Advice after asking a livery to leave... yard owners please!

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PrivateJack

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Hi, I'm new to this site but hoping someone can help me...
I have a livery that I have politely asked to leave. I have many, many reasons however have not gone in a tit for tat argument and tried to keep things friendly and civil.
I gave her 4 weeks notice. She has a small bill outstanding and has advised me that she will only be able to pay this at the end of the month... AFTER she has moved the horse and left the yard. Now, I'm under no illusions that she plans on not paying the bill. I have asked that the amount be settled in cash before she moves the horse.
Where do I stand? Should I ask for something to be left by way of a deposit (i.e. A bridle...) or just run the risk of being 'knocked'...?
As I say it isn't a large amount and my husband said we'd probably be happy to pay the amount if we had to to get rid of her! But I don't want to just lie back and let her take advantage...
Any advice greatly appreciated! Thank you!
 
Not a yard owner, but is there anything in a contract that says any outstanding balance must be paid prior to leaving the yard?
 
It is quite easy, and cheap to take someone to the small claims court. You could give her a final settlement of account invoice with a sentence at the end saying "if necessary any money still owing will be reclaimed through the small claims court."
Sometimes the threat is enough to bring forth the money.
Good Luck.
 
It depends how you want to be thought of I guess ...you could "impound" saddle or equipment and not return until monies paid - perhaps with accompanying aggro or cut your losses. Its a rotten situation to be in though.
 
Unless there is specific provision in the contract to do so impounding tack could be considered theft.

Far better just to pursue her through small claims. From experience she won't turn you, you'll win and then she won't pay anyway so you are stuck with the decision of whether or enforce the debt or not. But a small outstanding bill is better than keeping contact with someone you need to leave.

And change the locks for anything she has a key to.....
 
I honestly think it depends on what you think of her character, which I imagine is not much if you've asked her to leave...
Ultimately, I think it may be something that you have to just sit back and cut your losses. If it's a small amount that's not worth the hassle of what will make a civil situation as it is turn into something more. I think personally I would allow her to leave, remind her of the money owed to you as she leaves and advise her you'll be in touch at the start of July to arrange her settling up. Just remind her you won't forget just because you're allowing her to leave. I think unfortunately further to that I wouldn't pursue it much further. Yes pursuing through small claims court wouldn't be too expensive, but if the amount is so small it bears the question 'is it worth it?'
 
Thanks everyone - I think I'll do eacctlynas the PP has said and just remind her of her owings in early July. She is not a terribly nice person to have around (hence asking her to leave!) but her family are getting very involved and they seem very unsavoury characters indeed!!! I will be changing the locks on gates etc but will be on edge for some time 😥 Thanks again x
 
Been there!

Personally, I'd be glad to wave goodbye to the money if I could wave goodbye to her too. And if the family are rather less than nice, I'd grit my teeth, smile and wish her well in the future so there's no reason for them to stoke up the vitriol.

It's a small price to pay for peace of mind and sadly, as we all know, there are some right nutters in the horse world ;)

If it cheers you up, just remember also that that world is very small: eventually, bad 'uns get enough of a rep that all the good yards are - strangely! - suddenly full when they come aringing next time round ...
 
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