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Concerns about moving my horse?

2K views 19 replies 10 participants last post by  Illuminatus 
#1 ·
So I'm moving my boy to a new boarding farm. My first concern is telling the barn owner I'm leaving. I'm freaking out about it because I've heard and seen so many bad stories about people trying to move their horse. I guess I don't have a specific question on that. I'm just panicking especially because I bought my horse from the owner of the farm he's at. I guess...they can't do anything right? They can't force me to stay? I'm just scared I guess. I have a signed bill of sale proof of payment and coggins. Any tips on telling her?

And the other thing was I'm giving the new barn a deposit to hold the stall for me, basically the first months board. Do I need to write something up as proof that I'm giving her a deposit? It's a pretty small farm and I don't think she'll write something up for the deposit.
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#2 ·
Oh and also....my mom offered to come with me when I tell the barn manager. But I can't decide if it will help or not. I'm 19. So I don't know maybe it would help to have her their it's just....she's not a horse person and although she supports me and loves my horse, she usually isn't to involved in horse stuff.
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#4 ·
It's a business arrangement, not a personal relationship. As long as you give her 30 days notice, she shouldn't have an issue with you leaving.

You can move your horse any time during those 30 days, but even if you don't have a written contract stating that you need to give notice, you'll need to pay her. Never burn bridges; the horse community is small.

As far as the barn you're moving to, yes, get everything in writing. I don't care how small the facility or how relaxed the BO/BM is, you ALWAYS get a written contract.
 
#5 ·
It is a business relationship, like SR said. Yes, bring your mom bc not everybody will treat a 19yo as an adult. I am sure that you have your reasons to move, but this happens all of the time. Just like in an apartment you might loose you security deposit, but if there is an drama around THAT, just let it go. =D
 
#6 ·
Write a letter to you old BO that just gives your notice. I always put things in writing. (Do not give reasons! Just state: this is to inform you that our last day at <Facility> will be mm/dd/yyyy.). With my old BO I also showed the prorated amount I would be paying on the 1st (when board was due), to pay out my 30 days.

For your new facility, always write a check and in the notes field write something like "Deposit-First Month Board for horse name" . Cashed checks are a paper trail to show you paid.

Also, do NOT board without some type of contract. If the new BO does not have one, then YOU write one. You can find them online and modify them to suit your situation.

Too many people get burned by the casual manner in which many horse people operate. While I would love to be able to take someone at their word, these days I try to get everything in writing to CYA and to provide that documentation trail.
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#7 ·
So you would just put it in writing? I thought about that but I feel like it would totally shock them. They keep talking about how great he'll be in the winter show series and of course...I won't be there then. I feel like I need to sit down and have this long conversation with her since they "gave me such a good deal, gave me a discount on board since I'm 19 blah blah blah" they always use that card. But maybe I guess I could just put it in writing.
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#8 ·
I would. What you do is approach it as, hey look, I want to protect both of us and be sure we have, in writing what each of us is responsible for.

The contract should cover how much you are paying in board, when board is due, what happens if it is late, what board does cover. It can include a clause about basic maintenance agreements (wormer, shots, yearly coggins). It should also have a termination clause.

When you approach it as protecting both of you, a reasonable person will appreciate and understand.

My current BO is also a friend. However, when she asked to borrow my trailer, I had her sign a trailer lease agreement. She did not pay me anything, but it did state that she would cover any expenses related to damage to the trailer and would clean it out after each use. She understood 100%.
 
#9 ·
I would put it in writing, for yours and their reference, but if you've had a good open communication relationship with them up to this point, also tell them in person, or at least call. They will appreciate the face to face convo.
 
#10 ·
Put EVERYTHING in writing. This applies to many aspects of life - living arrangements, car purchases, loaning your neighbor your new chainsaw, etc.

August 1, I gave my current barn owner (whom I greatly admire and whom has taken excellent care of my horse) written 30 day notice. I'll likely be moving my horse earlier, but I'm paid up through the end of the month as per our contract stipulations and common decency. I was almost hoping BO wouldn't be there when I dropped off my letter, but she was, and I got pulled into the "where/why are you going, you're leaving right before I make XYZ improvements" conversation and I had to deal with her visible disappointment. It was emotionally difficult because I do love that drama-free facility and moving to the unknown is a scary prospect, but I truly need the different amenities at the new facility.

I will most definitely be signing a contract at the new place, and will continue to pay my monthly board with the details of what it's for on the memo line - that's just good common sense for the whole cover-your-butt aspect.

Good luck!!
 
#15 ·
Another good reason to move. Do NOT be as unprofessional in your business actions as this trainer. You don't have to justify your reasons for moving to US, but finances are a good reason to change.
 
#17 ·
There are plenty of situations when things can go south very fast when you give notice to a barn owner. Because of this I always recommend people not give notice until they are sure that they can move their horse TOMORROW if things get really nasty. Just in case. However, I have never had an issue telling the barn owner that I was moving. A couple of times it was because I was moving to a different city and they obviously couldn't complain about that. The last couple of times it was for issues with the barn and I wanted to be at a different facility. I told them in person and both were very understanding. They wished me the best, said I was always welcomed back. I told one that I was tired of the drama associated with the family living on the property (not mentioning the care issues) and told the other that I wanted to take lessons with another trainer. It can go smoothly, but be prepared in case it doesn't. I don't see any problem with having your mother present if you don't want to talk to her on your own.
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