Some youth and intercollegiate equine competitions, such as the upcoming Youth World Cup (details at aqha.com) depend on the use of loaned horses for contestants to ride. We’d like to know: Would you loan a horse for such a purpose?

 

1. YES. I’d be pleased and proud to have one of my horses used and showcased in such a fashion.

2. NO. As worthy as the cause may be, I wouldn’t be comfortable loaning a horse.

3. MAYBE. I’d at least be willing to hear more about a particular competition before deciding.

Let us know your opinion!

--The H&R Editors

Juli Thorson:

3. MAYBE. I’d at least be willing to hear more about a particular competition before deciding.

And I'd be more interested in hearing about the rider than the particular competition.  My horses are very personal to me, not like loaning out my truck or a bicycle.

2. I know that may sound bad, as the programs are wonderful. But heck, I barely let anyone else ride my horses, even with me right there! I am really picky about them, as I have worked so hard to get all of them to the point that they are at, and one minor setback from someone who doesn't know them can send all that progress into the garbage...of course, trainers are a different story!

Sorry, but NO!  My mare is very green and very difficult, so not only is she probably not up to the tests required for these shows (we've just started cantering under saddle) but she's a lot to handle for someone who knows her, never mind a stranger.

Im of the mindset yep, I surely would..my horses are broke to death and I ENJOY helping out kids..my horses are the ones passed around at clinics and shows for kids, who might be on horses that are kind of ornery or not well broke..my reiners have no quams with letting someone on them to "test out the buttons"..I think it showcases my training program and the type of horses we are breeding and producing.

I let a young man ride my older mare at one clinic..he had the BIGGEST, face splitting grin on his face..THAT is what I am about..:)

 When I was younger, I would have been in the "heck no" no crowd regarding this..but I honestly am different now..Even a younger horse..provided the horse wasnt some wacknut and the program was crediable..Im for that as well.

Ive seen some STELLAR horsemen/women in the programs mentioned, that I would have no quams letting a young horse go to.

DEFINITE YES!  (I can't leave it at just that)  I've donated hunters and reining horses to 3 different districts for several years.   I've hauled horses almost 1000 miles to get them to competitions for IHSA.    I've been asked to donate by some of my formers students, and colleges where I have connections.     I've supplied horses, groomed and warmed up horses, I braid all the horses that are shown and have enjoyed assisting the kids as a horse show MOM.

IHSA is a great opportunity for students to try a very challenging endeavor.   IT's one thing to catch ride at local shows, or even at A shows, but to always ride different horses at every competition, = adjust your tack, get on and go show the horse.   It is a very good test of horsemanship.   The owners or trainers provide background info on each horse supplied -  what idiocynracies the horse has, or what he needs to be correct...But the competitors don't actually get on until their class is called.  

As an owner, it's rewarding to see how my horses handle other riders, and how they compete- do they fall apart or do they do their job and provide the good riders a great ride, and the average riders a good ride...    The availability of horses is the limiting factor for a lot of competitions.   Every competition could always use MORE horses so they don't have to work as many classes.   There are very strict rules and policies to insure the horses are well handled, and the appropriate level of riders are riding the horses for that level.     Well trained, sound horses of any breed are generally accepted, but the schools try to keep the appropriate type horses for the classes they are being used for.    Typically the Thoroughbred and Appendix and TB X's are used for the hunters, allthough I've seen several exceptional Morgans and Arabians - in some areas like Idaho, the Appaloosa is used for all divisions, and in the midwest, I've seen Saddlebreds under hunter, who did very well.   The stock horses are any horse who is capable of the required manuevers for the reining and the under saddle classes.  

It's a great way to support young people, get involved with a great intercollegiate activity, and learn more about your horse!

 2.I give people advise and lessons sometimes on my mare, but i dont think i would ever loan my horse for an event like that, even if she was trained PERFECTLY. Just for the reason: What if something happened to either horse or rider? My horse broke a leg ... or THEY broke a leg; just not something i would want to risk.

Maybe

1. - I say yes, because I have been loaning a horse to a 4-H girl for over a year, and now am loaning out a second one.  I love helping out the kids who don't otherwise have the chance to ride, and it keeps my horses from just sitting idle in the pasture.  Yeah there are risks involved, but what isn't risky about having horses?  I posted about some of my experience loaning my horse on my blog - www.jonesacr.com

3. Maybe. It would really depend the what he would be used for and who would be riding him.

 

2. NO. As worthy as the cause may be, I wouldn’t be comfortable loaning a horse

i wouldnt mainly because i show my own horses but i also dont want my horse to be given to some kid who has no clue what they are doing and my horse ruined or set back because of it. i actually dont let anyone ride my barrel horse. not that shes a bad ride i just dont want her to be ruined in anyway.

Yes!  The day I saw this poll in H&R my husband and I had two horses, one reiner and one western pleasure horse, competing in the IEA National Finals Horse Show in Conyers, GA.  We've supported a local high school team and middle school team this season by loaning several of our horses for competition.  We were thrilled to be there when Forsyth Central's middle school team garnered a 2nd place finish in the Western Team National Finals.

Sorry but no. I am very picky as to is allowed to handle my horses. Only my husband, daughter and barn owner are allowed to handle them. All of my horses are green. I cannot afford to have everything I have taken the time and effort to teach my horses undone by an unexperienced handler/rider or someone who will let them get away with things that I don't allow them to do. I commend those people who do allow others to use their horses in such events as the Youth World Cup and other events but it just isn't for me.

Yes, depending on the horse and the event. I wouldnt loan out a really green youngster, but an older horse that knows its job, certainly.Our young riders need encouragement, and support, and we keep horses to be ridden, dont we ?The risks are there, no matter who the rider is, and horses are quite capable of injuring themselves in the paddock as well as when being ridden.