Guide

Horse share trial ride: questions and horse profile checklist

3 min read

The trial ride decides whether a horse share will work. This guide gives a catalogue of questions to ask before and during the trial, a horse profile to structure the appointment and Swiss particularities.

Before the trial: seven questions by phone

A 15 to 20-minute call filters most unsuitable constellations (see First contact). Seven questions cover the essentials.

  • The horse: Age, breed, training level, medical or behavioral particularities.
  • The days: How many per week, which days, which time slots.
  • Included care: Riding only, or also grooming, care, stable work.
  • Monthly contribution: Approximate amount, payment terms.
  • Expected insurance: Sharer's liability insurance, "riding someone else's horse" module.
  • Other sharers: Presence on the same horse, sharing model.
  • Communication: Who informs whom, through which channel, how often.

During the trial: seven observation points

The trial lasts 20 to 30 minutes in the saddle, plus 1 to 1.5 hours of overall visit. During that time, observe:

  • Grooming and preparation: Does the horse cooperate, accept handling, accept saddling?
  • Behavior on the lunge or in hand if owner offers a foot presentation.
  • Gaits under saddle: Walk, trot, canter. Quality, responsiveness, calmness.
  • Response to aids: Does the horse respond to clear aids, or does it demand very fine riding?
  • Particularities: Refusals, shying, freezing. How does the owner explain them?
  • You on the horse: Do you feel safe, comfortable, in the right riding register?
  • Communication with the owner: Does she receive your questions, give useful advice?

Horse profile

Before the trial, ask the owner to share this information:

  • Identification: Name, breed, height, age, sex, TVD number if available.
  • Level and discipline: Dressage, jumping, trail, leisure. Precise level (E, A, L).
  • Character: Three honest adjectives.
  • Medical particularities: Allergies, past operations, known weaknesses.
  • Behavioral particularities: Fear of objects, behavior during girthing or loading.
  • Special care: Regular medication, special feeding.
  • Vet and farrier: Vet name, shoeing or trimming frequency.

Swiss particularities

reitbeteiligungen.ch and markt.ch highlight Swiss specifics.

  • "Riding someone else's horse" insurance module expected. In Switzerland, a standard private liability add-on.
  • Strong word of mouth. Swiss equestrian scene is small. Reputation builds fast.
  • Linguistic regions. Trials in Romandie happen in French, but many owners come from German-speaking Switzerland.
  • Winter season. Most trials happen in spring and autumn. In winter, an indoor arena is mandatory for a serious trial.

After the trial

Take 24 to 48 hours before deciding.

  • Reflect alone or with a trusted person. Excitement of the moment skews judgment.
  • Compare with other trials. Best constellation is rarely the first.
  • Communicate honestly. If it's not the right one, say so clearly and quickly.
  • If positive: Propose a contractual trial month with short cancellation, then a normal contract.

Frequently asked questions

What questions to ask before the trial ride? Horse, days, included care, monthly contribution, expected insurance, other sharers, communication.

How long does a trial ride take? 20 to 30 minutes in the saddle, 1.5 to 2 hours total visit.

What to observe? Grooming, behavior in hand, gaits under saddle, particularities, your own feeling, owner communication.

Sign anything? Some owners ask for a simple release. Verify it stays within Swiss legal scope.

How many trials on the same horse? One usually suffices. Two if the first was positive but uncertain.

Sources

Note trial rides in HorseCompanion

In HorseCompanion, trial rides and impressions can be documented per horse, which helps compare options calmly. Start for free

Updated: June 2026