This factsheet is designed to inform and assist individuals who wish to set up a new horse sharing scheme so that it operates legally, fairly and smoothly.

Horse ownership can be an expensive and very time-consuming commitment. Visiting riding stables is not a satisfactory alternative to horse ownership for many riders because there is no opportunity to build a relationship with the horse, and it is not possible to undertake any of the caring duties such as grooming, tacking up and mucking out, which are integral to horse ownership. However, there are a number of alternatives to single ownership that can alleviate the pressures of ownership while still providing the benefit of a sense of proprietorship over one horse.

In challenging financial times there are likely to be more people who own horses but are struggling to keep up with the costs. Sharing or loaning the horse can help to save costs and prevent a beloved horse having to be sold instead.