Is it ok to ask this of my BOs?

You need to look at what amount of money you're paying and think about what's reasonable. I think I remember from a previous post of yours that they were 'doing you a favour' in letting you board your horses there? Either way they don't sound like they're doing it for money, and if you're not paying much consider offering to pay more to cover the cost of repairs you want done / pay to have the repairs done flat out. To me it sounds like a nice older couple letting a young girl keep her horse at their place for a low fee, not expecting to offer the same sorts of services as an actual boarding barn.

yup that's exactly what it is. I don't have a problem with paying more or helping out either!

I'm sure if you approached the issue from the standpoint that you'd like to help with the labour and costs, they would not have a problem with a few minor improvements. I would seriously discourage you from doing ANYTHING on anyone else's property without their express consent. That would be presumptuous. Also, respectfully explain why you want to do certain things and if they're anywhere's near reasonable, they will understand and be glad to help.

So reading between the lines, the owners aren't as interested/invested in the place now that their grand kids no longer ride? And that they're doing the minimum to keep the place going, not actively involved?

If so, then I think you have to be very careful and tactful about how you approach this, because if you're perceived as difficult, complaining or high maintenence, they may decide that having boarders just isn't worth the trouble.

So definitely approach it with an attitude of what YOU can contribute to make these things happen while not causing them too much inconvenience.

In re: the poster who asked about fixing things around the barn, I think what you did sounds lovely and you're probably a prize boarder. However, there is a line you shouldn't cross w/o asking permission from the BO first; and that line is defined by actually altering the BO's property or doing something that involves heavy equipment or a lot of power tools.

Yeah there just not as interested in fixing things but they've gone out of there way to help me out. Including finding a vet and a farrier! But when they keep saying the're going to fix things and then start something and don't finish it. It gets on my nerves cause im the one that has to work or ride around it. I have no problem with helping out at all.

I would never do anything major with out their permission! BUt things like cleaning stalls and reorganizing the tack room I do lol I defiantly want to explain that i've started taking lesson and just like to fix things so I can practice what im being taught with my horses.

I just want to say thanks to everyone that's replied so far!

I would fix my personal paddock when I boarded but if I had a facility I would want someone asking permission before messing with my stuff. I am not one to ask for much but the paddock gate is important and not sure what she is referring to on the round pen. My guess is that they are not interested in mowing regularly and that is why burrs are a problem.

We love it when our boarders want to help out. It ssays to us that they care about our facility, take pride in their surroundings and respect our time. We like to have a conversation about their needs and wants. Needs are prioritized above wants. If what they desire is reasonable and they have the ability to perform the task...we welcome their help. We will provide any tools and materials or reimburse for approved expenses. We also try to have a "barn party" twice a year where we ask all of our boarders to devote several hours to cleaning and maintenance and we put out a big BBQ spread to feed them for their efforts!

I live up here in Washington. We still have burr bushes here. They just dry and unless we go out and rip them up, there will still be burrs..