Horsey money saving hints? (merged)

orlao

lostinrates wrote: »

I think for us the issue might be that while I'm happy for somone to have a regular use of on of our horses I think I'm offering a mutually convenient arrangment other than a share. Whil I'm happy to consider things someone might suggest for a horse's benefit, for example, I don't want to be comprimised over, say, feeding issues, or tack choice that I'm not 100% happy about. I think this is where my DH is coming from in not wanting a sharer. Maybe we'r not cut out for it:o

IME when you have a sharer what you say goes regarding care, feeding etc.
The way I've always looked at is that it is MY horse that I am allowing someone else to ride and do all the horsey things that aren't available at a riding school for instance in return for a contribution of time, money or both... if I had a sharer who started to expect or demand that feed, tack etc were changed I would politely suggest that maybe it was time for them to invest in a horse of their own;) and then they could do what they liked.....but until then..... However, again IME, nobody ever does things exactly the way you do:D so a certain amount of tongue biting is required at times.

IIRC, in your last post you said you wouldn't ask for money? Sadly, to a lot of people if it's free it doesn't have much value...so now I always ask anyone who rides mine regularly for a contribution be it time or money. If I rode someone elses horse regularly I would always pay for their shoes at least....mind you,there are times when people have done so much work with my scatty cob that I have offered to pay THEM though so it really depends on both horse and rider.

As for the horse only being available weekdays...there are a lot of Mums out there who are available during school hours but would be glad to have the weekends as "family" time ?

lostinrates

orlao wrote: »

IME when you have a sharer what you say goes regarding care, feeding etc.
The way I've always looked at is that it is MY horse that I am allowing someone else to ride and do all the horsey things that aren't available at a riding school for instance in return for a contribution of time, money or both... if I had a sharer who started to expect or demand that feed, tack etc were changed I would politely suggest that maybe it was time for them to invest in a horse of their own;) and then they could do what they liked.....but until then..... However, again IME, nobody ever does things exactly the way you do:D so a certain amount of tongue biting is required at times.

IIRC, in your last post you said you wouldn't ask for money? Sadly, to a lot of people if it's free it doesn't have much value...so now I always ask anyone who rides mine regularly for a contribution be it time or money. If I rode someone elses horse regularly I would always pay for their shoes at least....mind you,there are times when people have done so much work with my scatty cob that I have offered to pay THEM though so it really depends on both horse and rider.

As for the horse only being available weekdays...there are a lot of Mums out there who are available during school hours but would be glad to have the weekends as "family" time ?

Gosh, thank you, thats all very refreshing and encouraging! A mum was exactly the sort of person I thought might benefit (and they might find money harder to find anyway) or someone saving for their own horse. But help with chores would be lovely (especially poo-picking:o, or a good groom). If people wanted to make a contribution I suppose that might be nice. Maybe feed is best? Like hiring a car you'd put petrol in? I think all in all chores might be best, give people experience and let them save.

Rose_Crow

Hi horsey peeps!

I have 4 girlies, Saffron, my 15hh Welsh Cob (whom I ride), Misty, 13.2hh New Forest (my sister's), Penny, 11.3hh Welsh Mountain and her chum Rose, Shetland cross.

All of them live out all year round which is undoubtedly the cheapest way to keep them. We pay £200/month for a 6 acre field, much better than livery - no politics! Although I do miss the facilities.

Obviously you have other items such as worming (last bill was £22 for all four), farrier (£120 every 7 weeks or so) vet occasionally (just paid £161 for Penny). Penny is the only one on hard feed (over the winter only) so hardly costs anything, Rose and Penny both have hay, we pay around £3/bale and it doesn't seem to go down too quickly.

Rugs I always buy from Robinsons' Requisite range for around £45-£50 each. They tend to last for around 2 winters before the girls make holes in them.

Going to Your Horse Live on Sunday, so must resist the temptation to buy anything.

Current project is to make some trotting poles out of drainpipes filled with sand and painted...

orlao

lostinrates wrote: »

Gosh, thank you, thats all very refreshing and encouraging! A mum was exactly the sort of person I thought might benefit (and they might find money harder to find anyway) or someone saving for their own horse. But help with chores would be lovely (especially poo-picking:o, or a good groom). If people wanted to make a contribution I suppose that might be nice. Maybe feed is best? Like hiring a car you'd put petrol in? I think all in all chores might be best, give people experience and let them save.

TBH I'd be inclined to set a cash amount even if only a small one and then put it towards whatever you like! I'd also insist (and check!) that they are a BHS gold member or have rider only insurance just in case there is an accident.
When I share these days I am really business like at the start and then there is always leeway to be more flexible in future if they turn out to be a good un but if they aren't then it's not a problem IYSWIM.

The pitfalls I've come across over the years are:

• Peeps massively over stating their experience, one ride on a beach donkey doesn't make you a good rider/handler....but as you will have 2 horses you will be able to check that out because you can ride out with them;)
• Expecting to give all and sundry pony rides....I've always banned under 16's from my horses because they have too many friends who "want to have a go". Also IME parents go from one extreme to the other either expecting you to provide 8 hours a day babysitting or threaten to sue if their darling has a fall.Not all parents are like that of course but their is a significant minority who are.
• Peeps who are unreliable. Those who always are unavailable if it's raining, cold, they were out last night. Really those who should have stuck to a riding school where they can just show up, ride and hand the horse back to a groom:mad:

But there are many sharers who aren't a bit like the above.....you just have to be a bit aware and vet hard! Remember you (or they) can end the share at any time so you don't have to put up with anyone you don't like

Hi grn.w.nv

I'm soooooooooooooo jealous of you going to Your Horse Live:beer:

And your horses sound lovely! I also have a Welsh Cob

Rose_Crow

Thanks orlao!

Your Horse Live = not very MSE!

I've been meaning to get some up to date pix of the girls online, got loads on my computer (at home) but they've not made it onto the net yet. Love Welsh Cobs, Saf's not too chunky and you've gotta love their paces. She's a chestnut mare and lives up to the sterotype!

Just remembered to add, going to grovel with the local carpet people today to see if I can get some of their plastic tubes for trotting poles

mehefin

Would fully endorse what Orlao put above re vetting your prospective sharers.
Although we have kept equines for more years that I care to remember we have never shared. In our experience many (but not all by anymeans) riding school riders have a good basic knowledge and are competent in a controlled environment - school, escorted hack etc, but lose the plot a bit when let loose on a TB or big Welsh cob. I think all horsey people tend to portray themselves/their animals when talking to others.

On a slightly differnet note - one of the competition yards near us lets suitably vetted clients ' sponsor' a horse and get priviledges accordingly. Not quite sure how it works but I haven't heard of any unhappy customers. As the yard specialises in team chasing I suspect they have to be good riders to start with.

SDH

Right cross your fingers for me - the back lady says my saddle doesn't fit my horse anymore (its all my fault for getting him fit & muscled up) so tomorrow we are going to saddlers to see if they can adjust current saddle - it needs widening and rising. I really hope they can make it fit cos otherwise its gonna be £££'s for a new saddle and that wont be very MSE

SDH

Also after getting saddle sorted, I am moving yards (yes I know its a lot to do in one day - but I dont have my own trailer, so am making the most of borrowed one!) am very excited about new yard. Its 5 mins from my house (as opposed to 30mins!) but with all this to do - what do you think new yard folks will think if I dont clean my 2 horses before moving in?? Grooming heaps of mud off them is low on my priority list!

orlao

SDH wrote: »

Grooming heaps of mud off them is low on my priority list!

Depends on the yard you're going too I suppose:D If it's really posh I think I would at least try and scrape the worst off.....you could always do it while hanging around at the saddle fitters?

If you do have to change your saddle, would you consider a treeless?
There are a few brands that look like traditional saddle ( Enlightened Equition(sp! Heather Moffat) or the trekker dressage pro which is the one I have....they always fit which is great. I started using them when my cob was still growing as he had 4 saddles in 14 months:eek: and he's still in his original trekker 7 years later....

Millie2008_2

Another YHL visitor here:D I went yesterday and went a bit mad rug buying (all needed, damn 5yo has grown again)

I bought a bargain thermatex for 26yo, reduced to £50, not sure of exact RRP, as it was a special order made with a higher % of wool, so over £100. Her old one she had for 15 years!! and was a bit tatty. I bought another bargain Bucas stable rug for 26yo- not really needed, but it was reduced to £15 and is full neck and fits her like a dream and finally a Slumberdown turnout for 5yo for £35 (getting to the point of the post!)

I didn't realise at the time that slumberdown are made by Fal, so this was a bargain too. I haven't tried it on her yet, but I am sooooo impressed with the way it is made. Now need a trying on session to figure out which rugs really don't fit her so I can sell them...

I will, of course be requiring 5yo to immediately roll in the mud when I put new rug on her as it is obviously new! and OH quite understand that youngsters grow...and outgrow rugs:rotfl: