Money or nothing

[Alterration]

Ah, you edited your post so there’s some new details.

The saddle thing is puzzling and seems to have cropped up rather recently. I’m not sure what the kickback is to the owner, although I’m sure it’s something. I am unsure whether that’s the only reason, however.

The vet and farrier - eh - I don’t receive any benefit from other boarders or trainees using either - maybe some people do. My vet bills are my vet bills. An additional horse or two doesn’t split the farm call that much (maybe a discount of $5 or so?), and my farrier definitely gives me no discount for bringing him additional clients (he doesn’t need them - the guy has plenty of business in multiple states).

BUT - after having experienced some of the vets and farriers that were here when I bought the place - one over-tranquilized a senior horse for major dentistry and the horse was left alone for 3 hours, gurgling in a stall (owner promised they would be present for the procedure because I charged a small holding fee for the use of someone else’s vet - which is reasonable considering I have to rearrange my whole life to accommodate your schedule, and the owner was cheap so they didn’t want to pay it but then didn’t hold up their end of the bargain). Another used a farrier who only came every 10 weeks or so, and definitely not on any sort of regular schedule so the hooves were…bad. Mine comes every 5 weeks on the dot, and I hold at no charge (again, because I’m scheduling).

So - though it seems unreasonable, some of those things I get. Plus, if I’m responsible for the optimum performance of a horse, veterinary care and farriery are high on the list of things that can affect a horse’s performance (as well as feeding, exercise, turnout, and other parts of care).

Now, paying an extra fee to be on a show team? I don’t know, does that go to support the stall banners and the jackets and the grooms and the rest of those things? If so, that makes sense.

Some people like that stuff - you don’t - so don’t go to those barns. Make your choices. You have that right.

You can still show at a rated show without those things. It’s just harder.

[Alterration]

@fordtraktor

I do it because I love the convenience of having my trainer on site, and because I love horses. I don’t take anyone who isn’t in full training, though, and we won’t take “difficult” horses or people. She and I carefully discuss every new client before making a decision—but I also want to support her business, so right now I’m a bit over my preferred capacity. My own riding time is suffering.

We are always joking when I have to cancel a lesson for a work problem, how lucky it is I have a “real job.” A job that pays for all the perks (mirrors, fancy footing additives so we don’t have any dust, mud management, etc.) and ensures that a late board check isn’t a cash flow issue. (Our clients are awesome but mostly busy professionals, so sometimes don’t make it to the barn on the first. No problem, they are out saving actual people’s lives!) Either way, the feed bill is still getting paid on time. That’s a luxury in the boarding business.

It’s a sad reality but I can’t do this any cheaper and still provide quality care.

I got a horse in last month. I am feeding the horse exactly the same thing that it was supposedly getting at its old barn. It has put on significant weight, while now in work when it wasn’t in work at the old barn. Yeah, that barn is cheaper, but something is off….

Yep - I just…yep.

I particularly love when I’m asked to give board discounts or delay board checks otherwise someone will have to dip into their savings. Like, dude. I’m going to have to dip into MINE to pay for your horse’s grain/bedding/feed when you delay. I can’t just “wait until you pay”. And it is my job that allows for that.

I put over 200 lbs on a 38 year old blind toothless horse (inherited as a boarder) before he passed simply by giving him the amount of grain recommended on the bag. The rest of the horses were in deplorable condition. The barn was “breaking even”. No maintenance was done. But hey, board was cheap with the former owner of the place.

[cbg]

[Alterration]

@big_blue

Do you know if they make an app specifically for the aging billionaire demographic? Asking for a friend…

I think there are a few actually…oddly enough. I don’t know that they are all in their 80s, but a little selective filtering might be an option.

Another recommendation might be some of the farmers & ranchers pages. You’d have to sort through some chaff, so to speak, but I’m sure there are some gems that at least have the land you need.

Also, this is all tongue in cheek. I’m not actually recommending anyone marry strictly for money for horses…I mean…not strictly anyway

[fordtraktor]

It’s horrific. I will not do that any more. Either you step up and do basic veterinary care, or I am done.

[Jealoushe]

Agreed. My mom is the not on paper “owner” of my dressage horse. She pays for all her bills and my lessons and shows. I could never do the dressage without her help. I definitely don’t hide that either.

My event horses are all on me. Which is why we don’t as much as I wish we could!

[Rumorhasit93]

Take it from me, it’s better if your SO doesn’t know anything about horses. Bonus if they have loads of cash. My SO is a groom and notices when I get the latest bridle or saddle pad and how much entries are

[Alterration]

@Rumorhasit93

Take it from me, it’s better if your SO doesn’t know anything about horses. Bonus if they have loads of cash. My SO is a groom and notices when I get the latest bridle or saddle pad and how much entries are

Ooh that does suck. I’ve taught mine too much over the 20 years we’ve been together and he pays attention. sigh It’s nice…until it isn’t!

[enjoytheride]

I knew several barns that have this program. Board price includes 1 lesson per week. Don’t want that lesson, no problem, but you’re still paying for it in board.

A training package is often the only way barns break even.

[glenburn]

A great deal depends on your level of skill; whether you can make up a horse or need a made-up horse, your ability to do grooming/turnout, show prep, and your level of feeding/maintenance/knowledge. Your ability to choose a pleasant and capable horse that is a good learner and a volunteer.

[danhelm441]

@GypsyWind

Are western and eventing barns following suit with the must have stall board, be in a full training program, etc.?

I think it has more to do with property values and overhead costs than discipline. There might be a correlation, but the way I see it play out in my area, “western barn” is code for “property owner/manager/trainer dgaf.” To the extent that it’s cheaper, it’s because the facilities are falling apart, the care is whatever owners feel like doing themselves, and the training is a rope halter and a plastic bag on a stick. If you could actually get a better deal on board and training by switching disciplines, I would do it!

[danhelm441]

@Alterration

Also, this is all tongue in cheek. I’m not actually recommending anyone marry strictly for money for horses…I mean…not strictly anyway

I love that the comment immediately below this is “It’s horrific, I won’t do that anymore.” I realized they were replying to a totally different comment… but not until after I had already started laughing

[sherian]

my hubby was watching me ride when I had a bridle snap resulting in a runaway - he’s never complained about me buying new tack since. Not the recommended way to educate the other half on you get what you pay for in tack but it did work quite well.

[ZuzusPetals]

This thread title has turned me into the appliance movers in Dire Straits’ “Money For Nothing” video.

I want my
I want my
I want my 17h3

Look at them owners
That’s the way you do it
You school the horsies
In the indoor ring
That ain’t ridin’
That’s the way you it
Get your bridles for nothin’
And your bits for free

[Trekkie]

We got to install expensive sweet ponies

Custom saddles the french-made be

We got to move these rich obligators

We got to move these high-end horsies

[blondewithchrome]

My barn definitely makes money on me every month. Pro rides are rarely used, and I never can make the amount of lessons offered. I don’t really care. I love my trainer and am happy to support her program. In a world where there are fewer and fewer of them, i am glad to pay a slight premium for incredible care and knowing I can lesson (up to 3x a week!) if I want.

[ZuzusPetals]

Dwar God.

[floppyammy]

@ZuzusPetals

This thread title has turned me into the appliance movers in Dire Straits’ “Momey For Nothing” video.

I want my
I want my
I want my 17h3

Look at them owners
That’s the way you do it
You school the horsies
In the indoor ring
That ain’t ridin’
That’s the way you it
Get your bridles for nothin’
And your bits for free

This is priceless

[Pokerface]

@ZuzusPetals

his thread title has turned me into the appliance movers in Dire Straits’ “Momey For Nothing” video.

I want my
I want my
I want my 17h3

Look at them owners
That’s the way you do it
You school the horsies
In the indoor ring
That ain’t ridin’
That’s the way you it
Get your bridles for nothin’
And your bits for free

Thank you for this.

I’ve been humming this song to myself every time I see the title!

[DawgLady]

@Amberley

I’d rather pay more in board and not be forced to take “lessons” from someone. Which is what I do now. We call it the leave-me-alone fee and the barn has a lot of competent amateurs that are free to bring in any instructor they want.

You pay extra for the privilege of not taking lessons with the resident pro? No judgment, I’m just clarifying. Don’t they want your spot for someone “in the program?”