Moral/social livery dilemma

maletto

maletto

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I am currently keeping my boy on full livery that includes exercise 2 times a week. one of the issues is that the girl who rides him is, IMO, too heavy for him. The other issue is that I want him exercised 3-4 times a week but can't really afford to pay more.

So, the ideal solution appears to be getting a sharer. I have found someone interested but I'm slightly worked about how to broach the subject with the livery girl. It's not really a normal livery yard in that it's basically her family farm with a handful
of liveries.

My getting a sharer would mean that she would be losing out on the income from riding him and there would also be someone else on the yard. I have previously mentioned the money issue, saying I'd like to save some cash and a sharer sounds like a plan but she didn't seem keen. we didn't talk at much length though. I don't know if I'm worrying excessively it not. Do you think she might be offended if I get a sharer? is it the sort of thing I need to discuss with her before finding someone or is it up to me?

Any words of wisdom gratefully received!
 
I can see where you are coming from, but at the end of the day it is your horse and your finances and so you should be the one to decide where to spend your money.

I wouldn't feel guilty about getting a sharer if that suits you best, you need to do what is right for you and your horse.
 
I personally haven't ever been in a situation like this but what I would say is that it's your horse and your money. If you feel if it would be in your horses best interests to change to a sharer so that he can be ridden more often by someone lighter then I don't see why you shouldn't. Plus if it helps you financially by being a bit cheaper then that's even better.
I would have a chat with the girl and maybe explain that you want him ridden more but money won't allow you to do so with her. Tell her you may have someone interested in sharing and go from there. But like I said at the end of the day it's your horse and therefore your decision what he does not anyone elses, don't feel like you have to do something your not comfortable with for the sake of the other person being a bit upset with you for a little while. Hopefully she'll be adult enough to understand that sometimes situations change and it can't be helped.
 
I think that you just need to say that you've decided to get a sharer to save some costs, and because of this you won't need him exercising any more. Simple as that. No discussion necessary.

See how she takes it. If they get funny over that, then if I were you, I would probably consider looking at other yards. As you are a part/full livery client you are in a good position to have your pick of some really super yards.

I'm not sure where you are, but if you’re in London, there are some really stunning yards with amazing facilities just outside London that would love to have you as a part or full livery.
 
I am sure she would rather have you with a sharer than you having to leave to look for cheaper livery and go elsewhere.

I would tell her you can't afford to have your horse on full livery but don't want to move him - ask her if you could you change to having a sharer to help with the costs? there can be no offence, you are being truthful! if she says no, then you will just have to find somwhere else. At the end of the day, you are a customer, she if offering you a service and if the 2 don't mix, then you can go somewhere else!
 
I would come in from the money angle.
I would just say that you can no longer afford it, and having had a long think, you have decided that the only way forward is to find a sharer and leave it at that.

Its up to her to then come back to you and say well we're not happy with that and if thats the case, move yards! Chances are she wont, because she will know if she backs you into a corner, she will probably loose your business.
A customers needs will often change, they should be used to this x
 
Thanks guys, I think you're right. Luci07 you hit the nail on the head. an that's the truth, so I should head down that tack.

Misinterpreted: you're right that I am lucky to be in a position to full livery but the trouble is there's NO way I could find a place with the facilities and level of care for the price. That's why I don't want to risk offending her and getting kicked out!!

It is a tricky situation because we have sort of become friends too. we go competing together and stuff...

(sorry if my words are scrambled-trying this on an iPhone!!)
 
If you don't want the confrontation you could say the sharer is a friend of a friend who is keen to ride again, and you are doing them a favour. Just fluffy up the edges a bit if you get my drift, may come across slightly less offensive that way :)
 
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