Leasing a horse can be a great way to enjoy riding without having the responsibility of ownership. Over the years, the author encountered many leasing arrangements, and in this article offers these suggestions for making a lease period run smoothly for the horse, veterinarian, owner and lessee.

• Have a baseline physical examination of the horse performed by a veterinarian before entering into a lease arrangement to ensure that the horse is a fit. Include patient photographs to document physical condition.
• Create a lease folder to hold the examination report, photographs and the following paperwork:
  • A negative Coggins test report taken within 6 months
  • A history of the horse's current immunization, dental care and parasite control status
  • The precise start/stop dates of the lease
  • Authorizations identifying who can call for veterinary care: routine wellness care and/or emergency treatment
  • Financial responsibilities for veterinary care, farrier, training, board, etc.
  • Insurance responsibility during the lease: coverage type, premium payments, reporting to the company, etc.
• Inform professionals involved in the horse's care (veterinarian, farrier, trainer, etc.) about the lease before it begins to avoid problems in service and billing.
• At the end of the lease period, photograph the horse to document physical condition upon return to the owner.

Taking these proactive steps can help ensure a great leasing experience for the horse and all parties involved.