How to Feed Lease a Horse
If you're an experienced rider ready to buy a horse but short on cash, there is a way to practice owning a horse before laying out the money to buy one. You can feed lease the horse. Terms of a feed lease vary depending on the deal you work out with the horse's owner. But a feed lease typically involves bringing the horse to your house and taking on all its expenses. You'll get to know a horse in your home environment.
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Instructions
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Research and find the horse of your dreams. You can check a variety of websites (Dreamhorse, Equine Now, Horsetrader), and look for horses for sale or lease. Also check your neighborhood feed store bulletin board. Contact the owners of these horses to see if they are open to doing a feed lease.
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Test ride your potential horse. If you, the owner and the horse feel comfortable with one another, the owner may want to visit your barn to see where his horse will be staying.
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Negotiate the terms of your lease. Some owners like a six-month lease and then go month to month. Other owners, eager to sell, prefer a one-month lease with an option to buy after that. Some owners will work out payment plans after the initial lease period if you decide to buy the horse. You and the owner should agree upon and sign a formal lease, and a waiver of liability to protect both of you and the horse, in case of accident. Keep a copy of both lease and liability waiver.
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Accept any tack or equipment that may come along with the horse--saddle, bridle, halter, brushes and blanket, for example. Sticking with familiar equipment makes the transition easier. Learn the details of the horse's history, upkeep, personality and diet, too. And keep the horse on the same feed/vet/farrier schedule.
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Establish an ongoing, friendly relationship with the owner. This is the person who knows your horse the best, and will be most helpful as you develop this new equine relationship.
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