I've only ever loaned horses! I've never actually physically OWNED my own. I've only been riding a relatively short time (since the last year of Uni- 2005) so I've never really considered buying my own, I've always been really happy loaning.

First one I ever loaned was Buster. He was a bomb proof cob. I got the impression his owner had him for the sake of having a horse as she was keen for farm him off on anyone. I had him from when I left Uni for 8 months and then she started loaning him to her best mates daughter as well, for less money so much as I loved him, told her to shove it.

Then I started loaning my current horse, Harry. He's a welsh x thoroughbred and he's a bloody brilliant jumper. But he can't hack, has a tendancy to be crap at flat work/schooling but I wanted a horse to do cross country and learn to jump on. Harry taught me that (along with his owner, Chris, who's yard I keep him at).

For me, personally, loaning is the way to go as long as you and the owner of the horse are clear on who has what responsibility. For example, I pay Harry's livery and his shoeing costs and all my showing costs, and Christine pays for food, vets bills and anything else.

I have it easy really, but she's just glad someone is devoting time to him on his own, as her 3 year old warmblood keeps her very busy!