This is what I wrote two years ago: https://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/forum/discussion-forums/off-course/344276-the-perils-of-being-a-barn-owner
Update: I still take on boarders as it’s mostly to offset the cost of my horse but have reduced the number of horses on my property. I still enjoy it but I totally get the OP’s frustration.
UPDATE - Hi everyone, I really appreciate everyone’s responses. This has given me a lot to think about.
I have considered this a great deal and talked it over with my husband. I have decided that instead of just closing down the barn to try something a bit different. I have talked to my boarders currently working off board and have given everyone a specific task list with a three strikes you’re out policy. If they get lazy on tasks or start “forgetting” things. They get 2 warnings and the third time they are done and back up to paying full board. I’m also raising board $75 a month in 2 increments. 1 on May 1st and 1 August 1st. This will allow me to hire a little extra help if need be and also start saving a little money for farm improvements.
I created a new set of barn rules with pricing for “extra” services like blanket changes and holding for the farrier. Farrier is $50, each blanket change is $10. I’m hoping that this will really discourage people from being lazy. If something happens where a blanket NEEDS to be changed or a farrier is at the barn and owner is no where to be found, I will charge them for it and if they don’t like that they can leave.
The new boarding price is steep for what I have, most barns charging what I will be charging as of August 1st have decent, footed outdoor rings. I only have a grass ring. But i think for the time I spend on my property making sure things are well maintained and the horses have good diets, turnout, etc. it is worth it. If not, oh well.
I thought about just closing my doors and being done with it all. I almost sent the letters out. But at one point I had respectful boarders and I really enjoyed having people around and having an active barn. We will see if these changes can bring that atmosphere back. If not on August 1st when the second board raise goes into effect I will also notify them of 60 days notice.
This is my plan right now. Hopefully my boarders will respect these changes and things will improve. I just don’t want to fully shut down without giving a business I did enjoy at one point one last shot.
thank you everyone!!!
OP - FWIW it’s worth, by blanket change, do you mean daily off and on? I’ve usually paid $30 - $50 a month additional for that service. That’s in the SF Bay Area (which ain’t’ cheap). $10 a time seems a bit steep, but perhaps in your area that’s the going rate?
I imagine her horses are on outside board, where blanket changes aren’t typically part of board. I also charge $10 per time for this service, as you have to catch the horse, brush the mud off, and then blanket. It takes more than $10 worth of my time to do this!
Can totally understand that. In my case, I’m talking abut a horse in a stall w. paddock.
For those of you who have had to evict boarders, have any of them remained after the eviction date? What do you do if they don’t leave?
It’s steep so they are not inclined to use the service and create more work for the OP.
I have evicted a total of three boarders. None remained to the final date: I think they were embarrassed? maybe uncomfortable? I think it helps that we are in a horse friendly part of the world, and I waited until spring/summer (when vacancies are more likely) to give them their notice. I refunded any prepaid fees or provided hauling.
Do you really need the help from these boarders? Maybe just nix having boarders “work off board” period. I like the place I just moved to. It’s small and BO and her husband do everything themselves, no boarders or other people doing chores. She has an 8 stall barn with 7 pasture boarded. Just the right size. I understand this can be frustrating but it has been your choice to go into this and any horse person who boards must, in their right mind, have some idea how difficult and frustrating horse people can be. I hope your plans work out good. Some tighter rules and downsizing may help.
I had one. My boarders were warned repeatedly that if they weren’t off by the set date, I would be calling animal control and they could go collect their horse from there. I even had contracts drawn up stating the date and they understood what would happen if they didn’t and made them sign it. I did exactly as I threatened because they had 60 days notice of things closing and more than enough time to move their horse. Owner whined and complained about it for months that it cost her a small fortune to get said horse from animal control on Facebook. By that point I had a care factor of zero and let her complain all she wanted. She had signed a contract and I was done with people walking all over me.
I think “3 strikes and you are out” is fraught with issues. You may see a temporary improvement, but it will not instill the level of work you want in them. I see backbiting and passive aggressive behavior looming in the future. It’s just kicking the can down the road. If you want something done a certain way consistently, then hire competent help and that includes paying a decent wage for that help. You’ll be much happier.
Perhaps getting rid of the boarders who are problematic and accepting new boarders (there is a waiting list IIRC) will be a better solution.
Agree that “3 strikes” is untenable. If I were you, having already made this agreement and not wanting to go back on it, I would closely monitor the work (which is work in and of itself), and strike them out sooner rather than later.
I have both had boarders who work off board AND been a boarder who worked off board. Best way it worked was PAY them, not trade. Best work was easily checked results (mucking stalls or paddocks yes, feeding no). Reminds me I need to talk to the person who didn’t muck half my paddock but got paid for all…sucks, uncomfortable, necessary.
Otherwise you’re on a good path I think. Best of luck.
Amen, AMEN, AMEN!!!
Pay for services in cash, don’t barter for them. Be paid in cash, not barter. Barter creates a Gordian Knot around tax time (I presume the OP declares the income they receive from these boarders and files a Schedule C or F; if not they are flirting with a MUCH bigger problem than negligent boarders).
The three strike rule works in baseball because there is an umpire willing to enforce the rule. Unless the OP is willing to become an “umpire” and enforce their rule they will be back here in 90 days telling us how it just didn’t work.
G.
I would also have them sign a document stating when they and their stuff need to be gone and have it witnessed
I have one boarder who works off some of her board in work (and in discounted cat food). At the end of the month she submits her hours (and cat food receipt) and deducts it from her board. This makes it easy to track from a book keeping point of view, and keeps either of us from feeling we are being taken advantage of.
Can you hire a manager? Maybe in exchange for free board on 1 horse? 6 horses ought to be easy to ask to move on. Give them 60 days.
Eh. Then why even offer?
Probably because people are not doing it themselves. I’ve seen barns do this if people won’t properly blanket. Ie remove a blanket when it’s 60 degrees out. So to encourage owners to take care of their horses, BOs will charge high amounts. It encourages the owner to do it and if it falls on the BO they are compensated fairly for lazy owners.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
