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Question for Private operating BO

1K views 9 replies 5 participants last post by  nicole25 
#1 ·
So I am the only boarder at my barn. I have my horse along with the BO's 5 horses. I pay 275 a month for FULL care. It is probably a little beyond full care my BO really helps out with a ton of stuff especially helping me with questions and etc. She is really great couldnt ask for a better place. BUT I recently changed jobs because my AMAZING paying summer job ended and am now working retail part time. I have run into a bit of a money problem. I can pay my board but its either gonna be late or like in 2 check increments. Also I am just a recent grad, so its not like I am an older aged person scrounging for money and handouts because I am lazy. I am looking for a better job, but having a difficult time. Anyway, I was wondering how I would go about asking my BO if there was anyway I could maybe work at the barn on days I have off. Cleaning, doing yard work, (she also lives on the property about 16 acres) like whatever chores she gives me. She already pays people to clean stalls, feed, clean fields, do yard chores etc. So I am not really sure how I would ask her without sounding desperate. I have read other threads about this similar situation but most of them have been at large barns and that is not this case at all. I also dont want to make it seem like I am stepping on the other employees toes either. I was probably going to call her and talk to her about it because I never see her when I am at the barn and this way I know that I will be able to get a hold of her if it is over the phone versus just going to the barn and hopping she is there. So I was wondering if there are any other private operating BOs that have a boarder or two that would offer this to them and how they would want to be approached about it. Also does this even sound like a good idea? I am sorta at a loss right now as to what to do because this is only temporary but I feel awful about being a crappy boarder right now. To the point where I am like uhhh I dont even feel right going to the barn because of it. Helpp please?!? :-(
 
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#2 ·
I have been in almost your exact situation, I too am the only boarder at a private barn, where she has 5 horses, I pay full care, and she does far more than that for me.

During summer I hit some financial issues, and wasn't able to pay her on time. I met with her and explained my whole situation. She took a half payment from me, and then a half payment a few weeks later when I could make it. She also sat on a check for a week until I had the funds for it to clear.
Now coming up to Xmas, I have been paying her extra so I am a few months ahead, as I know that every Jan I am always flat broke.

I'd suggest meeting with her face to face, call to arrange that if you need to - and explain your situation. Come up with suggestions of what you can do, but also be willing to do what she asks of you instead.
 
#6 ·
"working" off board almost never makes sense. DO the math.
My friend, worked off part of her board. She spent 8 hours on saturday, and 2 hours twice a week, add drive time and you are at 15 hours. Even with a crappy job thats over $400 a month in labor/ your time to work of half of a 300 dollar board fee. Dosnt really make sense .

If you are working retail at $7 and hour you are way better off just adding a few hours a week to your schedule. Or looking for something that will give you more hours a week.
 
#8 ·
I have to drive to the barn everyday to see my horse anyway and its a 20 minute drive. I don't see the difference driving has with anything if ill be there just for 2 hours or for longer to ride and work.
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#9 ·
I'm a BO and know full well how life makes turns and corrections in life. It's part of the business. Do you think that we don't notice when people we've seen daily (or several times a week) don't come around as much just because you haven't paid their board for the month? It happens all the time and we've all but become used to it. It's part of doing business and we understand it. If they don't, they should.

Go to the BO and tell them just as you've so poignantly worded here what has happened in your life. Here's a tip for you. You'll probably hear a "When I was your age" kind of story from them but allow them that right. They're the ones that are going to be letting you slide for a month or a few weeks. It's part of doing business. It's also part of the reason they could have more boarders but just have ONE. There's something about you that they like or you'd be just another "Usta Board Here" horse owner.

I've got my share of those stories, as well. You're just being human. Give them the chance to be the same.

BTW, just where in SE Pa. are you? Did a lot of fishing and around there years ago. Know it pretty well, especially Montgomery County. Still have family there.
 
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