This is not a definitive document on loaning horses/ponies. It is designed to give food for thought. Each agreement will be different.

Consider :-

• What amount of control you want over what happens to your horse.
• What type of livery do you want your horse to be kept in, if not to be kept where it currently lives - grass, full, DIY?
• What sort of activities do you wish your horse to take part in - eventing, dressage, trekking, hacking, show jumping, Le Trec, working horse, etc? (Remember that this will affect the level of insurance that is required)
• Who pays for vets fees / farrier bills / worming programs / schooling / insurance?
• Make sure that a regular worming program is to be carried out and that a reputable farrier will make regular visits.
• Ensure the vaccination program for flu and tetanus will continue.
• Can your horse be left unshod?
• If your horse is a mare - can she be bred from, if so to what and who keeps the progeny?
• If your horse is a stallion - can he be used for stud purposes or can he be gelded ?
• What happens if your horse becomes seriously ill?
• How knowledgeable is the loaner?
• Why does the potential loaner want to loan your horse? Do they have other horses? Are they on loan too? Why do they want another one? 
  
• How much notice must be given by both sides for canceling the agreement?

Check the premises where your horse is to be kept :-

• How clean and tidy are they?
• What do other horses kept there look like - how healthy etc?
• Ask other people there about the person you are trusting with your horse.

If your horse is freezemarked / microchipped, make sure the company know about the change of location of where the hose is kept but that you are still the legal owner. 

If not have your horse freezemarked / microhipped, record all markings and whorls and take plenty of photographs to identify your horse in case of disputes or if the horse is stolen. (Sadly this does happen!)

Make sure you have accessibility to your horse once on loan in order to check up on its' health and well being. If you cannot do this, have a trusted friend go round on a regular basis. Do not go for a long length of time without contact - they may have lost your details.

Have a lawyer draw up a contract for the loan agreement - even if it is with someone you know and trust.

Contact the Equine Lawyers Association, PO Box 23, Brigg, Lincolnshire DN20 8TN or telephone 01652 688819, who may be able to recommend an experienced equine lawyer in your area.