WWYD: Lease? Buy? Experiences Owning & Boarding Multiple Horses

[eh-equestrian]

Looking for some opinions on owning and boarding multiple horses, or really just some thoughts on my potential options.

Background - my sweet gelding needs to step it down a few notches. He is my horse of a lifetime, and will be living out his days with me. He is only 15, but long story short, he’s had a few issues crop up for the last couple of years, and some of his degenerative changes are just adding up to the point where I feel it is best his workload is reduced. It’s in his best interests and I want him to be comfy and enjoy his semi-retirement. I don’t want to inject everything just to try and achieve temporary soundness to reach my goals. He deserves way better than that, and ultimately, I don’t want to throw money into injections just to keep him at a higher workload, especially if he is comfy without them at a reduced workload. He’s been happy as a clam and enjoying some full vacation time presently. The vet is confident he’ll be suitable for flatwork and possibly even baby fences, which will make him very happy.

I don’t have land or a place of my own to keep horses, so I board. I’m incredibly lucky to board at a relatively close facility with top-notch care, great people, and amazing amenities. I’ve started to pick up some chore shifts there as well to help with costs.

Now, as I said, my boy is not leaving my care. He will be with me until the end. That said, I have competition dreams/goals. I’d love to get back into the ring (this will be 3 seasons out due to rehabbing injuries both with horse and myself). I miss competing. I don’t compete at big shows or anything, but I like to dabble in a variety, and I’d like to get back to competing at the 1m level, and eventually move up to the 1.10m, maybe 1.20m…who knows. My gelding was a superstar all rounder. I could compete at 1m+ with success, and turn around and hack for hours, and he was brave - we dabbled in hunt type events (hunter paces, cross country fences etc.).

I think I will be in a position in the fall to either do a free-lease situation, or possibly even buy a young, reasonably priced project/prospect (think OTTB budget).

For those that own multiple horses and board them - how do you manage? Do you lease one out (¼ lease, ½ lease etc.)? Work off part of the costs? Compete less? Lesson less? Pros to owning multiple? My game plan for a purchase would be to bring them along - NOT to buy something at the level I’d like to get to eventually. Up in the air if it would be project or long-term partner…depends on what I find

Would I be smarter to try and find a nice free-lease to bring to my barn? I’ve never done a free lease. What is a typical off-property free lease arrangement that you have seen? How do injuries/illnesses of the horse (major, not minor) usually get handled in a lease situation? My thinking would be I might be able to find something already at the level I’d like to be at, and I could just enjoy the ride for awhile and chase some personal goals. I have no idea if I’ll be able to find a free lease situation that fits that criteria or not.

I’ve been catch riding a few friend’s horses while my guy has a bit of vacation, and he’ll be starting walking hacks soon, but I am already missing the feeling of working towards some “bigger” goals.

What would you do? Lease? Buy? Some option I’m not considering? Would just love to get some opinions or experience of people that have free leased, or own multiple, or have been in similar situations.

I want to make a smart decision financially, that will still allow me to pursue some goals…or at least get back in that show ring! Cheers to everyone that got through all that!

[clanter]

let me forewarn you a horse can live for a very, very long time

your’s is 15…he could easily be around in 2035 which means you could be spending $100,000 to care for him to the end or more … we have one “rescued” pony who had just a few years left…that was seventeen years ago…he is now over 40 and still strong pony brained I will do it my way or not at all -catch me if you can.

So if I were in your position I would lease the next dude

[Redlei44]

You might look into retirement farms for your older guy, to have that comparison (cost and care) in your back pocket. If he is sound enough to half-lease to a low-level rider in your barn, then perhaps it’s a wash on costs. A lot of folks can only afford to get a second horse if they can find a nice retirement facility, prioritizing good retirement care while not having to pay for show/riding facilities (esp. if the retiree can live out).

in my experience, in H/J land at least, free leases are generally free for a reason - very green so you’ll put the training on it just in time to send it back to owner, stepping down, health limitations, etc - otherwise they would be sold or leased for real. If your budget requires it or you otherwise are game for it, then sure, it can be great. But you likely won’t be meeting the show goals you mention going down that path.

[Lucassb]

When my older guy started slowing down, but still wanted and enjoyed having a job, I free-leased him to an older adult in the barn where I boarded. I saw him on a daily basis and could easily keep an eye on him so it worked well. I also continued to direct all his medical and farrier care because I wanted it to be done properly and wanted control of those services. At that point I did have another young horse that I was bringing along with the help of my trainer and it was very nice to have someone else pay the older horse’s board bill while I was paying for full training on the young one.

A few years later, I bought my own farm and moved my younger horse home, along with another young horse that I had purchased. I no longer saw my older horse on a daily basis but he was right around the corner, so I could visit him without difficulty. Nevertheless, he did not do quite as well and the lady who was leasing him started to have some personal health issues (not riding related) which I think impacted her riding schedule. So he was not getting the same amount of daily attention and regular work as he had previously. When I went out to see him, he had lost quite a bit of condition and just didn’t look as good as he had previously. I made the decision at that point to end the lease and bring him home. He now lives the life of luxury he deserves, fully retired but enjoying his status as the senior pony here and pretty much running the place.

[Lucassb]

I will add that you are wise to consider the situation from a practical financial point of view in addition to an emotional one. SO much of the decision about a second horse does come down to finances. If you can easily afford to keep both horses at your current barn (or another one that suits you) it is certainly easier to have both horses at one place IME. If that is not easy to do financially then certainly it may make sense to do a lease or half lease, consider a retirement facility, etc.

[eh-equestrian]

@clanter

let me forewarn you a horse can live for a very, very long time

your’s is 15…he could easily be around in 2035 which means you could be spending $100,000 to care for him to the end or more … we have one “rescued” pony who had just a few years left…that was seventeen years ago…he is now over 40 and still strong pony brained I will do it my way or not at all -catch me if you can.

So if I were in your position I would lease the next dude

Very aware of the life span That doesn’t change my commitment to him in anyway. This boy had some rough middle years before finding his way to me. If he lives 'til 40 and is happy, I’ll be grateful for all the extra time with him. But I see your point in supporting 2 for the long term.

@Redlei44 I’ve definitely looked into a few retirement possibilities, but in all honestly, board where I am is very reasonable and I can work off some of that cost as well. I definitely have some cheaper options in my back pocket, but it’s ideal for me to have him in the same place I’d have #2 from a time perspective. I’m lucky that my current lives out 24/7 and is much happier that way. I do think he will be quite capable of being half-leased to someone for flat, so that is an option as well. Appreciate the insight on the free-leases. I’ve got limited experience with them, as I went from half leasing to owning back in the day. I’m not opposed to putting miles on a horse in a free lease either - they don’t necessarily have to be at 1m+ right off the bat, but I would like the potential to get there.

@Lucassb Thanks so much for your experience! I’m not sure I’m ready to consider a free lease of my current…maybe if the perfect situation presented itself and he stayed at current facility. I’m a bit overprotective haha! I’d also like to keep riding him a bit myself and take him to the occasional hunt event as he honestly light up for that stuff.

Thanks to all for the insights so far. Lots for me to think on.

[IdahoRider]

OP, my experience as a owner of two horses that I board has been varied. My gelding was mostly retired about five years ago. He was eventually diagnosed with Cushing’s and medicated accordingly. I had purchased a second horse when he was retired, but ti was not a good fit and I ended up selling her a year later.

I moved my gelding to a barn closer to home in October of 2016. This new barn was trying to get established, and the BO offered a pretty sweet deal for me. My gelding was doing well on the medication and the BO asked if she could use him for walk-trot beginner lessons. I was busy adjusting to a new school and district (I am a teacher) and I figured why not, it would keep him busy. Turns out he loved it. He had found his special purpose in life. And I got a little deducted from my board bill. He wasn’t used much, just once or twice a week and only for small kids.

I got on him a few times and tootled around the arena. Although he held up to little kids well, he was not going to hold up to me riding him three or four times a week, doing what I loved (dressage). He had a laminitis episode in September of 2017, related to the Cushing’s, and I was worried that I might have to have him put down. But he rebounded and was back to life as he knew it within a month or so.

In 2017 my BFF and I went to World Cup and I was hit with a strong desire to have saddle time. owning that second horse had been a pretty negative experience, so I was not clear on where I wanted to go with it. But I knew that I still wanted to ride. I was still wrestling with this six months later when a new dressage trainer came to town. I was so impressed with him and his work. I decided to take lessons at his barn (using a lesson horse), hoping to get back into shape enough to eventually take lessons with him.

And then I stumbled across the perfect horse for me. She was a little older than I wanted, but I had ridden several of her half-siblings over the years and I knew they had great minds. I LOVED riding this mare. I had had a spinal cord injury in 1995 and had physical “issues” because of it. It takes a lot for a horse to feel physically comfortable to me, and it takes an exceptional mind for me to feel safe. This mare was fabulous. My BFF offered to lend me half the mare’s purchase price and I bought her.

I moved her to the barn where the trainer I liked so much was. She was underweight and needed to be brought back into work. The trainer was too tall to work with her (she is only 15.2, a midget in warmblood land). I worked with another trainer and got stuck right away. I think she was worried about my disability, because she would lead me around like I was on a pony ride. I was frustrated. I had plans to get classified for para-dressage, but my confidence was taking a hit daily.

Then I spent a whole summer out of state, taking care of my uncle who had had a heart attack and a pacemaker installed. By the time I got back the barn I was at decided that they didn’t want paddock boarders anymore. The trainer I had liked so much and wanted to work with had left the barn and the area. So I moved my mare to the same barn I boarded my gelding at.

I won’t lie. It has been very difficult. I never had enough time. The barn I have both horses at does not have an indoor and winters here in Idaho can be rough. I was always broke (even though I got a decent break on board, I was still paying $850 a month for both horses…on a public school teacher’s salary). I had to cancel lessons due to lack of money. And when I had the money I had to cancel due to lack of time. And I fell farther and farther into debt. My gelding’s medicine is insanely expensive. Both horses are shod in front. I almost had a nervous breakdown when it came time for routine vet care this spring. But this mare is something special. I finally sent my paperwork in to get classified. This was going to happen.

And then my husband told me he had credit card debt and I needed to pay more of the household bills. I was already stretched financially. I just couldn’t cover the horses and step up for the household. Thankfully my BO matched my mare up with a 13 year old student of hers for a full lease. It breaks my heart to not have her to ride right now. I mean, it is summer! I have the time! But at least I still own her and I hope to at least move to a half-lease by August. I don’t want to break this 13 year olds heart…but I ain’t getting any younger. I have plans to take a lesson every few months with a really great instructor once I get back at least some of my mare’s time.

The moral of my story is that it is insanely expensive to board two horses. My gelding needs special care and I refuse to send him to a retirement facility hundreds of miles away even if one could accommodate his needs. So full care it is. Go into it having a Plan A, B, C…and so on. You might need it.

But…I get to do right by an old horse who has kept me safe and engaged for 17 years and I still get the chance to do something with a super great mare. So I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. YOLO, man! You only live once! Find a good lease and see how it works for you to have two horses. Or find a great horse to purchase (perhaps a diamond in the rough like my mare was) and have a split lease with someone to fall back on if needed.

Good luck!
Sheilah

[ElementFarm]

@Redlei44

You might look into retirement farms for your older guy, to have that comparison (cost and care) in your back pocket. If he is sound enough to half-lease to a low-level rider in your barn, then perhaps it’s a wash on costs. A lot of folks can only afford to get a second horse if they can find a nice retirement facility, prioritizing good retirement care while not having to pay for show/riding facilities (esp. if the retiree can live out).

in my experience, in H/J land at least, free leases are generally free for a reason - very green so you’ll put the training on it just in time to send it back to owner, stepping down, health limitations, etc - otherwise they would be sold or leased for real. If your budget requires it or you otherwise are game for it, then sure, it can be great. But you likely won’t be meeting the show goals you mention going down that path.

I agree with both of these points. An Ammie-safe 3’ horse is going to be a paid lease unless you’re very, very lucky. I actually have my imported WB 1.10/3’ horse free leased out, but it’s a pretty unique situation. You’re more likely to find something very quirky or green. Then once you get the horse some training and show mileage, have it taken back by the owner, leaving you to start over again. Buying a young horse (OTTB or whatever) and bringing it along yourself does mean that you reap the benefits of your time and training investment in the horse. But having two doesn’t mean that you’ll always have something to ride. Somehow they always seem to get hurt at the same time…

I’ve owned multiple horses for years. Usually 2 plus DH’s. I found one was always on the ‘back burner’ which isn’t a problem if that one is semi-retired anyway. Generally I could only afford to show one, and I have both free and paid leased horses out with mixed success. Time and money are always a lot shorter with multiple horses. A few years ago we bought our own farm, and now have about 10! If you do plan to keep riding your current horse, you definitely want to have both horses at the same facility. It just doesn’t work trying to keep up with horses at two different places, and your required piece of tack or riding clothes will always be at the wrong one.

If you can afford two horses in your current program, what about a paid lease? that way you get something with enough training to be fun and let you show, without the life-long commitment to it, and the ability to return it if health problems occur. And if you find you don’t have the funds/time to keep two, you’re only stuck for the duration of the lease.
If your current horse is sound at lower levels, and ammie-safe, finding him an in-house part lease might be the perfect option–giving you the time and funds to dedicate to something more capable for you, while still keeping him in your life and oversight.

[clanter]

@eh-equestrian

Very aware of the life span That doesn’t change my commitment to him in anyway. This boy had some rough middle years before finding his way to me. If he lives 'til 40 and is happy, I’ll be grateful for all the extra time with him. But I see your point in supporting 2 for the long term.
.

I was aware of your commitment to horse #1… add horse #2, then the following stock… the dollars do add up no matter what your wealth

[billiebob]

I own a TB who will be with me hopefully until the end of his days and I am free leasing a young WB for the time being. The baby is technically for sale but his breeder doesn’t have enough time to ride him so she offered him to me for the summer. Board is not expensive in my area so financially I can make it work. Time wise it’s a little harder. I have no life outside of horses, no SO or kids, so no one cares if I’m at the barn until 10 p.m. after a full day of work.

I would lease my older guy out if there was an appropriate rider for him at my barn but currently there’s not. I have let a few others hack him when I don’t have the energy or motivation to ride two horses and I have enjoyed giving informal lessons on him. I quite like watching how he goes for others, surprisingly.

I think I have the ideal situation right now. In a few years when my TB has to slow down I will need to get a younger horse and this is a test run for that. I’m sharpening up my greenie skills on a nice youngster and if I have a bad ride on him I can sit on the TB and remind myself that eventually things will come together. If something happens financially I’m not stuck with two horses to support.

[findeight]

If you cannot afford 2 horses outright,please don’t take on two horses. Depending on working off board for 10- 15 years is assuming nothing will change at your boarding barn. Thats the single worst mistake people who board out make.

The second worst mistake is assumimg your life circumstances will not change over 10-15 years. Both these mistakes allow those low end auctions to keep going and,yes, your horses could end up there if you run out of funds and suddenly can’t pay the board…that nice BO still has to pay the hay guy and might be out of the business and the barn subdivided long before that horse retires. And leases canand do go wrong and can’t be counted on for a financial cushion. You coukd end up with both horses on your payroll with little or notice.

Find a cheaper retirement option you can afford easily and build a savings cushion before adding another horse. Never count on somebody else to help you support your horses. Be they BOs letting you work off board or lease partners splitting expenses, when the chips are down, they will leave you on your own.

[Scribbler]

Keeping two horses will double all your monthly costs, your annual vet bills, your farrier bills, and double your daily workload. You will be paying twice as much as you are now. Crunch the numbers in that. Oh, and you will likely need a second saddle to fit second horse.

Buying a second horse will probably eat up a big chunk of your current emergency savings account.

Keep in mind that even if you have a very good deal at your current barn, you are not guaranteed to be there for the next 20 years.

So think through if you could afford horse care for both at the average local rates.

Putting your older horse on a half lease or full care lease at your barn would be one way to get him off your payroll. Another would be pasture retirement board somewhere.

Anyhow, have a very honest look at your monthly income and expenses. This might be something you could easily afford, or it might be the thing that tips you into bankruptcy.

Only you can make that decision.

[eh-equestrian]

@findeight

If you cannot afford 2 horses outright,please don’t take on two horses. Depending on working off board for 10- 15 years is assuming nothing will change at your boarding barn. Thats the single worst mistake people who board out make.

The second worst mistake is assumimg your life circumstances will not change over 10-15 years. Both these mistakes allow those low end auctions to keep going and,yes, your horses could end up there if you run out of funds and suddenly can’t pay the board…that nice BO still has to pay the hay guy and might be out of the business and the barn subdivided long before that horse retires. And leases canand do go wrong and can’t be counted on for a financial cushion. You coukd end up with both horses on your payroll with little or notice.

Find a cheaper retirement option you can afford easily and build a savings cushion before adding another horse. Never count on somebody else to help you support your horses. Be they BOs letting you work off board or lease partners splitting expenses, when the chips are down, they will leave you on your own.

I obviously won’t be taking on a second if I can’t afford a second outright. I’m well aware life circumstances, including my current situation may not stay the same. I’ve made no assumptions in any of the above you mentioned. I’m simply looking for experiences people have had with owning 2 versus leasing, or other options I’m not considering.

Financially, I’m in a stable job that pays well, as is my partner. We don’t have kids, and don’t plan on it. Board is similar costs in my area to what I pay now, and I’m not counting on having to work at the barn to pay board - just mentioning its what I do now, and is a nice way to save me some cash. I certainly am not willing to go into a position where I cannot comfortably support 2 and take care of other things in life. I’m smart with my money. Just wanted to clarify I’m not going in blindly unaware that things could change.

My budget sheet has been costing out scenarios left right and center, so I can be prepared in my decision making.

Thanks to all others that have shared their experiences with owning or owning/leasing. I appreciate the insight and other potential options.

@billiebob Sounds like a great situation you found! If I end up with a 2nd (via owning or leasing), I’ll certainly be looking for someone to help keep my current going, just to help with the time situation. My Mom is going to start riding him a bit too in his semi-retirement

[xQHDQ]

I was/am in your same situation. My 14-yo horse is topping out where we are (second level). Two years ago I thought he was done at first level. So, I found a fancy young warmblood in my budget. He was a coming 3 yo. In the meantime, I found someone to full lease my older guy. She pays just about all expenses plus a lease fee, which I call his retirement fund.

She has the option to ride whenever she wants, but doesn’t because she’s the busiest retired person I know. Aside from some scheduling issues, it’s been great for me because I’ve only had to back off a little bit from our regular schedule. I can even still show him.

Regarding baby horse, I put him in training and didn’t ride him much his first year under saddle. I did do a lot of in-hand work, including showing. Now that he’s 5yo, I’m finally riding him.

Overall, so far, it’s working out, but here are a few of the things to think about…

1. I can only afford 1 horse. If my leasee decides to stop leasing, I’m in trouble. Some options I have is moving the older horse out of the barn into full-time turnout, which will cut that expense. He can probably do a few lessons a week, which will help costs too. I will try to find someone to at least partial-lease him. However, he’ll never be for sale, so I’ve been trying to save money just in case, and if push came to shove, I could pay for the very basic care for him by limiting other (nonhorse) expenses. That’s important - can you meet his basic needs if you had to even though it will be painful?

2. Time is just as difficult to come by as money. Taking care of 2 horses takes a lot of time. I get up early and work after dinner to fit in a full-time job and the 2 horses (and a husband and a dog). Let’s just say the housework is being neglected. Can you devote the time?

3. Things don’t always go as planned. Horses go lame, have training issues, etc. Especially if you buy an unbroke horse or a horse off-the-track. Baby horse and I have had some pretty significant bumps in the road. All of the vetting and professional evaluations in the world can’t guarantee anything. Can you deal with the stress?

I love both my boys, so I make it work…for now…

[streamline]

I had a very special boy who I evented with, switched to jumpers and he topped out at 3’3. He was kinda a jerk to ride, tricky too. We half leased him, in barn. He ran through a few leasers, people either didn’t enjoy him/scared/over horses etc. If you have a nice well behaved horse you shouldn’t have that problem.

I bought a step up horse, he was cheap ish for something jumping around the medium jrs, didn’t have the best vetting and I lost money big time when I sold him. I also lost all the support I had money wise for horses and I was horseless besides wild old horse (he recently passed)

I was a working student and ending up grooming and riding for a high level trainer and private barn. I worked off all the board for the jr jumper, worked off lessons as well. I had an incredible support team and a lot of people who dumped a ton of time and knowledge into me.

Do you have a trainer who could set you up with a good lease horse? I was able to free lease several different nice horses while having the jr jumper and the semi retired guy. I kept the semi retired guy else where and kept him as a ‘practice’ horse. Board was cheap and good quality care.

Fast forward a few years. I moved. I bought what I thought was going to be a nice prospect. At the time I was riding multiple young, ridiculous fancy horses and was super fit. I bought that horse before I moved and took him with me. I stopped riding for a bit. Horses real psycho side came out. I ended up buying another young horse because I wanted something else to ride. New young horse ended being dead lame for a year. They both sat in a pasture and still cost me a ton of money. Right now DH is paying for the horses, so they don’t cause me a ton of money anymore. Just a ton of time and stress and I haven’t even been riding!

I think if you have a solid routine, someone who will help you even if it’s just a lesson every other week it makes a big difference. I guess it’s just finding a good horse that fits what you want/need. I’d try to find a half or even full lease for your first horse then decide if buying or leasing a 2nd horse is better.

[wildlifer]

I own 2 & initially boarded them, but it is a LOT more manageable financially & time wise now that I have them at home. Some things I have learned:

If you have 2 horses, at some point &
more than once, you will have 2 lame horses. Their timing is amazing.

My older gelding had an unexpected injury that ended my ability to do any type of lease (I just had someone pay his maintenance costs if they were riding him). If I had not already had him at home, it would have been even tougher. My full time job is complex & often exhausting, I wouldn’t be able to take on additional responsibility of barn chores for someone else & still have energy left to enjoy the horses (I designed & built my farm to be simple & cheap & I can be as slow as I want). Don’t forget your time & energy have the greatest value.

I prefer to own what I invest in, but an on-site lease also wasn’t an option for me when I was boarding. I do think it can be a great thing if you are lucky enough to have good opportunities. Selling horses is hard & leasing can also let you ride something you can’t afford to buy (i.e. something ready to show now).

I love OTTBs, I’m bringing a 5 yr old along now. But they come in many phases. It cost me at least as much to buy one “cheaper” (they aren’t as cheap as they were 10 yrs ago) that was 10 days out of the starting gate, put weight on him, fix up his feet (so slowww), rebuild all his musculature - & this is without any lessons or trainer, just me, & not paying board - than if I had let someone else do all that work & paid $3-4k more. Tradeoff is I always learn new things & I get a horse the way I want him. I want the journey. But it brings a whole new meaning to “playing the long game.”

Also, baby horses (mine was coming 4 when I got him) make terrible decisions. No matter how safe you make things. Guess I keep my vet in business.

I did not have to buy any new tack for this one, which has been awesome. Just 1 sheet. It’s very helpful when horses are the same size & build. Back shapes can differ a lot, tho, so keep those potential costs in mind too.

It’s a horse, it’s always going to cost more than you think, leave wiggle room for that. That factor is going to be more variable if you own it. At the same time, I brush them both with the same brush, use the same breeches, same helmet, same saddle pads. They ride on the same trailer & eat the same food - except the retired appendix only needs a handful while the young un needs 3 lbs or so, sigh.

[NoSuchPerson]

I understand the reluctance to sell a horse you love and have had for a long time. But, if you can find the right place for him, it can be a viable option. The horse I have now is wonderful. He’s 21 and perfectly happy to do flat work and haul me over a few low (< 2 ft) fences. I have him because my path (old lady stepping down) happened to intersect with the path of his owner (young woman moving up) at the right time. She and I shared a trainer who arranged a multi-month half-lease that evolved into a purchase. If your current horse would be suitable for someone like me, you will likely have no trouble at all finding someone who will lease or purchase him and give him lots of love and attention in a great home.

I’m currently boarding two, but I can afford it, so I’m not really making any sacrifices to do so. Unless, I suppose, you count the fact that the reason I can afford to board two horses is because I have a demanding job that too often interferes with my ability to get out to the barn and ride. :lol:

[2tempe]

I was in a situation somewhat similar to yours. A mare who had multiple health issues and could not do the level of work I wanted. Short version of a longer story is that I first part leased a horse just to get quality saddle time and do a couple shows. Ended up buying said horse. My issue is/was not the money but the time. Never wanted to ride two horses/day. Managed to find a couple people to ride maresy a couple times a week, each paying me something like $25 per ride. (they wanted saddle time but not a committed lease). Helped a bit with the bills and kept the mare lower level fit. Then found a full lease situation (care only) and that worked for a year. Then she came back and not long after was diagnosed w/ suspensory issues both hinds, likely degenerative. She is now at a retirement barn couple miles away, saves me some $ and I know the farm owner well so I actually dont go see her much.
While I am committed to care for her to the end, she did me in emotionally over about a 4 year period so I dont feel a huge attachment to her…

[WavyRider]

@Lucassb

When my older guy started slowing down, but still wanted and enjoyed having a job, I free-leased him to an older adult in the barn where I boarded. I saw him on a daily basis and could easily keep an eye on him so it worked well. I also continued to direct all his medical and farrier care because I wanted it to be done properly and wanted control of those services. At that point I did have another young horse that I was bringing along with the help of my trainer and it was very nice to have someone else pay the older horse’s board bill while I was paying for full training on the young one.

Sort of off-topic but does free lease mean that the leaser pays for board, food, etc but the “free” part is that there’s no additional fee on top of that?

[Lucassb]

@WavyRider

Sort of off-topic but does free lease mean that the leaser pays for board, food, etc but the “free” part is that there’s no additional fee on top of that?

Yes. Also called a care lease. The person leasing the horse pays that horse’s expenses but not a separate lease fee on top of those costs.