How much would you pay?

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Makemineacob

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Full "luxury" livery.

Private yard with just one other ridden livery. Experienced Owner on site pretty much 24/7 (house right next to courtyard of lovely stables), 40x20 floodlit arena, private hacking leading onto country lanes. Free trailer/horsebox parking.

Includes following:
Morning feed, Turn out with appropriate rugs in either herd or individual paddock, rug changes throughout the day if the weather turns. Water troughs cleaned and topped up regularly, regular poo picking, full muck out, unlimited quality hay/haylage and quality straw bedding (on top of rubber matting), bring in, full groom including feet picked out and hoof preparation (yard provides hoof oils, dreamcoat etc), checks for cuts and scrapes etc and treated if any found (yard provides all first aid items), feed (includes quality base feeds), apples/carrots (where appropriate) etc included from our orchard, evening checks and top up of waters/haynets and skip outs. Holding for farrier/vet, arranging of both, horse caught and brought in with full groom ready for when farrier/vet/owner needs, tack cleaned weekly, rugs/numnahs etc anything small enough to be washed in yard machine is washed (fairy non bio) and dried free of charge, basically throw it in the laundry bag and the magic fairies do the rest! Rugs repaired for free if spares box has it in (which is generally always). Walk out in hand three times a week on private land, equissage sessions (monthly). Said horse has three meals a day (veteran who struggles to hold his weight and is lacking teeth - but is doing great) so I have to schedule my days around whizzing out and getting back to do his lunch etc if I need to go out. This is a 7 day a week service (which I do myself).

I wanted to gauge how much people would pay for this service as I am toying with showing one of my liveries just what she should expect to pay for all of the above (as I offer this at a very cheap rate). This isn't to mention the two rugs and the snuggy hood that I have bought for her horse as his rugs were falling apart/didn't fit. I should also mention that said horse is a grey so daily groom includes getting him back to spotless each evening which isn't an easy task lol.

Thanks in advance.

x
 
I'm sorry but I'd never want someone else to do that much for my horse. I wouldn't see the point in having one if someone else did it all
 
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Makemineacob said:
Full "luxury" livery.

Private yard with just one other ridden livery. Experienced Owner on site pretty much 24/7 (house right next to courtyard of lovely stables), 40x20 floodlit arena, private hacking leading onto country lanes. Free trailer/horsebox parking.

Includes following:
Morning feed, Turn out with appropriate rugs in either herd or individual paddock, rug changes throughout the day if the weather turns. Water troughs cleaned and topped up regularly, regular poo picking, full muck out, unlimited quality hay/haylage and quality straw bedding (on top of rubber matting), bring in, full groom including feet picked out and hoof preparation (yard provides hoof oils, dreamcoat etc), checks for cuts and scrapes etc and treated if any found (yard provides all first aid items), feed (includes quality base feeds), apples/carrots (where appropriate) etc included from our orchard, evening checks and top up of waters/haynets and skip outs. Holding for farrier/vet, arranging of both, horse caught and brought in with full groom ready for when farrier/vet/owner needs, tack cleaned weekly, rugs/numnahs etc anything small enough to be washed in yard machine is washed (fairy non bio) and dried free of charge, basically throw it in the laundry bag and the magic fairies do the rest! Rugs repaired for free if spares box has it in (which is generally always). Walk out in hand three times a week on private land, equissage sessions (monthly). Said horse has three meals a day (veteran who struggles to hold his weight and is lacking teeth - but is doing great) so I have to schedule my days around whizzing out and getting back to do his lunch etc if I need to go out. This is a 7 day a week service (which I do myself).

I wanted to gauge how much people would pay for this service as I am toying with showing one of my liveries just what she should expect to pay for all of the above (as I offer this at a very cheap rate). This isn't to mention the two rugs and the snuggy hood that I have bought for her horse as his rugs were falling apart/didn't fit. I should also mention that said horse is a grey so daily groom includes getting him back to spotless each evening which isn't an easy task lol.

Thanks in advance.

x
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it's effectively hunter livery minus the daily exercise.

£150 + per week (easily!!!)
 
Slightly less than what I pay atm, as we have an indoor and 3000 acres of off road hacking plus all of the above ( minus the the equissage) So around £90 per week. (This is Scotland though, so cheaper than down south).
 
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Makemineacob said:
I wanted to gauge how much people would pay for this service as I am toying with showing one of my liveries just what she should expect to pay for all of the above (as I offer this at a very cheap rate). This isn't to mention the two rugs and the snuggy hood that I have bought for her horse as his rugs were falling apart/didn't fit. I should also mention that said horse is a grey so daily groom includes getting him back to spotless each evening which isn't an easy task lol.

Thanks in advance.

x
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its somewhat passive aggressive-if you aren't happy with what you are being paid (and you presumably agreed to it) then either cut back on the services you offer or give notice and get someone else in. As for buying rugs, sounds like you have made a rod for your own back tbh, why would you do that? No horse *needs* a snuggy hood.
 
Mother of chickens why on earth would you take that stance? I would say you are aggressive. I'm asking for what people would expect to pay not over an issue of what I do charge. I have bought him rugs as we care for him like he is one of ours and want him to have the very best of care and I didn't even say he "needed" a snuggy hood?? Very odd and rude reply to a very simple question.

Thank you for everyone that took the time to reply with very helpful prices etc. bless you x
 
Not sitting right with me to be honest. Why buy rugs for a horse that is not yours ? I Don't get it. Is it that owner does not have a clue or not the time, in which case they should not have it or you just buy it off them ?

as in payment, sounds like you own it not care for it to be honest, if they are letting you do all of this, then more fool you ! they are on a winner and have a horse as a status symbol with none of the work

Kind of with Mother of Chicken on this one.

Sounds like a livery yard run for 1 horse ?
 
It didn't sound passive-aggressive in the slightest - which is why I was surprised by the turnaround when you said you wanted to tell a livery what they should expect to pay for that - I'd have expected a bitter rant to precede that, but it wasn't :)

I might misunderstand though - is this a service you already provide or are considering providing? I reckon that because I thought it was the former, that's why I (and maybe MoC?) thought you were looking for ammo - "See, this is what you'd have to pay if you were getting this anywhere else!" - but from your response perhaps instead it's more like "I can provide you this wicked service for a great price - here's what other places would charge!". Is that closer to the mark?!

(none of the above really matters so sorry to detract from the question, just curious!)
 
I'd expect to pay £160 at least for two meals a day and no walking in hand, the third meal and the walking would be extra. Not sure why you're 'toying' with showing her what she should be paying, you set your prices, after all. If you think you're not being paid enough for your services, cut them or increase your bill.

Given prices around the UK differ, perhaps simply look at livery yards in your area if you need to justify a price increase. If you livery doesn't like it, she has the choice to walk.
 
Makemineacob said:
Mother of chickens why on earth would you take that stance? I would say you are aggressive. I'm asking for what people would expect to pay not over an issue of what I do charge. I have bought him rugs as we care for him like he is one of ours and want him to have the very best of care and I didn't even say he "needed" a snuggy hood?? Very odd and rude reply to a very simple question.

Thank you for everyone that took the time to reply with very helpful prices etc. bless you x
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no, not being aggressive just wondering what you are trying to achieve. If its not a problem, why show your livery what she should expect to pay? (your words, not mine). If the rugs you've bought aren't an issue, why mention it at all? And I mentioned snuggy hoods because even if the horse was in dire need and owner couldnt afford new rugs, well there are a myriad of cheaper options available.


eta I've seen that someone has suggested the livery isn't there yet but it doesn't read like that from your OP since you've already bought him snuggy hoods and called her 'your livery'.
 
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I wouldn't pay for that type of service because if I'm paying a premium for livery then I'd prefer a 20x60 arena and the option for a capable jockey to exercise a couple of times a week. Hand walking is no use to me, and the grooming/laundry, whilst nice is something I wouldn't want to pay a big premium on. I also wouldn't wxpect a YO to be buying hoods/rugs for my horse.

In short, for a good quality 7 day livery minus riding, then depending on area you are talking £90-120 a week. By all means then add on top for optional extras of walking/equissage/laundry
 
I'm not trying to achieve anything, I am not going to say too much on a public forum as I have no desire to discuss someone else's personal circumstances, just trying to settle in my mind over why I have done this. Yes, I have made a rod for my own back in many areas and I apologise if I have not worded my post sufficiently to prove that I'm not trying to be passive aggressive.
 
I do not know where you are but in London £350 per week but I would expect to be able to phone up to say I was going to ride him and that he would be groomed and tacked up ready for me with someone taking him out of his stable and holding him while I mounted. (Would also expect tack to be cleaned each time he had ben ridden).
 
ihatework said:
I wouldn't pay for that type of service because if I'm paying a premium for livery then I'd prefer a 20x60 arena and the option for a capable jockey to exercise a couple of times a week. Hand walking is no use to me, and the grooming/laundry, whilst nice is something I wouldn't want to pay a big premium on. I also wouldn't wxpect a YO to be buying hoods/rugs for my horse.

In short, for a good quality 7 day livery minus riding, then depending on area you are talking £90-120 a week. By all means then add on top for optional extras of walking/equissage/laundry
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Thanks, he's walked out in hand as he is retired through various issues and helps keep him supple and he enjoys it massively.
 
Makemineacob said:
I'm not trying to achieve anything, I am not going to say too much on a public forum as I have no desire to discuss someone else's personal circumstances, just trying to settle in my mind over why I have done this. Yes, I have made a rod for my own back in many areas and I apologise if I have not worded my post sufficiently to prove that I'm not trying to be passive aggressive.
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Reading between the lines (and I may be wrong) but you have 1 livery. Over time you've gradually done more and more - to the point you are probably treating this like your own horse. The owner has just allowed you to do it / or you have just not had the gumption to say no. You need to be clear in your own mind what you want to offer as a service and how much your time is worth to you. Charge accordingly and if the owner doesn't wish to pay then they are free to go elsewhere. Simples.
 
well, in that case, just tell her its not sustainable, decide on what you want to do (ie get her to move/do less with the horse/charge more and explain why) and move on-simples :)

sounds like you are treating the horse as one of your own which is admirable and maybe the livery is having you on, maybe she just feels as though you like it that way!
I am really not being aggressive but we get a lot of 'my livery yard owner/livery owner does this, that and the other' when basically they just need to set some ground rules and get on with it. Having one other owner on a yard is awful IME, much worse than a bigger livery with multiple owners!
 
ihatework said:
Reading between the lines (and I may be wrong) but you have 1 livery. Over time you've gradually done more and more - to the point you are probably treating this like your own horse. The owner has just allowed you to do it / or you have just not had the gumption to say no. You need to be clear in your own mind what you want to offer as a service and how much your time is worth to you. Charge accordingly and if the owner doesn't wish to pay then they are free to go elsewhere. Simples.
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You're spot on, I have just ended up doing more and more without realising it and have reached a point where I can't sustain/afford it. It's a bit of both really as the owner isn't down often then I feel a responsibility for him.

Thank you, very sensible advice.
 
So much depends on where in the country you are and what facilities the yard has, but at the yard where my horse lives you'd be paying about £180/week for a similar package. Although that would include exercise up to 6 days a week as well.
 
Makemineacob said:
I'm not trying to achieve anything, I am not going to say too much on a public forum as I have no desire to discuss someone else's personal circumstances, just trying to settle in my mind over why I have done this. Yes, I have made a rod for my own back in many areas and I apologise if I have not worded my post sufficiently to prove that I'm not trying to be passive aggressive.
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I would expect to pay at least £150 a week it's a very good deal for some one who has very little time, I rent one of my stables at home on a livery basis nothing like yours though, one thing I will say I find the more you do for some people the more they expect, and then you often fall into a trap of ending up doing more than you really wanted, and then you have the familiarity breeds contempt situation with the set up being at home it can make it hard not to be to friendly and then it's no longer a business arangement.
 
MotherOfChickens said:
well, in that case, just tell her its not sustainable, decide on what you want to do (ie get her to move/do less with the horse/charge more and explain why) and move on-simples :)

sounds like you are treating the horse as one of your own which is admirable and maybe the livery is having you on, maybe she just feels as though you like it that way!
I am really not being aggressive but we get a lot of 'my livery yard owner/livery owner does this, that and the other' when basically they just need to set some ground rules and get on with it. Having one other owner on a yard is awful IME, much worse than a bigger livery with multiple owners!
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You're absolutely right and this has helped me decide what to do, I'm feeling fed up for being taken advantage of but realise it is totally my own doing, I am just too kind for my own good.

Just all a bit raw as I've got into a situation of doing so much and perhaps feel unappreciated which is hilarious really as it's my yard and I feel as though I am running it for the good of someone else!

God, I probably sound as though I am talking totally out of term as the more I give the more it has been taken for granted that I will do.

Thanks to all, I've been an idiot and I need to sort this asap. x
 
Pinkvboots said:
I would expect to pay at least £150 a week it's a very good deal for some one who has very little time, I rent one of my stables at home on a livery basis nothing like yours though, one thing I will say I find the more you do for some people the more they expect, and then you often fall into a trap of ending up doing more than you really wanted, and then you have the familiarity breeds contempt situation with the set up being at home it can make it hard not to be to friendly and then it's no longer a business arangement.
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Totally agree, another spot on reply :) it is true the more you do, the more is expected of you. Yes, very tricky to not be friendly when it's at home and makes things more difficult.

Can you all imagine how broken (physically, mentally and financially) I would be running a big yard?? Thank goodness I don't lol.

Big thank you to all who have taken the time to make me see sense.

X
 
Makemineacob said:
You're spot on, I have just ended up doing more and more without realising it and have reached a point where I can't sustain/afford it. It's a bit of both really as the owner isn't down often then I feel a responsibility for him.

Thank you, very sensible advice.
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aahhhh, now I see. in which case bless you, you have taken care of horse out of kindness of heart, however, they are taking the pee !! they surely can move horse to where they live or at least loan him out to you / sign over so at least you have FULL ownership ! I personally would gently suggest they find somewhere else to go, that you just can't afford the time anymore. Time is money and all that !

Hard but you have to take care of number one = you
 
Makemineacob said:
You're absolutely right and this has helped me decide what to do, I'm feeling fed up for being taken advantage of but realise it is totally my own doing, I am just too kind for my own good.

Just all a bit raw as I've got into a situation of doing so much and perhaps feel unappreciated which is hilarious really as it's my yard and I feel as though I am running it for the good of someone else!

God, I probably sound as though I am talking totally out of term as the more I give the more it has been taken for granted that I will do.

Thanks to all, I've been an idiot and I need to sort this asap. x
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If you want her to stay why don't you scale back what you are doing? I assume you don't have to get him spotless each night or to be honest even fully groom him every day. To be fair to the livery if you have slowly taken on/ offered to do more then its not all her fault. It sounds like what she really needs is retirement livery and whilst people gave prices they were based on use of a school and good hacking, horsebox parking and tack cleaning which 'your livery' doesn't need or use with this horse. You might be both better off if you got someone who needs/wants all that you are offering and she got a suitable retirement livery
 
Easily £100 a week +

I think though you are doing to much.
A thoroughly groom every night?
Yes j do that for my horse but lost people don't and especially not a livery horse.

Also you sound miffed about something!
Did you acuractly work it out and charge owner accordingly or did you charge it at a price and now realise you should charge more?
 
Gentle_Warrior said:
aahhhh, now I see. in which case bless you, you have taken care of horse out of kindness of heart, however, they are taking the pee !! they surely can move horse to where they live or at least loan him out to you / sign over so at least you have FULL ownership ! I personally would gently suggest they find somewhere else to go, that you just can't afford the time anymore. Time is money and all that !

Hard but you have to take care of number one = you
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Thank you for your kind reply, they have taken the pee but ultimately I have allowed them to do so. I am going to put on my brave pants and sit down and have a talk with them and get resolved one way or another as I really can't let this continue.

You're right, I need to start looking after myself.

Thanks all and very sorry if I was sounding a bit rude, I've been very silly to put myself in this situation.

xx
 
we have all done it, sometimes takes someone looking from the outside to notice it though

dont be hard on yourself. Not many kind hearted people out there these days (in general, not just horse related)
x
 
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