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  Discussion on Boarders and those who have boarders?
Author Message
Member:
Cindylou

Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2003 - 4:19 pm:

Been thinking of starting this discussion for a while. I am just moving to a new place and thought it would be interesting to have discussion as to what boarders want vs what people who accept boarders appreciate. Having always boarded my horses- I have no idea what owners go through having people like me invade their space, so to speak. Also- wondered how other boarders feel about their home away from home. Think it may help on both side to just communicate a bit. I always try to be helpful and treat the barn like I am a guest-I am a visitor after all-but a visitor that spends nearly a house payment each month for that right.... What issues have people had on both sides- and how have you resolved issues? What should boarders know and barns accepting boarders?
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2003 - 6:35 pm:

Hi Cindy-We no longer board, aside from outside mares being bred to our stallions. When we did board, my biggest problem was people who never came to see their horses; never rode, groomed, or cared for them. That is the main reason I no longer board others' horses. I hate to see a horse just turned out in a pasture and forgotten. (worse yet, shut in a stall for days on end.)

My board contract included feeding, stall cleaning, blanketing, and turnout. I would wind up grooming because I felt sorry for the horse. I had in my contract that if the horse needed farrier or medical care and the owner didn't see to it, I'd have it done at the owner's expense. I'd wait quite a while sometimes to be repaid for a trim or other treatment.
Member:
Tagloili

Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2003 - 7:10 pm:

I had a bad experience with boarding horses, mainly because people would not leave my horses alone.
Member:
Whs1

Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2003 - 7:51 pm:

I have had good and bad experiences with boarding. I have a teenage girl who cleans stalls in exchange for her board, she is very devoted and does a great job. I had an older mare that was also boarded up until she passed of old age, and her owners were also great, payment on the 1st of every month, visited, groomed her horse, was very nice and helpfull. I have also had a boarder that was awlful, never paid on time, always left her things every where, expected me to baby sit so she could visit her horse, left every door and gate unlocked, and got mad when I had to post rules of the mentioned to remind her about them. And currently, I have one person bring four horses to board, they lived with an elderly uncle who passed on and needed to move. they paid the first half months rent and never came back. I now have four horses to sell to pay for back board. I did track them down, and sent them a repo letter that they signed for, but they have never contacted me about it. I am truley at a loss as to how they could just leave them like that. I don't think that I will take any more boarders after this, there are just to many ands, ifs, and buts.!! (BUTTS!!)
Member:
Cindylou

Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2003 - 8:10 pm:

Wow-both places I have been at( I am on the second in four years-just moved on Friday-after my horse was so beat up I just couldn't take it any more) are very careful as to who they take-I had a long interview process and was taken on a trial basis... now I can see why. We set up our payment to go from computer to arrive two days before it is due- and my daughter and I are constantly looking for ways to help- bring things like toilet paper-paper towels-anything to show we appreciate being allowed to use their space. I also try to help with chores when I have time--maybe people should ask for a deposit- like apartments- so they are a bit protected. Or maybe first and last month- the problem is so many people in horses really shouldn't be- they just can't afford it. I would take care of them myself if I could get my husband to agree- unfortunately- he isn't wild about the idea- but I keep trying!
Member:
Amara

Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2003 - 8:44 pm:

This past year I have been blessed with running a barn with great boarders. It hasn't always been that way-bad enough at times to make me rethink doing what I love to do (ok, only briefly tho!)...
We spell everything out in the boarding contract-turnout, feed provided, blanketing provisions-all that stuff...extra costs are clearly posted...we try to make sure that they know clearly what they are and are not getting before they choose to board, and that they know exactly what we expect of them...signs are posted as to cleaning up after your horse, use of arena, stereo, off limit areas, etc... it is made clear to them that they are not to handle any horses but their own except with staff or that horses owners permission...
we unfortunately had to implement a lot of these rules a few years ago, when we had a string of horrid boarders who nitpicked about everything, and generally just made life miserable...
since then i have also made good friends with a woman who's kind of "in the know" in this area about barns and boarders.. we run new boarder names by her, and then ask for references from their former boarding places...

so what makes the current crop of boarders so great? they've read the boarding contract and accepted it-they know what they're getting and not getting and are content with it-if they're not, well, there's the door...they are kind and courteous to the other boarders, and the lesson students... they help out wherever they feel its appropriate-and never ask for anything in return-tho i try to make sure they do get something where i feel its appropriate... if they have a complaint, they bring it to me in a calm, quiet manner, ready to listen to what i have to say-and i make sure i give them the same courtesy.. they keep me informed of their whereabouts if they're going away for any extended period-and call to check in on their horses during that time... (i like to know they care...)
Member:
Jojo15

Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2003 - 8:54 pm:

I remember a post last year about this. You might want to try a search to see what comes up.

I have boarded small (6 stall barn) and now (70 stall barn). I much more preferred the smaller atmosphere. But, then i felt like an intruder at times, but that was because the barn was so close to the house. For instance they might be having dinner on the patio and here i come to ride and hose and clean. or i didn't feel comfortable coming after 9 pm. thinking i might bother them. And I didn't really like the mothering aspect of the owner of the barn. But on the other hand she lost alot of boarders because of her way of doing things. I found it slightly annoying but, knew my horse was in good hands so i put up with it. But aside from that it's so much nicer to be away from the big barns and the traffic of people in and out and all the other BS that goes with the politics of a bigger barn.

As long as your barn is setup for it i would say try it. I know that the posts i was referring to from the past was about boarding problems, non payment issues, contracts, etc... So you can get a perspective on those issues pertaining to boarding.

jojo
Member:
Skye

Posted on Monday, Dec 1, 2003 - 9:29 am:

As a boarder, I've had these problems, even in very expensive ($450/mo) barns.
Some will say they're training your horse (and they'll take your money) even though they aren't.
Some will say custom turnout, but that doesn't always happen.
Some will have your horse blanketed when you don't want her to be, or they'll have her out too long or too briefly.
Some will say the stalls are cleaned daily when they are not.
Some will not provide the amount of hay or grain you want.
Some will not do the first aid or vet care required despite what they tell you.
I have had all these problems despite a supposedly good relationship with the barn owner. No doubt I irritated them, too, but you can't pay for care you feel is inadequate.
You might have a signed contract, but you still might have to (1) ensure it's being followed (and that' you're following it!) or (2) find a barn with an owner who will listen to you. Sometimes that's a barn with fewer than 6 or 8 horses.

Ask around--ask lots of people--about the person who will be caring for your horse. And be there frequently! Watch what's going on. If there are too few workers, don't count on a big change coming.
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Monday, Dec 1, 2003 - 11:21 am:

I think Eleanor hits one of the key points-communicate with the barn owner (or clients) and if you're boarding, be there frequently! As a barn owner, I've never minded people coming to see their horses. As someone who's had horses in training (thus boarded) I've had some of the experiences Eleanor mentions. I've also had trainers/barn owners go "above and beyond the call of duty," too. There should be a contract; both parties need to follow it; there needs to be an open line of communication, and the border needs to assume final responsibility for their horse.
Member:
Amara

Posted on Monday, Dec 1, 2003 - 7:56 pm:

one of the things i encourage potential boarders to do is to just "show up"... i ask them not to make appointments to view the barn-i dont want to get the barn ready for them-i want them to see the barn exactly the way it is... my feeling is that if you need to make an appointment, then you're not really seeing the real barn and the real people... if you can DrOp in spur of the moment, you'll see exactly what the place is like(probably)... i would never want to board at a barn that needed me to make an appointment...
i also encourage potential boarders to talk to my current boarders-they are my best sales reps.. ask them how THEY feel the treatment is.. are they happy with the care of the horse and the training the horse may be receiving?..what are their complaints?.. is it shared by several boarders?.. maybe its a legitimate complaint, or perhaps that boarder is just extra difficult...
i run a very open, honest and up front barn, but i do use that nitpicky boarding contract to support it!...
Member:
Imogen

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 2, 2003 - 2:17 am:

My friend who runs a livery stable would like me to mention the people who require their horses kept in but NEVER (or hardly ever) actually ride them and then complain when to stop the poor animals going bonkers she turns them out for a gallop.

If you request your horse kept in, fit and exercised, then you must take it out to shows/hunter trials whatever at least once every couple of weeks or they gradually get dottier and dottier.

Just a view from the other side of the fence... because there quite a few rather strange horseowners who think their horses are sort of big furry dollies to be prettied up but never actually used.

Not suggesting anyone on this thread has such a view, just that these people are out there and can be very problematic for barn owners to handle.

All the best

Imogen
Member:
Amara

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 2, 2003 - 5:56 am:

wow-requesting that horses be kept in?
yes, guess i've heard of it...
anyone showing up at my barn with that opinion would be very politely shown the door!
heck, we just changed hands, and one of the first things i did was to convince the new owner to let me have more turnout space and more turnout time!
daily turnout is a rule at our barn-if your hrse cant handle groups, we can accomodate them, but the horse must be turned out
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 2, 2003 - 12:02 pm:

Imogen-guess those owners don't want their horses getting dirty? There are people with strange ideas, that's for sure. It's no wonder you see some "bonkers" horses. The more time a horse spends outside,the better. And, exercise or turnout every day is so important to their well being, regardless of breed, age, sex, or value of the horse.

We once sold a young, very well trained Morab (Morgan-Arabian cross) to someone who put it in with a "trainer" After a month the woman called and wanted me to take back the horse; it was too unmanageable. (It had been my then 12 yr. old son's horse) Turns out they kept her in a 12' x 12' pen all week, fed her 4qts. oats/day plus rich alfalfa hay, and took her out for trail rides on Saturdays-wanting to go at a casual walk!!
Member:
Kiwi

Posted on Monday, Jan 5, 2004 - 7:34 pm:

I know I'll draw some flack for this comment, but what about horses that can't stay out 24/7? I agree that turnout is good for the mind and soul of a horse but what about a horse that constantly loses shoes due to running around the pasture, stomping at flies or just poor feet? I actually have to keep my TB in during the summer, even at night because he is thin skinned and has weak walls. My farrier said I could keep him in and ride daily or keep him in and not ride when he loses his shoes. I thought it was best to keep him going. And yes, I've tried it all, fly sheets, glue ons etc. I was even told that the legendary team captain, Jack Le Goff did not turn out horses because of risk of injury. Instead he recommended hand walking, daily riding and a large stall. So I think in some cases, keeping a horse stalled is not a bad thing in certain cases.
Member:
Taxiridr

Posted on Saturday, Jan 10, 2004 - 10:00 am:

I have boarded & worked at numerous stables, the best thing for boarders is to find a barn who will work with you and it is best for stables to listen to the boarders. The horses' needs are the priority. I love ample turnout for my horses, however at a barn I worked at, the best thing for one navicular horse was to go for hand-walks and get grass. What is good for the goose is not always good for the gander. A good boarding stable will accomodate with the horse's best interest in mind.

Now, I have boarded at terrible places in which I resorted to cleaning out my horse's stall after finding out the barn had not done it for several days. Then I have been at places that regarded my horse as one of their own children. Bottom line: Take care of those who take care of you. Pay for good work. Leave if care is insufficient.
Member:
Cindylou

Posted on Saturday, Jan 10, 2004 - 6:24 pm:

Sorry Sandy- just don't agree any horse should be in a stall all the time- if the feet are bad- work to improve- my believe- all feet can be improved- even navicular- but the answer people run to is shoeing- which is just not the answer. I have seen horses totally crippled with naviciular go from lame to great- just with the right farrier. I always look to the wild horse- they have no shoes- have the healthiest feet of any breed. I would not put my dog in a cage all day- nor would I do it with a horse-many people feel horses are like dolls- they cannot be put in a box until you are ready to use them - they are living breathing animals that need to graze- interact with their herd- and just be what they are on this planet to do- be horses. People that are afraid of injury are protecting themselves or their investment-not the horse. My teenage son worries me sometimes that he may get hurt- but I would ever deny him the enjoyment of life. That is part of life- and risk of injury is part of life- if we deny the joy- we deny them life. Just my opinion.
Member:
Kthorse

Posted on Saturday, Jan 10, 2004 - 7:31 pm:

I agree cindy With horses and kids. :-)
Member:
Taxiridr

Posted on Sunday, Jan 11, 2004 - 10:07 am:

The arguement here is not over turn out. In a boarding situation lenghtly turn out IS ideal, however in that 1-2% of the time when a horse has some special need, whatever it may be, (as in Sandy's case) accomodations should be made by the barn. The point is that stables should have on open mind to the situation and listen to the owner, vet, farrier - all people involved with the care of the horse. An across-the-board generalization will not work. As for children, I have no clue, but I was grounded a lot as a kid....
Member:
Cowgrl

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 31, 2004 - 4:53 pm:

I had a young mare I boarded at a local barn for a few months. The only real complaint I have is that they brought in a new horse and stalled him next to my mare. Evidently this new horse brought in a virus because Ruby started to get sick almost right away. It came on pretty suddenly and progressed quickly and I had to pull her out of a clinic I had signed up for. Her fever skyrocketed to 107 so I gave her bute and she felt a little better but was not cured by any means. Took her to the vet where they determined she had pnumonia plus about 3 different viruses. She ended up staying at the vet for a couple of days and then needed daily care at home - luckily we had stall space in our barn at the house. She was down for about 4 weeks and was getting 60ccs of penicillin (sp?) a day. When better, I boarded her at a different (small) barn where they treated her like a child and had all long term boarders. The moral is, if I were to ever board again, I would request that new horses be kept away from the others until it was determined that they were free of illnesses or the owner needs to provide a certificate of health.

Also, at this first barn, I asked that Ruby be turned out but this never happened. They must have figured since I was riding her every day she didn't need turnout. That really ticked me off. It seemed that the trainer's horses had priority over the boarders horses as they were always taking up paddock space. GRRR!
New Member:
Pepette

Posted on Thursday, Feb 2, 2006 - 11:00 pm:

I have been on all sides of the fence. I've worked at stables, boarded at stables (one as high as $650/month), and now own my own. From the boarder side, most places were really great. My horses were safe, well fed, turned out most of the time, stabled when needed, blanketed when needed, etc. I have had 2 problems: one was staff who fed my supplements and feed to their horse(s), the other was that one barn manager who was absolutely positive that she was the authority on everything about horses, and anything that has worked for you in the past should be thrown out the window, even if your methods resulted in healthier horses than hers. The latter was the most frustrating. As an owner, I try to be very flexible and let the owners decide what to do with their horses (I encourage them to seek their vet's advice first for everything). If I see something that is harmful, then I do suggest that they seek the advice of a competent person, and I print articles for everyone in the barn.

The near house payment, I found, is necessary. Nobody makes money boarding, believe me. Talk to anyone in the business. The costs to run these places are astronomical. You make money on lessons and training, but not board.

My beefs with boarders would be the occasional one that does not clean up after him/herself (I always did as a boarder), and ones that insist that their near-obese animals be overfed. I also hate the gossip. And they all seem to think that because you own a boarding stable and have horses, that you have a lot of money. Those kind of people take advantage of you, leave owing a lot of money, and feel free to take stable supplies, tack, etc, because supposedly you can afford it more than they can.

The saving grace are the truly wonderful people that love and care for their horses, go overboard in being helpful and friendly, and are great fun to ride with! I have had a lot of fun riding with our boarders, and we all learn from each other because we are constantly showing each other stuff and having discussions. We have a nice group, for the most part.
Member:
Miamoo

Posted on Friday, Feb 3, 2006 - 9:43 am:

The one warning I have about boarding is liability. In order to be completely safe you need care custody and control insurance as well as professional liability insurance. The first covers if something happens to their animal ( ie steps in a hole and breaks their leg) and they press charges because you were "negligent" because you didn't discover the hole and have it filled. Wonderful people can turn nasty when their horse is injured or if they have huge vet bills. The second type covers if their horse injures someone else and charges are pressed against you as the owner of the facility. Your regular homeowners will not cover because it is not your property. Without these forms of insurance you are open to prosacution. They problem is people who are small can not make back enough to cover the insurance premiums and make having a boarder worthwhile financially so many risk their homes and families thinking it just won't happen to them!

Ella :-)
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