Leasing a Horse: Pros and Cons

When you get your first horse, everything you suddenly need to know can feel overwhelming! But there is another option to owning a horse that can provide the benefits of the owner experience without necessarily all of the responsibility.
Watch this video to learn about the Pros and Cons of Leasing a Horse.
For a Free 7 Day Course to Improve Your Riding, click here: www.crktrainingblog.com/7days/

[@snowyowls7786]

I had a half lease on a Warmblood . Owner had mornings, I had afternoons and Sundays . The owner hardly had time and it was like he was my horse. I had no financial responsibilities other than the lease payment which was half the board. I was very lucky and I was very lucky in regards to the horse never been injured. Im sure I wouldve had to pay for that. The lease agreement was very simple and I was too excited to think things through :-)

[@poppyesdale4449]

did u have to pay for your tack in your half lease? and food? where did you keep him at their place or yours? (thinking about half leasing)

[@rosannahygren7363]

I'm leasing a horse full time right now, one and a half month in. I pay for a little bit more than half of the monthly costs and that works fine for me. I'm really enjoying the freedom of going to see her anytime I want since I'm the only one who rides and takes care of her, all responsibility is on me. It's been great to have her all by myself and we get to know each other more and more. There's just one major problem: The owner has two bigger horses and won't be able to afford keeping the one I lease for much longer and I'm growing really attached to her so now I must decide to either buy her and make her my very own horse, or enjoy the last months of caring for her before she's sold off. But at least now after leasing I know how much time and dedication it takes to actually own a horse. It's a great experience and very educational, but also tough and takes a lot of time. But I'm happy to put most of my free time into something I enjoy so much!

[@alissab5895]

Rosanna Hygren hey update? What’d you do?

[@annaryeng6616]

hiedi widei I’m curious as well!

[@rosannahygren7363]

@@alissab5895 Hi! Sorry I didn't see your comment until now. Here's an update: The horse I was leasing I decided just wasn't for me in the end. I found another horse and bought her, a much bigger draft who's a lot younger so she's more to handle and work with, and we get to know each other more every day. I love her so much.

[@canteloop9897]

@@rosannahygren7363 aw that sounds amazing

[@Kelly_Ben]

I leased 2 horses before buying my own. The first was a full lease where he was basically mine 24/7 for a whopping $75/month (20 years ago, an older horse at a trail riding barn), the second was a half lease, 3 days a week, for $250. (More athletic younger horse at a barn with an indoor. ) They were both great experiences for me. I highly recommend it for people who don't have the time, money, or ability to commit to a horse with a 30 year life span!

[@huffmansbh]

Informative. One thing I am learning as i lease for my daughter is that you dont have to take the first horse you look at there are other horses out there! Dont sign a lease unless you agree with it entirely. There is room for negotiation. If you cant get what you want, WAIT!

[@DropBearClaire]

I've leased a horse and have leased out my horses. Things I did that I think helped was - I contacted my old riding school to see if any kids where right fit. Because I knew that we had the same horse care and riding style I found a better fit. - write everything in a contract, I had I would visit once a month, and the horse couldn't be moved off property with out notify me. - write up a contract together with the leasee so you both understand and agree with terms. I grew up leasing ponies and I wanted to give the opportunity to other children.

[@exerciserider1]

Great video! My riding hack is that I dont own a horse, so instead of leasing I catch/exercise ride many different horses in my area. So, I get to ride as much as I want, but don't have to pay. The owners don't have to pay to keep their horse fit and I get my horsey time. The only drawback is that you are not always guaranteed set days/times to ride, but if you are flexible it is a nice option. And obviously you need to be experienced enough to access horses to make sure they are a trained as their owners say they are. 😆 Or take a trainer or experienced friend with you.

[@TheCripeCrew]

My daughter is currently doing a half lease at the barn where she takes lessons. She gets to ride the horse on her lesson day and then two additional days during the week. The only downside we’ve had so far is pretty trivial: the girl who has the other half of the lease is quite a bit shorter than my daughter so every time we ride we have to readjust the stirrup length.

[@shizam1400]

Callie, you are the best. Love your vids. Lease known as a horse share here in UK. Was very lucky to have one for 10 years. Now sadly died. It’s difficult to find right horse, owner, yard etc. He was the best. Have tried a couple of others. Haven’t worked out. Now thinking of giving up!

[@KristineLofgren]

I am doing a half lease on a warmblood - I pay just under half of the cost for the horse's board and care at a set monthly price. I couldn't be happier with my situation. I get two lessons a week plus a hack every couple of weeks and I really feel like I'm invested in improving and training "our" boy. It is the perfect way for me to see if horse ownership is right for me while improving my riding.

[@nicolep1504]

I might be in a very simple situation in a few weeks! It's 350 a month for 2 lessons plus a hack a week. The horse, I belive, is a warm blood and is quite tricky so I'm excited to learn 😁

[@philweissburg2194]

U are being over charged....I would renew for ⅓ of what U are paying now....if the owners days "no"...then walk....

[@kylemc8851]

How much is your monthly cost?

[@Amina-du1ho]

Where do u get the horses from I don’t get it

[@annasmelody]

This is definetely my favourite horse Channel in KZbin 👍👏i am leasing a pony atm too and have learned so much from him! I think that It is a great way to see how owning a horse Looks Like.

[@glennbrookes3927]

I started riding lessons as a "senior citizen" (i.e. geezer haha) about two years ago. Made great progress initially, until after about a year, the school horse I was riding decided he was going to buck me off every time I rode him. Switched to a different horse, and never really "clicked" with her, but continued lessons with the intention of buying my own horse. Finally found my awesome Percheron cross breed this past spring. I would love to find a person for half lease for him both so he would be ridden more often, and to defer a little of the cost. The problem is: I'm very protective of him, and only want a good rider on him. It's also hard to find good person to lease an 18 hand, even though he is a sweetheart with a wonderful good nature..

[@philweissburg2194]

18 hands? That is a long way to fall...I would never ride one that big

[@retigga07]

Idk if it’s to late for this. I am young but have handled horses of all types for over 10 years have been a trainer to a range of people, competed in nationals around the world and I’m an all around rider. The height of your horse doesn’t scare me and I am determined to treat your horse how I would like someone to treat mine. Someone who is respectable, patient, kind, yet someone who gets the job done. Right now I am on my brothers account but my name is Alex I am a female I’ve been riding since I was a couple months old currently I am 14 turning 15 in sep . I’ve broken in horses, trained and fixed horses. If you have a job I can definitely give it 110% effort to get it done all while being corporative,respectful,and trustworthy. And that’s a promise from one rider to another❤️

[@retigga07]

Glenn Brookes I can promise your horse would definitely be cared for no matter let me know if it’s not too late and I can give more details or anything else you would like or need to know about me

[@philweissburg2194]

18 hands? That a long way to fall....remember, any horse is capable of any behavior at any time....

[@CutePuppyLover-mt4sv]

this helps a lot i'm looking to lease a horse this year and it just helps so much

[@rachelmerz2122]

I have just started doing a half lease on a lesson horse at the barn that I started taking lessons at. I absolutely love it! I pay $300 per month, and one of the stipulations is that I continue taking lessons, and then I get to ride him three times per week outside of my one lesson per week. I started this past Monday, and yesterday and today, I went up there and took him out on the trail that is on the property. I’m plan on doing this for at least a year, and then I will decide if I want to purchase my own. (I’m leaning that way already because I really want the freedom to be able to take a horse on trail rides away from the barn property, and I can’t do that with the lesson horse that I lease).

[@ellie_bells4988]

I remember my uncle letting me free lease his gelding for about 2-3 months had such a fun time and really enjoyed it learned a lot about riding it was such a fun experience ☺

[@naturazpolski9213]

Only thing I regret with leasing my mare 2 years ago was I didn't do it wisely. Having a little too weak personality for her sometimes, didn't really know how to train with her from saddle so we both could improve our skills, also from the ground. Now I know better what could we both do, my personality changed and I'm not so easy to be scared by horse, so I hope next summer I can lease another horse, if my stable buy a new one to this time (and it should do it)

[@shyfillie3368]

Thx 4 another option 2 think about horsemanship

[@lisamiller2532]

Great Channel! Love your videos. Can you do a video of transitioning from Western to English riding? I am thinking of leasing a horse but the stable only does English riding

[@philweissburg2194]

Leasing is the only way to go....you can walk away from a month to month lease...I have done it....many times....2 months ago, I got tired of the Arabian Mare's issues..walked away...something you cannot do if you own...you are stuck

[@horsemilk_]

I lease a pony at our barn two days a week (Wednesday and Saturday). The first month (February) I had a full lease that we paid $450+ for, but that was the whole board, food, fleece and a few other things. He needed someone who could ride him because he was wery good at running back to the stable when we were on hacks. Now I have a half lease and he gets used in lessons and in competitions with other riders. And he has been lame because of a deep cut on his fetlock for about three weeks. Bust he's doing fine..

[@user-rq1ve7kv3k]

First like......😀😀😀😀

[@allie.z6648]

hello! I really love this video and would like your advice, I have been inrolling in riding lessons for 7 months now. and I am 10 years old. and my family and I have been considering a half lease, we have found a barn and horse perfect for me. now the problem!! I play hockey in the winter/some fall, and we don't think I will have enough time for a half lease, I love hockey and horses, i hope you can tell me some tips and tricks on how to have time? thank you!

[@simpliikeq]

I’d say the biggest con (in my opinion) is sharing it if your doing partial ownership otherwise I’d say leasing is a good option it’s just that you don’t fully own it :)

[@justicestone9819]

I have had nothing but bad experiences leasing my mare. I tried twice and will never do it again. The people who leased her the first time did not follow the contract and actually beat her and didn't feed her. I always put in my contract though if something happened to the horse, whether death or injury the person leasing had to compensate what the horse is worth. Most people I've encountered in the horse world are dishonest and crooks. I will never lease one of my horses again.

[@lilih2307]

Wow, that’s really sad and unfortunate to hear. I’m sorry that happened to you and your mare :(

[@philweissburg2194]

Clearly u did not check them out first....the first time they mishandled the horse should have been the end

[@katier1873]

Leasing is wondering! I partial leased a horse before i got my first horse then again after i outgrew him and had to sell him. In that situation it was perfect because the owner didnt have the time and he needed more miles before he was rehomed.

[@sophiaelise5432]

Hello! I am new to the channel! Loved this video and will be subing! I am a new teen, and am interested in leasing a pony being sold on bucking problems. I was offered to half lease him by me trainer(never half leased before) so I have been looking up videos and researching. I came across this one. I like the idea and really want to lease. But I just don't know if this pony is right. He is a 14.2 hh mustang/Arabian cross and is 16, gelding. He's sweet. But his bucking makes him hard to work with, she has checked everything and nothing is physically wrong with him. Once he gets past the "I don't want to do it" and "you can't make me" phase, he's amazing. His bucks are small, and if he got past it, we could work on high level stuff and learn together. Anyone have tips or advice? Thanks!

[@withmycamera945]

I want videos about how to avoid stress in center

[@philweissburg2194]

Lessons and practice...if the horse is just too hot...get different horse.

[@withmycamera945]

I learned how to make stress less thnks 💙

[@nevaehboynton2368]

I do leasing at my horse riding camp bascailly it’s a struggle really having to take care of him and having to put the bit on him 😭

[@Amina-du1ho]

Do I just like ask if there is any horse I could lease at my local barn?

[@amethystreptiles7977]

I want to half lease this beautiful pony named missy. How do I convince my parents? I’ve been riding a year and take lessons weekly.

[@breeze_the_buckskin]

Do you pay the vet bills when you full lease a horse?

[@NatashaOktav]

Does anyone have any tips on balancing a lease horse and school? I'm not in the position to lease right now, but in the future, it would be nice.

[@roshnirangan9097]

Heyyy!! I’m trying to convince my parents to lease my absolute fav school horse,Brady. A perfect way is Maybe do your work at the barn (if you’re aloud) or tell yourslef you can’t ride until you finish your hw. Depends on your contract, you can ask your trainer if you can ride another day if it’s a heavy homework load.

[@gitanashimmy4756]

A little off topic but don't know who else to ask. We live in Los Angeles, in metropolitan area. There's a couple stables nearby but not many. My 15.5 yr old daughter wants to lease a horse eventually. She has no experience with them and needs to learn to ride first. She's incredibly responsible and compassionate with animals. We rented a horse one weekend and the horses gravitated to her. She insisted on spending time petting the horses and they all reached out and hugged her. She's a natural. She's looking to start a first job and thinks being a stable hand might be good as it'll teach her how to properly care for horses and do something meaningful. I want to help her, but have no money for riding lessons. 1)Have you heard of any stable allowing a person this age with no work experience to do such a job? 2)Have you heard of them letting someone work for lessons instead of paychecks? 3)Any other advice? Thank you!

[@lexibailey7442]

This is pretty late, but I thought I'd try and give my opinion. A stable may allow someone her age without experience to help around and do something simple like mucking out stables, but it would depend on the barn. And I know a lot of barns that allow people to be "working students" which basically means you can work for them and do chores for them, and they'll allow you to take lessons.

[@bethstaiano387]

I have been wanting my own horse for quite some time now, and my instructor is very aware of this. She suggested that I half-lease one of her new horses. Skye is a mare who hasn't been ridden in 3 years. She is a bit hot, and I have only had 2 lessons on her so far. I'm not quite sure if she is the right horse for me as we are just getting to know one another. Skye is also larger than I am used to, and stands at 16 hands. However, I am a small woman. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[@cnkequestrian5789]

Maybe take a few more lessons on her to see if you can get along with her better! Otherwise, you should probably lease a different horse. Maybe you could work something out with your trainer and see if you could lease a different horse of hers :)

[@bethstaiano387]

@@cnkequestrian5789 Thank you. I actually had another lesson with Skye today. Things went much better. I would like to wait until the spring before I decide to lease her or not. She is really sweet, however. :0)

[@cnkequestrian5789]

@@bethstaiano387 I'm glad things were better for you today! It can take a few rides to get used to how the horse moves and how you connect with each other :)

[@janethawkins8657]

I'm generally in favor of leasing over buying, at least in the early years of riding when your learning curve is steepest. However, one of the worst combinations is a green rider leasing (or buying) a green horse. Especially if the horse is a little hot, it's likely to make you ride defensively, to grip, and to have trouble relaxing. Tense experiences could set you back quite a lot mentally and emotionally, not to mention money spent on the lease. The greatest thing about leasing is being able to ride a horse that suits your riding where it is today, not where it may be in a year or so. Many people who buy end up buying a horse that is too much for them because they don't want to outgrow the horse, but then they have trouble progressing. My advice is to continue your search for a horse to lease until you find one with whom you feel a sense of harmony today.

[@philweissburg2194]

Three years? Walk away from that one.

[@lealaportieous4133]

what do you pay for when leasing? my riding coach is the owner of the pony i want to lease and she owns the barn but what should i pay for? 215$ is the max i want to pay cant afford more

[@Michigan_Highlifter]

My lease rn is about 350 and 25 for trims but he’s fed “premium” and he has a nice stall inside.

[@lisamiller2532]

I am leasing a horse full time, no contract was written. I have the option of purchasing the horse, however, the horse is buddy sour, stops in the middle of trail riding and wants to turn back. Stable owner claims that the mare never gives him a problem. When tacking her bridle on her, she puts up a fight with me, but he does it and she does the same thing to him and he claims its not an issue. I'm beyond frustrated because I do want to lease her and eventually purchase her but now I feel that I have to pay for lessons and I put so much out already for tack, etc. I did ask him if he had a different horse for me to lease and he said no just her, when i know he does have other horses. Any words of advice will help. Thank you! I watch your videos all the time even though I ride western

[@roshnirangan9097]

Right when you said “no contract” I shook my head. Leasing a horse is a huge commitment, and a contract solidifies it legally. This sounds like a very shady lease. If the owner lies about this too you, I say get out of it as soon as possible. You don’t want to buy a horse with some underlying medical problem, or some other things the owner never told you. I say get the hell out of that lease and find a barn that has a contract

[@thewenershnitzels8913]

I am looking into leasing at a half lease at my barn is 800$ do you guys think thats way to much money for lease? it sonds like a lot to me!

[@cadeej8540]

Is that with lessons included?

[@thewenershnitzels8913]

@@cadeej8540 no

[@cadeej8540]

@@thewenershnitzels8913 i mean it depends what the barn does and what u get when u lease a horse. It is a little on the expensive side from my experience but its not super high as well

[@29aaronjones]

Thar sounds high. How many days do you ride in that lease?

[@Hannah_reif]

I’m gonna ask my mom to half lease a lesson horse at my mom

[@naturewatcher7596]

I would like to lease a horse, but nobody lease it to me, because I'm a beginner. And riding lessons didn't worked well for me, because I can't choose what to work on during the lesson, because 'the teacher knows better'. Did 20+ lessons so far, and didn't feel that I did much progress.

[@britneydaves3898]

Find a stable that suites your needs and wants and keep on going, I had a similiar issue but now I found the stable that suits me best and is looking for a horse to lease

[@philweissburg2194]

Riding english is best for perfectionist personalities...people take lessons indefinately...

[@philweissburg2194]

I assume you are trying to learn English...its style that is for profectionist people.

[@roshnirangan9097]

You’re a beginner, you should keep taking lessons. don’t worry about leasing right now. If you really want to, try to ask ur trainer to help you

[@roshnirangan9097]

Phil Weissburg nothing wrong with English. I don’t like western that much but I don’t hold a grudge against it

[@Anne-ni2bf]

Leasing a horse could ruin your horse’s personality and training if it is not a good fit. Sometimes leasers can be irresponsible and cancel often making your schedule more difficult to see your own horse too. To me the cons outweighs the pros. Rather pay for prorides😂