My husband and I both work full time. We also own a boarding stable and board 7 horses in addition to our 3. I'm looking for advice on how to stay sane. How to deal with the boarders constant demands? We have it in our contract that be both work full time and we are not here to babysit other people's horses. We agree to feed 2x a day/grain/water and turnout along with the stalls everyday. That is just not enough for some people though. We are thinking about hiring a barn manager or something to help us out but I'm not sure if we have enough horses or how to look for one. We love our farm and the horses but it is really starting to get to us. Also how do those of you with horses get away and go on vacations? Thank you for any advice! Deb
To those of you with horses at home
- Thread starter db5
- Start date
Hello! While I do not own horses my boss does. I of course love animals and have taken care of her horses when she goes on vacation. I also would gladly help to take care of them if she needed. Maybe someone at either of your jobs would be willing to help. Most animal lovers would be GLAD to help out. By the way where do you live-I live in Arizona and if I were close enough I would be THRILLED to help out-I love horses!! I hope that helps some.
Lisa
Lisa
SRP
Cathlete
Personally, I'd just end the boarding service, if you're financially able, since both of you work full time. Or if the boarding service brings in enough income, could one of you quit or work part time instead?
I have two horses of my own. I'm single and work full time. I barely have enough time to tend those two, and I never even ride - just feed and groom them. I can't imagine caring for seven!
And quite frankly, since your contract specifies what sort of care the horses are given, I'd tell the clients who complain to take a hike. There's really no reason to put up with that.
I have two horses of my own. I'm single and work full time. I barely have enough time to tend those two, and I never even ride - just feed and groom them. I can't imagine caring for seven!
And quite frankly, since your contract specifies what sort of care the horses are given, I'd tell the clients who complain to take a hike. There's really no reason to put up with that.
eminenz2
Cathlete
I think if you can afford it, an excellent barn manager will do you a lot of good.
My trainer's barn is full up with over 30 horses and you wouldn't believe the nut jobs who show up to board. Our barn manager is super, we have a couple of really dedicated working students, and all have really melded in with out sense of humor and philosophy towards horse training. The PITA (pain in the a$$) boarders usually leave after awhile anyway.
But, also, horse business is no place to make money, so you might want to follow the advice above and ditch the whole boarders thing after all.
Susan L.G.
Levi and me at our second most recent show. He took third I think in this test (Training 3), with a 65%.
My trainer's barn is full up with over 30 horses and you wouldn't believe the nut jobs who show up to board. Our barn manager is super, we have a couple of really dedicated working students, and all have really melded in with out sense of humor and philosophy towards horse training. The PITA (pain in the a$$) boarders usually leave after awhile anyway.
But, also, horse business is no place to make money, so you might want to follow the advice above and ditch the whole boarders thing after all.
Susan L.G.
Levi and me at our second most recent show. He took third I think in this test (Training 3), with a 65%.
NinjaMom
Cathlete
WOW...you must really have your hands full taking care of 10 horses and working full time. I don't have horses but my sister and brother-in-law have 5 plus an adorable mule named #Seven (after the old miner's mule in Grizzley Adams). They recently decided to stop boarding because the the money just wasn't worth dealing with overly demanding owners. My BIL is natural hoof care practitioner and is in such demand that he is working every day. Vacations are always an issue for them and even if they have someone taking care of the horses, they still have the hoof care clients.
I hope you find a solution that works!
JJ
I hope you find a solution that works!
JJ
I board out but I am not a demanding boarder. Ground rules were laid out when I brought my horse there and I agreed to them and therefore comply.
I know that where I board they have a couple boarders which essentially pay for the upkeep of their own horses. It is not a money making proposition for them. If that is the case do you need to have 7 boarders? If they are problematic, ask them to leave. I don't think for such a small operation that hiring a barn manager makes sense but that's just my impression.
You shouldn't put up with boarders who's expectations are not reasonable...EVER. Either they shape up or you should have them ship out.
I know that where I board they have a couple boarders which essentially pay for the upkeep of their own horses. It is not a money making proposition for them. If that is the case do you need to have 7 boarders? If they are problematic, ask them to leave. I don't think for such a small operation that hiring a barn manager makes sense but that's just my impression.
You shouldn't put up with boarders who's expectations are not reasonable...EVER. Either they shape up or you should have them ship out.
Prickly Pear
Cathlete
I guess if you really don't need the extra income it might be best to get out of boarding.
Another option might be to hire a barn manager and as part of the payment he/she is allowed to keep x amount of animals there. I know alot of people that would be willing to trade work for board. Might be an idea and a way for you and hubby to get a vacation and not have to worry about your own horses.
Another option might be to hire a barn manager and as part of the payment he/she is allowed to keep x amount of animals there. I know alot of people that would be willing to trade work for board. Might be an idea and a way for you and hubby to get a vacation and not have to worry about your own horses.
thanks everyone for all of the advice! I will let you all know how it all works out! We don't need the money but we own a huge stable. We have stalls for 35 horses have a 65x150 indoor and outdoor. It just seems this place is too big for just our 3 horses. Maybe a barn manager is the way to go?
Prickly Pear
Cathlete
If your barn can handle that many horses I would definately look into a barn manager.
Susan, your boy is handsome!! I have one that is a solid black also. He is a barrel horse though. I love to watch dressage. Such harmony between horse and rider. True horseman/horsewomen that is for sure.
Heather
Susan, your boy is handsome!! I have one that is a solid black also. He is a barrel horse though. I love to watch dressage. Such harmony between horse and rider. True horseman/horsewomen that is for sure.
Heather