www.HorseAdvice.com
Better information makes for healthier horses,
Horseadvice.com is where equine science and horse sense intersect.

Discussion on Boarding while owner on vacation

Use the navigation bar above to access articles and more discussions on this topic.
Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Wendy
Member
Username: Nightwin

Post Number: 32
Registered: 5-2003
Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 8:50 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

I have been approached by a neighbor of my boarding facility to board her horses for a week while she is on vacation. I have a small, grassy pasture where I isolate new horses that would be quite suitable. The owner would provide her own grain and hay. I charge my field boarders $8.50 a day. What would be an appropriate charge for her, based upon what factors? Thank you.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro

Post Number: 15633
Registered: 1-1997
Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 6:58 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Wendy, you are the only one with the knowledge of the local conditions, costs, your circumstances to make such a decision here. I guess the short answer should be whatever you think the traffic will bear Wendy but I would think it would be more than you charge those who you can depend on month after month.
DrO
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Wiley G Gillmor
Member
Username: Wgillmor

Post Number: 28
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 10:29 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

I largely agree with DrO, except for the fact that she is a neighbor and no doubt puts up with at least some issues due to your operation being nearby. Good relations are of value. The alternative would be to charge roughly your cost.
Wiley
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

joj
Member
Username: Jojo15

Post Number: 697
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 1:14 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

we used to divide the monthly bill by 30 days, and then add 10%. And that would be the day cost multiplied by how many days they are there. We used to have overnight boarders, or weekly....Our board was only 200/month. so you are better off to charge her exactly what you charge the field boarders. hay or no hay. you still have to feed and water.

And just like reg. employees vs. freelancers, i charge more as a freelancer to make up for the fact that its not a steady gig. Same would go for you, its not steady income so you can charge a bit more. and i disagree with wiley unless you've asked for favors in the past, business is business, and unless you are good friends. I would also, make her sign any and all disclaimers you make a real boarder sign. You are a business, as opposed to my neighbor calling me and asking if i would look after her horses for a week. Horses still can get sick, hurt or worse in your care and as a business you are liable more so than just me, the neighbor, doing a favor.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Wendy
Member
Username: Nightwin

Post Number: 33
Registered: 5-2003
Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 9:02 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks for the input. I like joj's idea of adding 10% above what I normally charge, but then again, by accepting the horses it ties up my isolation pasture for a week so I can't bring in new horses/boarders.
To enter this discussion post your message below.
To ask a question about your horse, use the navigation bar at the top of this page to return to the parent topic and "Start a New Discussion".
Post:
Bold text Italics Underline Create a hyperlink Insert a clipart image

Username: Posting Information:
This is a member's posting area. Only registered members and moderators may post messages here.
Password:
Options: Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:
Home Page | Todays Discussions | Search | Top of Page Program Credits | Administration
  www.horseadvice.com
is The Horseman's Advisor
Helping Thousands of Equestrians, Farriers, and Veterinarians Every Day
All rights reserved, © 2008
BBB Reliability Seal