How often would you contact owner ? Livery

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niagaraduval

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I have one horse on livery at home (company for my boy), he's a retired jumper (24 y/o). We ask very little money (just enough for food, bedding) as we need her more than she does us so we look after its every need (mucking out, feeding, watering etc..) for free. She comes once a month to give us money for it's food. Seems like a win win situation but the woman seems very cold. Her horse has been coughing for months now, she has not called the vet out despite my numerous texts telling her the horse is really coughing badly.
I now spend hours soaking it's hay for it (like I do for mine) although it is extremely good quality. The summer they go out in a 15 acre field (she gives me 30 euros a month). I am not asking alot from her, but when I contact her to just generally give her updates on the horse most of the time she doesn't reply. When she does reply it is usually in a 'cold' or 'direct' way.

I also said I was looking into putting them on shavings as the layout of the stable they both need to be on the shavings or it would be pointless. I wouldn't have asked any more money (as I would pay for the mats for both stables) but got a very direct reply basically saying the horse was never ill before it's only since he has been at my place that he has started coughing and that it is 'suspect'.

My horse has had COPD for years and I am almost OCD with my horses environnement.

I generally send her on average 1 message a month, sometimes none as doesn't seem appreciated. I'm afraid I will loose her (I really need her horse for my ned). I'm new to this livery business, Am I in the wrong ? I just personally thought that if I only saw my horse once a month I would like a weekly update.. Not wanting to 'annoy' her or push her away at all.
 
Are you serious? Pretty sure there would be someone else willing to pay you for the privilege of your services. Sounds like she has been treating you like a doormat and you have let her.

Not sure what I would do about the coughing horse but I think you need to be a bit more insistent that she gets the vet out!
 
I have a similar situation where I livery a friends old boy for basically the cost of feed and bedding. It gives me a companion for my horse without it having to cost me anything and gives her dirt cheap keep for her boy. She very rarely comes near him.

We have an understanding though that if I feel he needs the vet, the vet gets called - and it goes straight on her account. Same with worming, trimming etc.

The duty of care for this horse seems to now be down to you. If he needs the vet then you have to inform her that you are either getting the vet at her expense or tell her to come and take the horse away. She is ripping the P with you. You dont need her that badly. The world is (sadly) full of little old horses desperate to be a nice persons companion :(
 
She is treating you like dirt tell her how you feel and if she doesn't cooperate she can go elsewhere. There are dozens of people I know who are looking retirement homes for horses and they love their horses.
 
I think you need to discuss this with her.
Second above, she sounds cold and distant - not a problem usually, but welfare must be considered.

I am not underestimating the cough, but what would happen with a more serious immediate injury - i.e. stichable leg wound or Colic???
 
Skippys Mum said:
I have a similar situation where I livery a friends old boy for basically the cost of feed and bedding. It gives me a companion for my horse without it having to cost me anything and gives her dirt cheap keep for her boy. She very rarely comes near him.

We have an understanding though that if I feel he needs the vet, the vet gets called - and it goes straight on her account. Same with worming, trimming etc.

The duty of care for this horse seems to now be down to you. If he needs the vet then you have to inform her that you are either getting the vet at her expense or tell her to come and take the horse away. She is ripping the P with you. You dont need her that badly. The world is (sadly) full of little old horses desperate to be a nice persons companion :(
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I'm in the same situation can't afford another one for company so have one on livery for very little. Although his feet aren't long he has been here for 5 months and he still hasn't seen the farrier (despite me telling her every 6 weeks that he is coming). There just aren't many people around here that own horses and I am scared I won't be able to find anyone else and my horse will be friendless (and he can't live alone). This is the main reason I am being a 'doormat'.
 
30 euros a month is nothing. There is no way she would find anywhere else prepared to give her that deal. So I would put it to her in writing that either she does xyz then you are giving her notice to leave the livery. You could, if it would suit you ask if she wants to sign ownership over to you. At least then you would be rid of her. Or you could get yourself a cheap to keep small pony or long term loan horse.
 
It sounds more like a loan than livery.
But all agreements are individual.

Whether its livery or a loan you should have an agreement.

What would happen in an emergency?
You would obviously call a vet but
would owner pay the bill?
Maybe you nted to give owner a time limit.
Say horse needs a vet. If she doesn't sort it in x days then you will call them.

I know its a hassle bir if owner takes horse you will find another.
Its a good arrangement that plenty of people would be interested in.
Which makes me believe owner is unlikely to take horse away, she has a good deal!
 
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