Should you lease a horse?

Even though many of us have dreamed of owning a horse since we were children, it isn’t always possible due to our financial situation. Since you are reading this book, you no doubt would like to own a horse. But if you don’t have the money or the time today, you do have other options.

Leasing

Many horse owners love their animals but no longer have the time to care for them. Often they will offer their horse up for full or partial lease. Leasing is basically renting a horse. For a pre-determined monthly fee you may ride the horse a set number of days a week (in a partial lease) or as often as you like in a full lease. You get to groom and tack the horse and spend time with it as if it were your own, only you don’t have any of the financial obligations and responsibilities of ownership. The only downside to leasing is that no matter how much you grow to love the horse, they are not yours, and you don’t have the final say in its care.

A young woman I know was free leasing a horse named Charlie whom she adored. They went to shows and spent hours and hours riding and training, and she got very attached. One day the owner decided she didn’t want to lease the gelding any longer, and my friend was left with a great loss.

Another rider was able to partially lease a horse she eventually bought. This arrangement can be a great way to buy a horse when you may not have enough money at first. You’ll get to know your horse and learn a lot before you take on any responsibility. In most leases the owner pays for the care (board, farrier, vet, etc.), but in some leases the owner wants you to take care of everything, so make sure it’s all spelled out in writing before you make your decision.