specifications! The main negative to this is the cost; you could be looking at £100+ a week including exercise. However, you can be assured that it is the livery yard’s responsibility to take full care of your horse, and that you may visit and ride as often as you wish.
7. Take to university!
In an ideal world, I’m sure we would all take our horses to university with us, with beautiful stables on Frenchay campus extending to glorious hacking nearby. Sadly this is not the case (despite our begging to UWESU!). You will need to think about the cost of livery (whether DIY/part/full livery) and care, transport costs to get to the livery, transporting your horse to and from Bristol, time management, and the fact that you may not be able to go home for holidays and weekends very often. Check out the FAQ page here to find out how to discover Bristol’s livery yards!
Though what could be better than having a stressful week at university, and having the option of being able to pop out to see your own horse?
It is a really difficult decision and one I spent months thinking over, but there are options for you and your horse; do not immediately think you need to sell your best friend!
Natalie
UWE Riding Club 2014-2015 