Missing on loan

A cautionary tale for anyone thinking about loaning out their much loved horse or pony.  Each year many people loan out their horses and ponies because of changes in personal circumstances and finances.

People loan out their horses, rather than making money from their sale, because they want to retain the right of ownership and, in most instances, they are loaned on the understanding that the horse/pony will be returned to their rightful owner at some stage in the future.

The foal above (photo of her qualifying for Royal International Show) was loaned out as a yearling and only discovered last year that she had been put to sleep years before. 

Having tried to  locate the whereabouts of the horse much research was carried out and, sadly, discovered I wasn't alone with the predicament of horses missing on loan.  I discovered that:

1.  people loaning out companions discover they may have been sold into the food chain

2.  other horses suitable for companionship due to ongoing complaints had been sold by dealers or at auctions

3.  your loan agreement may not be worth the paper it's written on

4.  horses loaned out to friends in 'goodwill' may disappear

5. horses may be returned injured or you may find they have been PTS 

If you are thinking about loaning out a horse or pony please take the time to be forewarned about the potential pitfalls to prevent any of the outcomes above.  I am sure there are many people who loan horses/ponies with much success and they are returned to the rightful owner without any hitches and smiles all around.  If you are one of these well done!  Indeed, I have the bay mare above on permanent loan with a lovely kind lady in Prestbury...she is a star.

This information is not intended as legal advice - always consult independent professional legal advisers on matters.

Please see this website before considering loaning http://missinghorsesonloan.webs.com.  Contact information is included on the banner at the top of this page.