Prospective Lease Horse AKA impressing the owner!

[Silver Snaffles]

I need some advice.

I have discovered a perfect lease situation!
I found an add on a popular Aussie horse website, detailing a Retired, 3 day eventer mare according to the add safe and sound and quite, riding would be trail riding and dressage 3 - 4 days per week. Horse is to remain at current barn, with full care, only costs are the horses shoes and "other riding costs"

Horse is well performed, has been quite successful, with a BNT who is also the owner.

I have made a time to see the horse tommorow, in the afternoon and go on a trail ride with the owner and discuss.

How do I impress the owner / BNT? I am so nervious I am going to blurt out something stupid like "horses eat grass" :no: or put the saddle on backwards or do something equally stupid, like the time I went to a clinic and the olympian clinican asked if my gelding was in foal because he had a very wide barrel, and I said yes...:lol: I get nervious and blurt out stupid things.



I am pretty experienced in handling and riding, I have ridden at A shows, and have grown up on a horse stud, with very horsey parents, so I know what I am talking about, but how do I come across as confident and knowledgeable, without sounding like I have read a few books, or worse, like the barn expert!

Any tips on how to give a great first impression, as I think this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I think there will be many interested people.

[Evalee Hunter]

Well, this is terribly trite, but, BE YOURSELF.

Also, dress the part - middle of the road, not too fancy but no too casual.

I hope you look like a rider. Those of us who are "womanly sized" "don't get no respect" from most horse people.

[EqTrainer]

Don't volunteer information, for the most part.. meaning, don't feel compelled to tell them everything you know and comment on everything. Just try to be yourself and enjoy the day.

[Evalee Hunter]

I hope you are able to get a good night's sleep the night before. I once had a job interview for a job I would have "killed" to get. I couldn't sleep the night before & then I was dead & dopey at the interview.

All the best. This is NOT the end of the world one way or the other. It just seems like the end of the world at the time.

[Tucked_Away]

Appreciate the horse and appreciate the opportunity. Explicitly.

I don't mean non-stop gushing. But it's amazing how many people don't even think, when they get a chance to sit on a nice horse, of saying "Thank you."

I wouldn't feel like you need to knock the owner's socks off. Just be honest and cheerful and diligent. That goes a long way.

[Paddys Mom]

Well, horse people love to be complimented on their horses, so you might mention what great condition the horse is in, if its true. ;)

[BuddyRoo]

I am not a BNT and my horse isn't of the same caliber as the one you're about to look at...but I do half lease her out regularly and I'll tell you what I appreciated/don't appreciate:

1) Please show up on time.

2) When I am telling you about the horse, please do not interrupt but do feel free to ask questions.

3) When in doubt, please ask. IE: If you're tacking up the horse and you don't know what X piece of equipment is or you're wondering if there's a certain method the horse prefers, please ask me. I will be impressed that you are asking rather than assuming. You can always ask, "Is there anything specific that I need to know about this horse before we begin?"

4) Do not overstate your abilities. It's fine with me if you've not been on a horse in awhile. It's fine with me if you're really not sure about a cue. But when you tell me that you're a rockstar and you get on and it's clear that you are not, it sends up big red flags.

5) Be nice to my horse. Pat my horse. Speak kindly. Don't yank my horse around and try to "train" my horse. Work with what you've got in front of you and again, if you have questions, ask for help.

Generally, when I'm looking for a lessor, I'm looking for someone with enough knowledge about safety to not get themselves or the horse killed with stupidity. I'm looking for someone who can handle the horse without a lot of babysitting.

I think your fears are related more to open mouth insert foot syndrome though--so my advice would be, keep mouth shut and eyes and ears open unless you have a real question or you've been asked a question. Be pleasant and quiet.

[Chardavej]

I need some advice.

I am so nervious I am going to blurt out something stupid like "horses eat grass"

OMG this cracked me up! I don't know why, I just got a visual of you talking goofy and saying that. I just busting out laughing here at work. Glad I didn't have a sip of drink in my mouth!!

Nothing to offer as advise though, well maybe "Horses eat GRASS!!"

[redears]

Just be yourself, you'll be fine!

I have a junior rider (who happens to be my instructors daughter) riding my pony now, and she has impressed me from day I met her about two months ago with her attitude and demeanor. She truly loves horses and all the animals, she is very careful with the barn cats and BO's dogs, etc. She is kind and patient with the kids younger than herself. She thanks me every time she works with him and thanks him as well, which goes a very long way, this is a pony that I love dearly and I like to see him being appreciated for what he is by others.

[esdressage]

Relax, breathe, smile if you feel like it and consciously wait a moment before you speak, to avoid the "blurts" :)

It's ok to be a bit nervous, and if you are feeling that it's showing, say so. Something like, "I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to try your horse and potentially lease him. It means a lot to me, and honestly, I'm a bit nervous."

If you have as much experience as it sounds like you do, you should be comfortable once you're riding and handling the horse, and that will mean the most to the owner. She will want to know that her horse would be well cared for an happy in your hands, and I'm sure that'll mean more to her than a few nerves on your part.

[FlashGordon]

Just be yourself.

Be kind to the horse, of course. Be honest and forthright about your intentions, needs, wants, and abilities.

Be polite and respectful of the owner's time and property.

Do more listening than speaking.

I am very shy in real life and I remember this time last year, being very nervous about going to meet my "dream horse!" The visit is a blur, and I was so starstruck by the horse I'm not sure I did more than stand there and stare at him... all googly eyed and speechless. Even my ride, I am pretty sure I just hung on and smiled like a kid. But at the end of the day the owner felt it was a match and things worked out.

So really just go and do the best you can and be yourself. If it is meant to be it will be, and all that good stuff..... ;)

[Silver Snaffles]

Thanks for your advice and tips guys!

It went really well. The horse is stunning and a lovely ride.
One heck of a step up from the greenies and school horses I have been riding.

:yes:

The barn is just beautiful, with lovely trails, a jumping arena, an outdoor and bonus of all bonus an indoor!:eek: There is prob only 10 indoors in the entire state!

BNT is a bit of a dressage queen, but her horsekeeping style is a very good match with mine, she was very straightforward (which I like).


We went for a ride on the trails, and she explained what she was looking for, because I was busy riding, it was easy to keep my trap shut (for once!) I told her I was nervious and she was very nice about it.

We are doing a months trial!:yes:, starting off with just hacking and trail riding for a few weeks to get to know the horse, then some dressage and weekly lessons.
So, thanks for your help everyone

[Come Shine]

Awww. Sounds awesome. Good luck. :)

[cranky]

Congratulations! Sounds like a great match.