Making The Next Move

Whether you’ve been lessoning, part-boarding, leasing or owning, let’s dive into what is the right next move for you in your equine journey.

My equine journey started as one lesson a week that only left me craving more and more after every ride. I’ve experienced all of the forms of ownership in the equine world, except for full ownership and purchasing a horse of my own for an indefinite amount of time. Today I’m going to take you through my experience with taking lessons, part boarding, leasing (paid and free)- shall we dive in?

lessons

As stated, I took lessons for once a week for about 7 years. Being in a lesson program is the best way to start horseback riding for so many reasons. The most important reason is that you’re able to ride multiple horses at different levels and needs. This point is what really shapes you as a rider because it is where you learn the fundamentals and build your foundation.

Your responsibility begins when you get bring them in from the paddock and then turn them back out, which means it is very limited. This can be seen as both a pro and a con, depending on your situation. When you’re taking lessons, you are not responsible financial commitments such as vet, farrier, tack, saddle pads, brushes etc.

Part Boarding

Part boarding is similar to lessoning, all your fees are typically included in the cost. There are many added perks about part-boarding, the main one being more saddle time. Some riding academies offer part-boarding on school horses, this means you ride one horse during your lessons and usually have at least one free/training ride! It is a wonderful way to experience what it is like having a horse, without the financial responsibility and gives the rider the unique opportunity to develop a special bond.

No part boarding situation is ever the same, owners/academies usually provide different tiers which is based on the number of rides you want. Although with this being said, because this isnt your horse, there comes some restrictions. Whether it is you wanting to school off property, change bits or tack, show etc. you generally will have to ask permission before committing to anything.

paid/free leasing

A general lease is when you are given the horse for a set amount of time (typically a year or if on a show lease around six months), similar to part boarding every situation differs and it is an agreement between Leasee and Leasor. Usually, this means you acquire all costs and responsibility related to the horse including tack, blankets, etc. Leasing a horse gives you the experience of owning your own horse without the long term commitment. Below I will describe my experiences and the broad contract I signed for a paid lease and a free lease.

I had paid leased Alcatraz, meaning that I had a fee for leasing him for one year. With this being said the agreement entailed that the owner of Taz kept the financial responsibility of the vet fees. This lease also included Alcatraz’s tack, some blankets and grooming products, which really helped me!

As of October 2018, I free lease Lexington. Meaning that, I do not pay the owner anything, but I take on all costs and responsibility associated with him.

ownership

I am very eager to enter into this stage and have a forever horse. Whether this horse is Lexington or not, I need to be financial stable before I can start a family of my own! As we all know these beautiful four legged friends chew their way through our bank accounts, and I need to ensure that there is enough for them to chew.