EQUESTRIAN CENTER
Lease To Learn
What, When, Why, Who and How of Leasing
What is Leasing
Leasing a horse is similar to leasing a car - the person leasing is responsible for the care, upkeep, and management of the horse, without the upfront costs of purchasing and long-term management/risk associated with purchasing.
Leasing a horse is usually offered in two forms:
1. Off-Site Lease (of a Show Horse) These leases include spending a third to half of the horses upfront purchase cost for a year of use, plus the care, boarding and training of the horse.
2. On-site Half Leasing or Full Leasing (of a show horse) these types of leases are often provided by trainers or stables that offer the use of a horse either in full care of one person, or in partial care of two people. In the case of half leasing, there is a lease fee owed to the horses owners either monthly or annually, and the above care fees are split by the leasing persons. The time of access to the horse would also be split (typically three days of riding for each half leasee.)
When should I lease?
Leases typically are set in either 12 month, 6 month or month to month options. Leasing is a good idea to do when:
A) A rider is showing interest in lessons and pursuing developing there horsemanship through horse care, competition, and connection horses provide. Leasing will provide this rider with a chance to enjoy all of those aspects of the horse, before taking the big step into ownership.
B) Competition Goals - if a rider has big aspirations and dreams, leasing a good quality show horse can be a great way to step into the show ring and boost confidence, boost skill, or simply have horse available to practice competing on! Many riders who begin in competition will require a quiet minded experienced horse to learn on, that same horse may not be able to take the rider into the upper levels of competition, therefore, leasing can be used as a stepping stone on the riders pathway.
C) Finances - horses are massively expensive to feed, care for and train. Leasing a horse may simply be a more economical way for riders to enjoy the benefits of horse ownership and stewardship without the large implications of ownership.
Why Lease?
Both leasing, and horse ownership provide horse enthusiasts with a connection to these big kind hearted beasts we ride. In Ownership or leasing, riders have opportunities to enjoy the horse and practice riding outside of lesson times, as well as ample opportunity to learn topics that are not typically covered in a traditional lesson program - such as trail riding, trailer loading, training and more. Our program in particular asks that riders own or lease horse to participate in travelling competitions, and events. In house clinics and shows are available for all Edwards Farms clientele; however the connection, practice and care required to leave property calls for a commitment to the horse above and beyond a weekly lesson scenario.
Leasing, at the end of it is really why we got into this "horse thing" anyways... its for the horse!
Who Can Lease?
Any one can! Leases are not restricted to Edwards Farms current cleints - if you see a horse you like or are new to our farm, we will welcome you with open arms!
All of our lease riders have the opportunity to ride outside of lesson times, therefore the lease riders should have the following skills:
Catching + Leading
Tying
Grooming + Tacking
Safe Handling Skills
Confidence riding in the Walk/Trot and Canter.
All of our lease riders must adhere to the Barn Rules, and lease riders under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
How Can I Lease?
The first step of leasing is let our trainers know! lease touch base with your trainer at your next lesson, or reach out to us via text or email (403-550-9194 edwfarmscochrane@outlook.com) if you are new to the program. Ours trainers will set you up on horses to try for leasing, and assess skill development with safe mounts.
Leasing is fun, but it isn't free. You'll need to account for not only your own riding gear - but potentially tack (pending the horse and rider combo), as well as the monthly lease fee and care costs of a horse such as grain, farrier, veterinary, dental and chiropractic work to name a few.
Each horses monthly lease rates are individual, as well as care costs. Lessons are not included in lease fees, nor is training, hauling or competitions. Please discuss applicable rates with your lease owner or trainer.
Horses For Lease
On-site Leases Available Only
12.1HH
Wee Tough Tedders
This small but might mount has amazing skills to pass on to his riders. Teddy can jump a solid .75 jumper course with the technique of a Grande Prix mount, packaged in a kid - sized body. This Welsh Pony is currently available for Half, or Quarter Lease.
Paid off-site lease to a reputable program considered.
13.3HH
Gingerbread Gal
Ginger is a barn favourite. From the best barn cuddles, to winning her riders ribbons at the show. This gentle mare takes care of her people and is always eager to please. Ginger has miles competing in Hunters, Jumpers, Roping Cows, Trail Riding and even started some ground driving.
Suitable for beginners through intermediate riders, large enough for a small adult or junior.
She is available for Full Lease, Half Lease, or Quarter Lease. We would consider a Paid off Site Lease or Purchase.
Gingerbread Gal
15.1HH
The Willowbeast
Willow, well, this honest. smooth, confidence builder is what most young riders dreams are made of. Willow has spent the 2025 season loaning confidence and correct riding skills to her riders in both Hunters and Jumpers. Confident with fill, combinations and any challenge a course presents, Willow is almost always sure to land in the ribbons.
Willow is our smoothest horse on property, maybe that we will ever own. She is safe to trail ride, enjoy bareback and even develop liberty skills with. A true friend.
Available for Half lease or Quarter Lease.
The Willow Beast
15.2hh
Just A Doll
Dolly is perhaps as close to perfect as a horse can get! She is a great size for adults and children alike standing 15.2hh. This QH/Morgan mare cross bonds deeply and quickly with her riders. Suitable for the most beginner of riders right through to more confident riders looking to improve skill. Dolly is currently leased out, please inquire if you would like to be added to her waitlist.
Just A Doll
15.1hh
Millie
One in A Million this one is! Millie is a green bean. She would be an EXCELLENT prospect for a rider wishing to learn the process of training a horse and developing those skills before purchasing a green horse to train.
Millie is available for Full Lease to the right candidate.