The advantage is that I don't have the day to day responsibility of looking after her, but still have her available for hunts, shows, etc. One of the major advantages of leasing doesn't apply to me - if you're a beginner or a kid who hasn't finished growing yet, it makes a lot of sense because it's easy to change horses as your skill improves or as you grow taller. But Gracie is my horse and I've already agreed to look after her if she ever gets unsound or too old to ride. There's a tiny barn right around the corner from our house that isn't that good for riding (no open pastures, just paddocks and one small ring) but would be perfect for a retired horse to snooze and be spoiled by everyone.
I'm glad Gracie has a retirement plan:') It looks like minimal overhead for the stable owners too doesn't it?
AAM: Cindy pinged you the other day to a discussion we were having on liability insurance for riding groups. I didn't see any response, but I have a question too along those lines that you may be able to answer.
I "think" if someone is at your house and you let them ride one of your horses, and they get hurt, wouldn't your Homeowners Ins. cover you? and 2) would your homeowners Ins. cover you in say my situation where I have an occasional "student" who pays for a lesson? or is this considered a business so wouldn't be covered? and 3) what about someone who brings their own horse to use my arena for no charge? for a charge, (I dont do that, just curious).?
IOW, I don't have an "offical" business teaching, but I do get occasional people who want lessons, people who are friends of friends who I don't know, and I charge.
The liability end is what has kept me from prusuing giveing lessons in a more aggressive way.
Becky