LEASING

What to do?

Although you can find horses or ponies for sale almost anywhere, finding the one most suitable for your rider is an entirely different matter. Cedarhill families have the benefit of our expertise and connections within the horse community to make this very important decision and investment. We will locate a mount that best suits your needs and fits your budget.

Lease or Buy?

Typically our riders move quickly through the lower levels; progressing from Cross Rails, to the 2’ and then the 2’6 in approximately three – four years. During this time it is best for their progression to be mounted on at least three different mounts, which makes leasing the most sense for most families.

Starting out…

I use the bike analogy; start with a tricycle, then a bike with training wheels, moving up to a three speed. These horses are invaluable in the training of our riders as steady, and predictable mounts, valued more for their disposition than for their athleticism.

Moving up…

Once riders are at or beyond the 2’6 level, they are ready for a kind horse with a great disposition also valued for their athletic ability. The price increases and varies greatly for these guys, based on this quality, and ability.

Our policy is that all of our horses and ponies that jump 2’6 and above be fully leased or owned. The work load is too much for them to be shared by more than one rider.

Riders typically will start out at the 3’ with their 3’6 horse and move up when ready, keeping this mount for the remainder of their junior career. For this reason, it makes more sense for most to finally make the purchase.

Approximate Monthly Maintenance Expenses

Board/Lease Program	Cost
Base Board Rate	$1200/month
Base lesson program	$380
Blacksmith Service every 4 to 6 weeks	$300/average
Veterinary Care Typical (may vary with procedures done)	$350/3months
De-worming Typical (as needed)	$25/month
Dental Care Typical- once or twice a year	$100/yearly
Body Clipping- (twice/year at $150 ea.)	$150/per time
Life & Major Medical Insurance (may vary by horse)	average 3.5% value of horse
Meds & Supplies (poly/supplements /etc)	$200/month
Approximate Totals	$2500 and up

Here is additional info on expenses:

http://cedarhillfarminc.com/the-costs-involved/

And if that doesn’t scare you off- here is another list of good things to have-

Suggested List for Horse/Pony full lease/ownership

Buying…

The price of your horse or pony will vary greatly depending on overall quality, level of experience and training, age and health. The more risks you, the buyer, are willing to take, the less expensive the animal will be. Fewer risks mean more expense. There are many factors involved in the purchase process.

Our years of experience will serve you well as we team up with you. It’s our job to help you navigate the decision-making process and help you sort through every detail of your choice, including what you can and should live with (as well as what you can’t and shouldn’t)!

Leasing…

While your rider is increasing her knowledge, it is important to have a comparable mount, one that isn’t too much horse to handle, yet is comfortable and competitive for the year that you are riding. We have many entry level horses for full lease at $6k- 15k /year, plus expenses. They are great stepping stones for your rider.  Occasionally the animal you are leasing for a certain lease fee is capable of advancing. Typically the lease fee is increased when the level of the job required of the horse/pony increases to compensate on the wear and tear of the animal.    For example- the lease fee for a pony doing the short stirrup and children’s pony division both of which are either non-rated or C rated might be $10-20k but the lease for same pony when the rider moves up to the regular pony division ( which is A rated) increases to $20-$30 and up.  Or a super fancy 3′ hunter capable of the 3’6 could be leased for $25-50k for the 3′ job and when that rider moves up to the 3’3-3’6 the lease increase to $75k and up.

We have some wonderful horses available for full lease, ask your instructor for more information.We have many entry level horses for full lease at $6k- 15k /year, plus expenses. We also look off the farm if we don’t have what you need . Doing so requires us to utilize our network of contacts and dig deep to ensure that the horse is properly represented and is appropriate for our rider. Cedarhill charges a 15% commission in addition to the lease fee for this service, regardless if we find the ideal horse the first time out or spend months with countless trips in search of the right one. Horses being leased by one Cedarhill family from another split the fee, with each party paying Cedarhill 7.5% in addition to the lease. We don’t charge a commission for Cedarhill owned horses that are leased by our families. Note that there are also additional expenses when we look off the farm; additional vetting unknown animals, shipping, trial leases, and our travel expenses. If you’re not ready for full leasing or owning, another option is outside or inside half-leasing…

Outside half-leasing…

Share one of Cedarhill Farm’s lesson horses kept outside. Half-leasing entitles each student the use of this horse three days per week. Typically our riders take two lessons per week on their half leased mount and then hack (practice on the flat) on Sunday. The opportunity to lesson weekly and form a bond gives our rider a greater sense of confidence. This is most noted when our riders compete at shows. The commitment to half-leasing  is more cost effective for those who show consistently, avoiding the day lease fee. It also is the easiest way to start; all horse related expenses are included in one fee.

With all the new horses coming in we have developed a new system to clarify our School Horse lease program. Outside Leases have a flat monthly fee that includes everything- board, shoes, vet, lease fee, etc. Inside leasing has a lease fee plus the monthly maintenance expenses.

 

 

Inside Full or Half-leasing…

Our more competitive Cedarhill mounts are kept in stalls. Full leasing gives you the most flexibility. You own that horse or pony for the duration of your lease and are responsible for the full lease fee and expenses that go with it. Half-leasing  entitles each student to three days per week, they may share their mount with the school or with another rider- same as the outside kept mounts. However, there are additional cost aside from the lease fee for these mounts; board, shoeing, vet, major medical insurance, supplements etc. which are split in half.

Typical Full Lease Rates- (shorter terms are on average 20-35% more)

$30k (12 months) $18k  (6 months) $10 k (3 months)

$15k ( 12 month) $9k  (6 months) $6k (3 months)

$10k ( 12 month) $7500 (6 month) $5k (3 month)

 

Day Lease…

For those not able to make the commitment to full or half leasing , we offer a day lease for off the farm events.

Inside Horse minimum lease fee $250/day

Outside minimum lease fee $150/day