November 14, 2006
Thank you for subscribing to Horse Chat. I must apologize for last months newsletter. The Healthy Horse Treats newsletter was sent out by mistake before necessary spelling and other corrections could be completed. So, I will be careful to keep my trigger finger from pressing the 'send out newsletter' button before its completion.
Also, I must add that after discussing the situation with my veterinarian, I have changed my views on cutting up carrots and apples. Dr. Gilbert Halle believes that carrots and apples should be given whole. A carrot should not be smaller than your thumb. Choking can occur if a horse bolts down tiny pieces of hard food.
Now, let's get on with this month's newsletter.
Best Regards Ronnie
Choosing Boarders for Your Stable
Ahh, the joys of having a horse boarding barn!Running a Medium sized or small horse boarding barn is a great way of making some extra money, having companions for your horse and having trail riding buddies.
After all, you already have the space why not make some money right?
Important Considerations
Below are some important considerations before putting that advertisement up at your local general store or newspaper.
Think carefully how to word your advertisement.
Don’t make the mistake of sounding as if you are offering more than you really capable.
Calculate how much it will cost you to board a horse. And charge accordingly.
When calculating board fees take into consideration these important points:
• Hay cost for a horse
• Grain cost
• Your heating cost (if your barn is heated)
• Your mortgage
• Bedding cost
• Fences and shelters that you might need to build to accommodate another horse or two.
• Your own time invested. You are worth something too! And if you weren’t taking care of someone else’s horse you could be working at something else, right?
If you need to invest in building new fences or shelter, expect to get investment back within a five year period, not immediately.
Your Home is Your Castle
When you decide to invite boarders into your stable you are also inviting them into your home. A small family boarding stable is very different than a commercial barn.So choose carefully
You don’t want to be walking on eggshells on your own property! You don’t want to be harassed by a very demanding boarder.
Also take into consideration the Horse you will be boarding.
Is it a stallion? Watch out!
Is the horse young and hard to control?
Does the horse have any vises
Chewing your fences or stall will create further expenditures that will cut into your profits.
Vices are very catchy. Weaving, wood chewing, stall kicking….
Does the potential boarder have any allergies or special needs?
How is he with other horses?
Don’t forget that you are working. Try to make a profit… unless you are mucking out stalls for the sheer joy of it. And don’t end up paying for the privilege of taking care of someone else’s horse because you didn’t do your calculations...
And if you have made mistakes... Remember we all did!!
Questions to Ask Potential Boarders
• Why did you leave your last barn?• Do you have references (you might find out that this person goes from barn to barn without paying board)
• What are you expecting in a boarding stable
• Be clear about what you are offering. And if they want something different (a different other than what you offer. They will be charged extra for it grain, then have them supply it or charge a fee for the extra cost. Do they expect extra feedings? Charge for it.)
• Does your horse have any vises? What are they?
You decide if you want this person and their horse in your barn. You have the upper hand. After all it is your home
The Importance of Boarding Agreements
Clearly define all the services that you offer for the boarding fee. As well as your expectations in terms of following your rules.
Explain the rules, expectations and services to the potential boarder as well as giving them a written copy of such. If they agree they must sign a copy and bring it back to you.
This will avoid any future disagreements or misunderstandings of what was offered or expected. Clearly define all the services that you offer for the boarding fee. As well as your expectations in terms of following the rules.
Once the potential boarder has claimed to have read, understood, agreed with and signed the boarding agreement you’re well on your way to establishing a great relationship with the new boarder, but keep in mind that it should be understood in writing that the first month is a "get to know each other" month and the boarder must be aware that if the place is not to their liking or vice a versa the arrangement can be cancelled.
Check out barn rules, boarding contracts and horse boarding contracts by clicking
barn rules