Am I being unfair? Boarder taking horse, I asked for cash.

Enfys

Enfys

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I have just been thoroughly yelled at on the telephone for asking for overdue Boarding fees to be paid in cash before I will let a horse leave the property.
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Considering that it has taken me two months to get hold of these owners, they have moved house (to who knows where) and finally answered my emails after I gave them notice to quit with the response "Oh, we are far too busy to bother with the horse or answering emails!"

They refuse to mail a cheque beforehand, or even tell me when they plan to collect her beyond "this week" but then, they have told me that half a dozen times in the last 11 months.

Is it so unreasonable that I would prefer cash to a cheque?

To be fair their cheques have always cleared, but then, before, I have always had the horse here as a kind of security. I can understand that they might feel insulted, fair enough I would be too (but then I wouldn't leave my bills unpaid either) but this is a substantial amount of money, not just $100 or so. If they were local and I knew where they lived then a cheque would be good, but I've been duped once too often by folk now and am biting back.
 
Ask them to do an email bank transfer directly into your account. No way in a million years would I allow a horse to leave my property without making sure the money has cleared in my account, so I am with you ALL the way here!

I was bitten last year over a hay delivery. I eventually did get my money, however this was after threatening to either take them to court, or go and collect my hay. I don't accept cheques from people I do not know; particularly over here where people have no qualms about bouncing cheques.
 
I dont think its unreasonable at all - I pay bills the day they come in - gets them out the way quicker!! insist on cash - send them a written document requesting so. - Have a written agreement with them anyway?
 
Tia,

The bank transfer was the first thing I suggested, he told me to F*** Off!
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Actually, if I am here by myself, I can't see how I CAN physically stop him just taking the horse, she's too well behaved to refuse to load, be caught or anything obliging like that
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Physically the man is like a bear, and a bit 'in your face' he scares me and all my dogs hate him...I trust my dogs.
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I am still getting used to the somewhat cavalier attitude of some people regarding money, I had a contractor in to bale hay in early August as our baler died, I am still calling him once a week to ask what I owe! "Ah, we'll sort it out sometime" he says. I find that just as frustrating.
 
can you park a lorry/tractor at the gate while you are there yourself? that way he can't bring his vehicle in/ or 'hide' the mare in another field/stable etc.

Will the police help if he tries to force his way onto your property. Have you asked him what the problem is with paying before collecting the mare?

F x
 
Personally if I was in your position, I would padlock all gates into the fields. Either that or move the horse to a friends place for this week until the money is paid in full. Otherwise he could just turn up and take the horse and you could say goodbye to your money for the timebeing. My experience is that they always pay in the end, however it is a real pain in the butt trying to weedle it out of them.

I wish I was closer as I would help you in this instance. Do not drop your guard and let him bully you into taking the horse - the horse is your guarantee of getting your money and without her, it might be a struggle.

I really don't know why he doesn't just let you "buy" her back. Saves all the hassle for him and then you have a more valuable yearling to sell!
 
Tia, Thankyou
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You are very kind, I appreciate the advice and offer of help.

Mr 'Nasty' has just been on the phone, he has obviously taken his nice pills now because he has apologised profusely and said cash is fine, no problem and given me a day that he expects to be here.

Ho hum.
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Taking it at face value, but the horses are still moving into a less accessible field for a while.
 
Just make sure you have a nice big friend with you when he comes, I had lots of trouble with a non-payer who turned up unannounced to take the pony and brought a large friend, so next time I had even larger friend with me! Don't trust him just because he has turned nice either - might not last!
 
If you are really concerned call the police community services and ask them what your rights are. Be sure to tell them you feel threatened by this fellow and he has given you the impression he might just take the horse without paying. Odds are they won't have much to tell you but at least you've lodged your concern and if, for some horrible reason, there is a problem they know your side.

Years ago, when I was working for my coach at the time, a woman stopped paying her board bills. Eventually, after many broken promises and some threats, my boss padlocked the stall (key hidden nearby). Late on Sunday night, when I happened to be there for dinner, this woman showed up with her very aggressive husband and the cops, claiming my boss was holding their property illegally. The police listened to the story, my boss presented his detailed invoices, and the police told the husband to present a cheque, which he did with bad grace. Then the police told the owners to go away and come back when the cheque cleared!!! I thought the husband was going to stroke out right there on the steps! The police stayed until the owners had reversed their trailer (comic in itself) and roared off down the lane, then waved us a cheery good-bye and told my boss to call if they showed up for the horse before he had the funds.

So see, they're not always useless.
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The other option is to certify a cheque to you but as you say, the fellow seems to have had a change of heart and it should be all fine. I think in these situations some people are embarrassed more than anything and react aggressively. No excuse but does mean sometimes they come to their senses when they calm down.

I find here, it's true, people do seem to be a little better about paying, but on the other side there is far less credit extended and understanding of circumstances. I think the problem in Canada, particularly in horses, is that traditionally people have had a pretty loose attitude towards money and figured they'd get paid whenever eventually. Some people really appreciate the forgiving attitude, some people abuse it. C'est la vie.
 
I had this with a livery who I had given notice to for non payment of bills and generally being argumentative and destructive.They turned up unannounced with a lorry to collect their horse. Luckily I had padlocked the horses stable and tack room and refused to let him take the horse until he gave me cash and the tack room key back. As we are only 3/4 of a mile from the cashpoint it was no great hardship. if they protest too much I smell a rat an am even more determined not to take a cheque. And I have a large OH so always handy.

I would keep the horse in the non accesible field until they actually give you the cash and you have counted it and signed to say the debt has been paid in full. Then and only then you can get the horse for them. And I agree with llewelyn - have a large friend on hand. And your dogs.
 
Don't let him bully you just because he is shouting.
Reading between the lines, he sounds like the kind of character that is used to getting his own way by shouting and making a fuss.
He probably gets out of paying a lot of his bills that way.
I don't know how some people have the nerve to act this way, but they do.
I would agree with above advice re-padlocking fields and having a very large friend and growly dog handy.

Stand your ground.
You are right. He is wrong.
 
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