How to Find a Horse to Share or Loan in the UK: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Finding a horse to share or loan is one of the most practical routes into regular horse ownership for riders across England, Scotland, and Wales. Whether you are a competent adult who has outgrown weekly lessons at your local BHS approved riding school, or a parent whose child is ready for more hands-on equestrian experience, a horse share or loan arrangement can offer the joy of a genuine partnership with a horse — without the full financial commitment of outright purchase.
This guide walks you through every stage of the process, from understanding the difference between sharing and loaning, to finding the right horse, carrying out proper checks, and protecting yourself legally before you take the reins.
Understanding the Difference Between Sharing and Loaning
Before you start your search, it is important to be clear on the distinction between these two arrangements, as they carry very different levels of responsibility and cost.
Horse Sharing
A horse share involves a rider using a horse on agreed days each week, typically in exchange for a financial contribution towards the horse’s costs, help with yard duties, or a combination of both. The horse remains under the care and ownership of its current owner, who continues to be responsible for the overall welfare, veterinary decisions, and management of the animal. Sharing suits riders who want regular access to a horse without taking on the day-to-day responsibility of full ownership.
A typical share arrangement in the UK might involve riding two or three days per week and paying somewhere between £100 and £300 per month, though this varies considerably depending on the region, the horse’s level of training, and the yard’s facilities. Costs in the Home Counties or around Edinburgh can be notably higher than in rural Wales or the North of England.
Horse Loaning
A loan arrangement is a more significant commitment. The horse is placed in your care — often at a yard of your choosing — and you take on responsibility for its day-to-day management, feeding, veterinary care, and farriery costs. Some loans are full loans, meaning the horse effectively lives with you, whilst others are part loans, where the horse remains at the owner’s yard but you contribute more substantially to its upkeep than in a simple share.
Loaning is closer to ownership in terms of responsibility and cost. You are essentially caring for someone else’s horse, which means both parties need a detailed written agreement to protect themselves and, most importantly, the horse’s welfare.
Are You Ready? Assessing Your Skills and Circumstances
Before placing a single advertisement or scrolling through listings, carry out an honest self-assessment. Owners will ask direct questions about your riding history, and misrepresenting your experience is not only dishonest — it can be genuinely dangerous for you and the horse.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- How many years have you been riding, and at what level?
- Have you competed, hacked alone, or only ridden in supervised lessons?
- Do you have experience handling horses on the ground — tacking up, grooming, loading into a trailer or horsebox?
- Are you familiar with basic equine first aid, signs of lameness, or colic symptoms?
- Do you have transport of your own, or will you need the horse to be at a local yard?
- How many days per week can you realistically commit to?
- What is your monthly budget for share costs, insurance, and any other contributions?
If you feel your practical knowledge has gaps, investing in a few additional lessons at a BHS approved riding school or even completing a BHS Stage 1 or Stage 2 qualification will significantly strengthen your position as a prospective sharer or loaner. The British Horse Society’s progressive awards scheme is well recognised across the UK equestrian community and demonstrates a genuine commitment to learning correctly.
Where to Look for a Horse to Share or Loan
Once you know what you are looking for and what you can offer, it is time to start searching. There are several reliable channels used by the UK equestrian community.
Online Equestrian Marketplaces and Websites
Preloved and Horse and Hound (hhtrade.com) are two of the most widely used platforms in the UK for horse share and loan listings. Both allow you to filter by county or region, which is essential when you are looking for something within a reasonable distance of home. Horse and Hound in particular carries a strong reputation within the UK equestrian community and tends to attract listings from more experienced owners.
Pets4Homes, whilst primarily known for pet listings, carries a reasonable volume of horse share advertisements. Facebook Marketplace and dedicated Facebook groups such as “Horse Share UK” or county-specific groups like “Horse Share Yorkshire” or “Horse Share South Wales” are increasingly active and can surface listings that never appear on formal websites.
Equine Classifieds and Horsemart are additional platforms worth bookmarking. Search specifically for “horse share” or “horse loan” rather than horses for sale, and set up email alerts where the platform allows.
Local Yards and Riding Schools
Do not underestimate the value of physically visiting yards in your area. Many horse owners post share or loan notices on the yard noticeboard and do not advertise online at all. Speaking directly to a yard manager or instructor at a BHS approved riding school is one of the most effective steps you can take. They often know which horses in their community are looking for sharers, and a personal recommendation from a qualified instructor carries significant weight with owners.
Equestrian centres across England, Scotland, and Wales frequently host a community of liveries, and these networks are often the first place a horse owner will turn when looking for a responsible sharer. Simply introducing yourself to the yard manager and explaining what you are looking for can open doors that online searching never would.
Equestrian Clubs and Societies
The Pony Club and British Riding Clubs (affiliated with the British Horse Society) both have active notice boards and member communications. If you are a member, make use of these networks. Similarly, your local Riding Club will likely have a social media group or newsletter where you can post that you are seeking a share or loan. These communities tend to be well-connected, and word of mouth remains one of the most trusted methods in the equestrian world.
Writing Your Own Advertisement
Rather than only searching existing listings, place your own advertisement. Keep it factual and specific. Include your riding experience, disciplines you enjoy (hacking, dressage, jumping, or simply hacking out), the number of days you can commit to, your location, and a brief note about your background. Avoid vague phrases and instead give concrete information — “I have been riding for eight years, currently hold a BHS Stage 2 qualification, and am experienced in hacking independently in open countryside” is far more compelling than “experienced rider looking for share.”
What to Look For in a Horse
When listings start to come through, you need to evaluate them carefully. The perfect horse on paper can be entirely unsuitable in practice.
Match the Horse to Your Actual Ability
This is the single most important factor. A talented but sharp 16.2hh sports horse may look attractive in photographs, but if you have spent the last five years having weekly lessons at a riding school, it is likely to be far beyond your current experience level. Be honest with owners about what you are comfortable with, and be equally honest with yourself.
Horses described as “in experienced hands only,” “sharp on roads,” or “needs confident riding” are red flags for a rider who has not yet built confidence outside of supervised lessons. Look for horses described as “reliable,” “good in traffic,” “hacks alone and in company,” and “suitable for a competent amateur rider.”
Consider the Breed and Type
Cobs, native breeds, and heavier types are often considered more forgiving and suitable for riders returning to regular riding or building experience. Irish Sports Horses and warmbloods tend to be more sensitive and reactive. This is not a universal rule — individual temperament matters far more than breed — but it is worth bearing in mind as you browse.
Age and Health
A horse in its mid-teens with a good track record is often an excellent choice for a sharer. Younger horses may require more experienced handling. Always ask about any known health conditions, injuries, or ongoing veterinary treatment before arranging a visit. In the UK, common conditions such as sweet itch (a skin allergy very prevalent in Scotland and wetter parts of Wales), Equine Cushing’s Disease, and arthritis are manageable but require commitment and consistent care.
Visiting the Horse: What to Check
Never agree to share or loan a horse without visiting in person and riding it yourself. A reputable owner will expect and welcome this.
Observe the Horse at Rest and in Hand
Arrive at the yard and take time to watch the horse in its stable or field before riding. Note whether it appears calm and relaxed or anxious. Watch how it responds to being caught, handled, and groomed. A horse that is difficult to catch in the field or pins its ears when being tacked up may have management issues that will make your experience more stressful than enjoyable.
Ask to See the Horse Ridden First
Request that the owner or a regular rider demonstrates the horse before you get on. This allows you to observe its way of going, any behavioural quirks, and how it responds to different requests. If an owner refuses to let you see the horse ridden before you sit on it, that is a significant cause for concern.
Ride in the Environment You Will Be Using
If you plan to hack, make sure you hack during the trial. If the horse is to be used in an arena, ride in the arena. Do not simply ride around a small yard and assume the horse will behave identically on a busy country road or an open bridle path.
Ask About the Horse’s Routine
Horses are creatures of habit, and significant changes to their routine can affect behaviour. Ask how many times per week it is currently ridden, whether it is stabled or kept at grass, what it is fed, and what farriery and veterinary care it receives. This information will also help you understand the ongoing costs involved.
The Legal and Practical Side: Protecting Yourself and the Horse
This section is arguably the most important part of the entire process, and it is frequently overlooked — particularly in informal share arrangements. Failing to sort out the paperwork properly can lead to serious disputes over veterinary bills, horse welfare decisions, or the end of the arrangement.
Moving Forward
Once you have the fundamentals in place, the possibilities open up considerably. The UK offers fantastic opportunities for anyone interested in this hobby, and with the right foundation you will be well placed to make the most of them.