There are numerous options and you need to consider which method will suit you best before you write and place an advert.
Word of Mouth
Mention to people on your yard or friends who also ride that you are looking for someone to share your horse. They may know someone suitable and as they are likely to have a good knowledge of your horse they are more likely to only suggest a person of the correct ability and experience.
Notice Boards and Shop Windows
Appropriate shop windows e.g. equestrian supply stores or feed merchants are a good way to advertise. Simply write a brief note or card (see 'what to put in an advert' below). Riding School notice boards are a further option, but ensure that you clearly state required experience. If the horse is sensitive tell the proprietor or chief instructor that he will not suit a novice - if they are asked about the advert they may be able to put off unsuitable candidates or highlight the opportunity to riders that they feel would suit.
Free Papers and General Internet
There are many opportunities to advertise in free press and online, often free of charge. General online classified frequently have horse sections, so look out for the correct place to place your advert, often in the 'pets' section, although horses and their equipment are sometimes categorised under 'sports'.
Dedicated magazines and Internet Sites
Sharers can be advertised in national magazines like 'Your Horse’ and some still offer their readers free advertising. If you go for this option make sure it is clear where you are situated - remember these are national magazines! Increasingly internet horse related forums have classified sections attached and there are also many internet classified sites dedicated to horses. You may need to advertise in the horses for loan section, although specific horses for share categories are becoming more common.
What to Put in an Advert
The last thing you want is to be fielding multiple calls from people who just aren't suitable for what you are offering- it wastes your time and theirs. Reduce this by being as clear as possible in your advert. If you only state 'Horse to share 3 days a week', you don't give people much chance to decide if it’s for them! Whatever you are looking for state it clearly; e.g. start with 'Help wanted to exercise horse, £10 weekly contribution to costs required'.
If you have an exact payment in mind be upfront about it to prevent people who may not be able to pay it from calling. If you require a contribution but are willing to agree the amount with a suitable person, say 'negotiable cash contribution required.' If you are offering specified days always say so to prevent people ringing up whose schedule means they simply cannot take these. Say if you want someone to work with your horse on a Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. If you are more flexible just give the amount of time available e.g. 2 evenings and one weekend day offered.
Always describe your horse. The critical information will be his height and his ability. Mention what he's good at, e.g. loves jumping, and try to mention what he's not good at, e.g. occasionally spooky when hacked out alone. If he is not a novice ride say this, but always say why e.g. very strong, unsuitable for novice rider, as 'not novice ride' appears in adverts all the time and really can mean anything!
Describe your ideal sharer. State level of experience required and what they will be required to do. So if it's just riding and a contribution include 'no stable chores required'. If they must work with the horse too state required duties e.g. must be confident catching, grooming, lungeing. Clearly state 'Sorry, no Beginners' or 'Beginners Welcome', whichever approach you are taking. It is also fair if you wish, to set and state a weight limit for the ideal rider. Remember though that a more experienced rider will ride more lightly than a novice, even if they are actually heavier. There are many online websites and books that will help you assess what weight your horse can carry comfortably. If you are looking for an adult rider say this, or you will definitely get a lot of calls from youngsters. If you require the person to have his own transport because of the location of the stables where you keep your horse, this is another thing to mention as early as possible.
Once the advert is placed you should soon start receiving calls.
Managing Phone Calls
No matter how clearly you explain things in your advert, you will get unsuitable people calling. Many will be desperate horse lovers trying to find a way to get closer to the animals they love, so try to be gentle when you explain that they do not fit the requirements, although it may be hard if you find yourself dealing with lots! At the same time, don't allow yourself to be convinced by desperate appeals, remember why you decided to get a sharer, and stick to what you are looking for. The right person will come along in the end.
At a basic level always run through your ad with the caller as people may still have skimmed over crucial facts, confirming that they are okay for the days and tasks listed, of the correct experience and age or weight, whatever you listed as important. Talk about your horse, describe what he is like, and gauge the reactions of the caller, are they still happy whatever you say about him, do they relate similar behaviour from other horses they have dealt with - these are encouraging signs. Are they enthusiastic - ask them about what they have done so far and talk about the horses they have ridden previously.
If all is well get a name and contact number to arrange a meeting, or arrange immediately if you can. A meeting between you, the sharer and your horse is essential to be able to gauge whether the individual is really suitable.
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