When you can't afford to buy your own horse or pony outright, or have an animal which is costing more than you thought it would, there is always the option to lease or loan it to another rider to help offset some of the costs.

But unless the agreement is properly drawn up, with responsibilities properly allocated, misunderstandings or deliberate flouting of agreed arrangements can lead to difficulties, arguments and neglect of the animal.

The Horse Trust and the British Horse Society have a useful leaflet, "Loaning or Leasing a Horse or Pony", which spells out the responsibilities of loaning or leasing and gives a general guide to the different types of lease or loan arrangements which you may consider, together with a note of who is normally considered to be responsible for certain decisions during the term of the arrangement. 

"As far as we are concerned, the welfare of the animal is paramount and no disagreement over 'who does what' should be allowed to compromise this," says Paul Jepson, chief executive and resident veterinary surgeon of The Horse Trust. "A properly drawn up agreement should ensure that the horse or pony remains at its nominated yard, is properly cared for every day of the year and is regularly exercised by a rider appropriate for its size and fitness."