How much to ask for?

[magpiegus]

Hello. I have a friend who has been riding my horses for 9 years. It isn't a regular thing, maybe a couple of times a month, a bit more during the summer. She has never paid towards anything nor has she mucked out regularly, pooh picked etc. I recently asked her to start contributing towards the cost of shoes, she said we would sort something, nothing came of it for ages, so I've asked again and she has offered me £5 a ride! Now I'm really offended by this offer. I've mulled it over for ages.

What would you think if it was you?
I know I've allowed this disrespectful behaviour for manybyears so sort of feel I deserve an offer like that.
Help!

 

[BallyJ]

For me it would depend, are you getting anything out of this deal? A hacking buddy? Horse exercised? If so I’d leave it and see it as being mutually beneficial. If not then call it quits and don’t offer again

 

[ycbm]

Welcome to the forum.

I seems a bit late to me after 9 years to suddenly be asking for a contribution. What's changed that you are asking for payment now?
.

 

[Amymay Again]

If she's only riding twice a month (and has been successfully for both parties for 9 years), then I'm struggling to understand why you'd ask for a contribution now.

 

[I'm Dun]

£5 a month isnt a derisory disrespectful offer either. Unless its novices who need constant supervision I have never charged for riding mine as they have been doing me a favour. The novices have given me a token amount of £60 a month to ride 3 times a week. Its just a token gesture. If someone came to me after 9yrs asking for payment and then decided my behaviour had been disrespectful, they'd be finding someone else.

 

[Birker2020]

For me it would depend, are you getting anything out of this deal? A hacking buddy? Horse exercised? If so I’d leave it and see it as being mutually beneficial. If not then call it quits and don’t offer again

I'm not paying for my once a week ride, I enquired after my friend tagged me in to the FB post. When i rang the owner and I asked how much I'd have to pay she said "no we'll pay you!".

I laughed and told her there was no need, I really appreciate being given the opportunity.

I've offered to muck out or saddle clean but they're not bothered.

But I'd happily have paid ten or fifteen pounds a time if they'd asked me to.

 

[webble]

Difficult one, who is benefitting? I have been riding a friends horse an a similar ad hoc basis for the last few months whilst she was waiting for an op and I had no horse. I offered her a contribution but she said no, it benefitted her that he was being ridden (she has a paying loaner 2 days a week if that makes a difference) I have done poo picking and mucking out to help