My riding lessons are going great, however, I find myself wanting to ride several days out of the week.  I think I've caught the fever.  I do not want to buy right now for several reasons, mostly lack of knowledge and inexperience.  I was thinking about leasing, but I do not know anything about it.  What do I need to do and not do?  I'm not even sure how available a lease will be in my area.  Any advice is greatly appreciated. 

That's great!  We leased our first horse for my daughter and it was a great way to start out.  I would let your instructor know you want to lease, she would be your best source to begin with.  Many instructors will do a full or partial lease on a lesson horse.  Then you might try posting ads at the feedstores and local barns for "Lease Wanted" and see what develops.  Good luck!

Primarily, you need a horse that is commenserate with your present and near-term riding skills. Are you on a school horse now? Have you asked about leasing THAT horse? Some lesson barns may entertain that idea if they're not totally booked solid with students. Especially if you expect the horse to be available whenever you just "show up" at the barn. I'd at least discuss it with your riding instructor or BO. If you can't lease the horse you're riding, they have good knowledge of your present skills and could possibly recommend a horse they know about. Once you find a suitable and available lease prospect, then see what the terms are and come back here with the proposal. There are a LOT of experienced people here who can tell you if it's a good/fair deal. ~FH

Just read RC53's post. We were posting at the same time. What can I say? Great minds think alike! ~FH 

I loved leasing. It was my first taste at the freedom that can come along with riding after years of being told what to do when and on what horse. Anyway, I highly recommend trying to lease (at least half-lease) a school horse as other posters have mentioned, especially one you've been riding, because you already have that bond and know that you work well with that horse. If that's not an option, though, at least try to find a horse at the barn you're currently at and test ride it a couple of times to make sure there's a good fit. If neither of these options is available, you could always consider a free lease, but that would mean being responsible for board, vet bills, farrier, etc, and it's probably not a good idea if you're not confident in your skills caring for a horse yet. You also may want to consider shareboarding a horse at your barn, which just means that you split everything in half with the horse's owner - riding time, bills, etc. Good luck! Can't wait to hear about what you decide.

Be sure that everything pertaining to the lease is in writing (who is responsible for what) and signed by both parties. Also when I leased a horse, I made sure that the horse was insured for mortality and major medical- I split the cost with the owner which made the lease more expensive but the peace of mind was worth it. Good luck!

I've been half leasing various horses ever since I started jumping. It's a great way to get to ride a few times a week for much cheaper than getting a horse of you own. I would ask you train/instuctor if she offers horses for lease or half lease. Most lesson barn do offer horses for lease. If your barn doesn't offer it you could always check adds on dreamhorse.com or in local tack shops.

I think it's awesome that you want to ride more and leasing a horse is a great step to take if you're not ready to buy.  My first horse was leased and I learned so much from him.

If I were you, I would talk to your trainer and see if she knows of any horses for lease.  If she doesn't, talk with as many people at your barn as you can...there's a good chance that one of them can point you in the right direction.

Leasing is fairly simple, but you just have to be sure that you and the owner work all the money issues out: how much your monthly payment will be, who is going to pay for vet and farrier bills, feeding cost, etc.

A few more things to consider when talking with the owner: Will you be able to show the horse?  Who is responsible if the horse gets seriously ill or injured?  Are you going to be the only person using the horse or will you be sharing it?

Despite all the cautions that you will need to take, leasing is probably be the best option for you.  Just be sure to do your homework and you'll get into a great situation!

Good luck! 

Ditto what everyone else has said, especially re getting things in writing, knowing exactly what a lease will entitle you to re frequency of rides, what your responsibilities are, etc.

I started leasing right when I started riding lessons, knowing that the only way to learn/improve was to ride more often than my one lesson per week.  I leased the horse I rode in lessons, and as my skills improved, moved to a horse that could do more than the first horse.   Leasing's a great way to go if you can't afford the $ and/or responsibilities of full-time horse ownership.

Mary