Question for liveries

The Xmas Furry

The Xmas Furry

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I have a small yard (now) with only 3 of the 7 boxes in use.

Mine in 1, the livery has use of another for their part TB gelding (tho he is out with shelter) - and they loan my old pony (who lives with my horse most of the time).

I feed all 7 days a week, check rugs & do all water fopr all 3. (tho they pay for DIY, but I wont not feed theirs when I do mine - just cos they wont come down till about 9am) & I do evenings 5 days a week just for my horse & small pony

The 2 evenings dappy livery (DL) brings my little horse in, picks out feet & pops her feed in (stable all ready & feed prepped which just needs tipping onto manger & damping).

Over the past 4 weeks on those 2 evenings, DL has:
Left the electric fencer on in the mare's paddock a total of 5 times (out of 8 evenings). We always turn it off at night as is battery powered.
Left the mares paddock gate open to the yard on 4 occasions - swinging on its hinges
Not closed my mares bottom kick bolt on 5 occasions (she can undo the top if bored, tho luckily hasn't done this recently)
Left a trail of hay across yard on several occasions (despite being asked to barrow it to small pony)

I do like her, but its getting a liability and I'm fed up with repeated requests to do simple things like shutting gates/bolts etc.

She's a nice person - but its getting right on my nerves now and tho she has been with me just over 4 years, I think I'd be happier paying someone to come in the 2 nights a week - and tell her to find somewhere else for her horse & I'll take my pony back off loan.

Question: Would you feel embarrassed if you were texted the day following the 2 evenings you did them - for things you didn't do?
She just grins & says 'sorry, I'll remember next time, honestly' :(
 
Thing is - she's SO good with the nags in every other way - handling, grooming & loves them to bits. Daughter is a lovely teenager too, and much more clued up than mum on doing things (but she's at school weekdays)

Its just I feel I am constantly nagging to shut gates, turn on/off electric fences, sweep up split hay in the barn (and feed in the feed room) and to keep all gates to the yard shut........and I do worry about my horse getting into a pickle when I'm not there due to something DL has/hasn't done! :(
 
If you like her & she's good with the horses, I'd make a 'final checklist before you leave', laminate it and stick it somewhere obvious.

It can be light-hearted & kind, not like a 'you must do this list'. Maybe you could make it 'A gentle reminder for all of us at the end of a long day!', like:

- Is the electric fencing off?
- Are all gates shut and bolted?
- Are stable doors locked & kick-bolts on?
etc etc.

Maybe a visual prompt like this would help her to remember? :)
 
well if she's genuine in every other way, maybe she just needs something like a list of things to do, so she can check it herself not to leave anything not done? I know it's stupid, but could it save you from nagging?

edit: Fleabitten beat me to it :D great minds think alike :)
 
I wouldn't be kicking her off just yet, I for one know the beauty of having someone around, albeit that my livery only comes up every day and checks hers (grass livery). It is that extra person around to spot things untoward, it is those times you go on holiday and have someone there to look after your horse and it is someone to talk to on the odd occasion.

Maybe as mentioned have a checklist as obviously she forgets, I don't think she is doing it on purpose to be annoying, it seems she genuinely forgets. You know the feeling if your horse wants to get back to the stable and if they are going then you don't have time to shut the gate, especially in this weather all you want to do is get back to the warmth so rush and forget things. There is always going to be people don't do it how you would like it, I know this feeling but unfortunately it is something we have to put up with for the money and company.

I am about to lose my livery so it will just be me and my 3 (they live out 24/7) and although I will have the place back to myself, I can do what I like, how I like and when I like. Stupid things like feeding hay adlib and not worrying about how much their horse has eaten and then having to bill them, I am not going to miss that. All the above will be missed, just having that other person around does help.
 
FleabittenT said:
If you like her & she's good with the horses, I'd make a 'final checklist before you leave', laminate it and stick it somewhere obvious.

It can be light-hearted & kind, not like a 'you must do this list'. Maybe you could make it 'A gentle reminder for all of us at the end of a long day!', like:

- Is the electric fencing off?
- Are all gates shut and bolted?
- Are stable doors locked & kick-bolts on?
etc etc.

Maybe a visual prompt like this would help her to remember? :)
Click to expand...

That's a really good idea, would put your mind at rest too (I know these things would worry me!). I must admit if I forgot those things and got a text I would be absolutley mortified!

I am trying to develop a thick skin when it comes to others being really dumb! This week alone I have had to turn yard lights off when we have turned up at the yard at gone 8 for last evening check for our two (others are done by 4), put water out for pony turned out all day without access to water (she was kicking her water tank - frozen solid like an ice cube!), turned the electric fence back on (it is on 24/7 as some live out) after people turn it off to move their fence but somehow can't remember to turn it back on again, shut gates between yard and main road (how hard is it to shut a gate behind you, really?!), put horse back in the stable when owner has left the door wide open then wondered off for a gossip (our yard is under about 2 inches of ice!), .... and breath! (sorry, that turned into a bit of a rant!).
 
Question: Would you feel embarrassed if you were texted the day following the 2 evenings you did them - for things you didn't do?
She just grins & says 'sorry, I'll remember next time, honestly'
Click to expand...

Don't text her - speak to her face to face.

Tell her what she needs to do and what the repercussions are if she doesn't - i.e she'll be asked to leave.

It's very simple.
 
I think you are overeacting just slightly - sorry!

If she is good on other ways then I would speak to her and explain why you want those things done rather than just text her.
 
Thanks all.

I should have said - I do chat with her at the weekend face to face :) about 'forgetting stuff' & she promises to remember...the texts are just 'when' I find something else not done (again)

I also have already got laminated sheets on each side of the yard & in the feed room :o (great minds think alike)

I am trying hard not to loose it (its prob worse as have snotty cold at present & making me not suffer fools the last few days)

Once again - thanks for input everyone :)
 
I'd have a proper chat with her explain why these things are a problem. Make sure she understands that you aren't just being a fussy YO there are reasons these things need doing, and if she doesn't do them there could be consequences.

I'd not make it too much of a threat to chuck her out if she is generally good, although you could say that it is important that if you have a livery for you to be able to trust them to do everything.

I'd also ask her if there is anything you could do to help her remember this stuff or if there is any reason she is struggling with it. It could be that some sort of simple solution could be found.
 
Left the electric fencer on in the mare's paddock a total of 5 times (out of 8 evenings). We always turn it off at night as is battery powered. Is this really such a biggy - never known any one to do this.

Left the mares paddock gate open to the yard on 4 occasions - swinging on its hinges Yes, annoying and naughty.

Not closed my mares bottom kick bolt on 5 occasions (she can undo the top if bored, tho luckily hasn't done this recently) Pop a clip on the top bolt, for those just in case moments....

Left a trail of hay across yard on several occasions (despite being asked to barrow it to small pony) Yes messy and annoying.

However, none of these are hanging offences, just an accumilation of annoyances.
 
It sounds like you get on with this person, would it not be possible to sit her down and explain to her that her dizzyness is stressing you out and that she really does need to get a grip on the situation as you feel you can't go on like this much longer? Perhaps she really needs to know how how this is effecting you :(
 
Since she seems like a caring, genuine person try talk to her and find out if a laminated checklist may be a good way of helping her to remember.

As Amymay pointed out above, perhaps you can also find some alternative solutions which are easier to carry out. Maybe there are ways she can do things her way whilst still meet your requirements. For example, if she does not like using the wheelbarrow when she takes hay to the pony, perhaps she can take the hay in an IKEA bag to avoid spillage?
 
almrc said:
I did think this too. Perhaps you are too much of a perfectionist like me :)
Click to expand...


Probably :)

I just like things to be left they way they ought to be or the way I would leave them - and not have to feel I am constantly having to nag - or to worry about going to the yard to find out what 'hasn't been done next' if you see what I mean?

Ref the odd bits- clip on the door - nope - thats not happening as then the mare pulls on it because its 'there' & makes much more damage. Oddly she'll be left with std bolt & only fiddle on occasions. I've mentioned this a few times to DL - and there is even a note on the mare's door which says
"Please dont feed me titbits, and do check all my bolts are closed when I am in here :) Thankyou"

What else can I do? :confused:

Notes, messages - and a (what seems like) weekly catch up to see what we can do to get things right are not working

Finally tonight - to cap everything off - I popped into the yard tonight on my 'off night' as finished work earlier than usual. The feedroom door was flapping open (bolts not shut) and the yard gate unlocked and OPEN :mad:

I called DL & asked - is there anything you might have had to rush off for tonight missus as I had hoped to catch up with you at the yard - and she said no - I've left about an hour ago (this was 4.30pm I was there). So animals were hoicked in by 2.30pm & she left by 3.30 - with nobody checking till I go in the morning (apparently). She didnt think it was a problem & said she always put them in at 2.30 & went about 3 since the clocks changed, as it didnt really matter if they were in an hour or so before dark. ....

I give up.......gate to lane wide open (hello thieves- free access) feed room door open (welcome all thieving vermin or worse)

Anyone want a stable after xmas? Lovely hacking, concrete yard, own paddocks or share if mutually suitable, great hacking, oh - and (probably dotty) YO who likes things left as asked or at least left flipping safely!.........:rolleyes:
 
Def do a list for her.

When I fractured my back last year I had a friend exercise my mare for me. I would muckout and so haynets and feed but would leave the haynet hanging outside draining after I hosed it. All my friend had to do was take it in and hang it up and feed after she had ridden. One evening she forgot to put her haynet in so my mare went all night with no food! After that I bought a notebook and left her a list of everything she needed to do after riding so she wouldnt forget anything again. She wasnt offended by this.
 
Have to admit I had some sympathy for your livery's forgetfulness because you said she was lovely with the horses.
Then you mentioned that unbeknown to you, she was getting them in at 2.30, an hour or so before they usually come in. NO ! My pet hate.
Off with her head. Tell 'er to sling her hook.
 
What about putting laminate sheets on the gate, stable door and electric fence, something like "please turn electric off" etc., ect. You could say it's to remind others as well as yourself if you don't want to be too rude :)
 
The Xmas Furry said:
Probably :)

I just like things to be left they way they ought to be or the way I would leave them - and not have to feel I am constantly having to nag - or to worry about going to the yard to find out what 'hasn't been done next' if you see what I mean?

Ref the odd bits- clip on the door - nope - thats not happening as then the mare pulls on it because its 'there' & makes much more damage. Oddly she'll be left with std bolt & only fiddle on occasions. I've mentioned this a few times to DL - and there is even a note on the mare's door which says
"Please dont feed me titbits, and do check all my bolts are closed when I am in here :) Thankyou"

What else can I do? :confused:

Notes, messages - and a (what seems like) weekly catch up to see what we can do to get things right are not working

Finally tonight - to cap everything off - I popped into the yard tonight on my 'off night' as finished work earlier than usual. The feedroom door was flapping open (bolts not shut) and the yard gate unlocked and OPEN :mad:

I called DL & asked - is there anything you might have had to rush off for tonight missus as I had hoped to catch up with you at the yard - and she said no - I've left about an hour ago (this was 4.30pm I was there). So animals were hoicked in by 2.30pm & she left by 3.30 - with nobody checking till I go in the morning (apparently). She didnt think it was a problem & said she always put them in at 2.30 & went about 3 since the clocks changed, as it didnt really matter if they were in an hour or so before dark. ....

I give up.......gate to lane wide open (hello thieves- free access) feed room door open (welcome all thieving vermin or worse)

Anyone want a stable after xmas? Lovely hacking, concrete yard, own paddocks or share if mutually suitable, great hacking, oh - and (probably dotty) YO who likes things left as asked or at least left flipping safely!.........:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

After tonight, definately get rid......it is the benefit of having your own place! You DON'T have to put up with it!
 
Thanks all.

Jo-Jo: I do already have a yard notebook in the feedroom, saves phoning & texting - we all check it on arrival just in case the last one there left a message. (even if it says 'bringing donuts tomorrow when farrier coming!)
Lotty: I'm not going down the PC Camp type routine with large posters/flyers etc - we have the 'Please keep to the following to keep our horses safe & owners happy' A4 sheet on each side of the yard.
horserider: At the end of the day, its my yard, and if despite repeated requests, pleas and even a tough talking wont work then its not going to work.

I just wrote a whole lot more & decided I'm a whinging moo :o

I've got a snotty cold, am grumpy so will let this ride till weeekend & then make a decision (which I made early in the summer & gave her notice then but was talked round:rolleyes:)

Thx all :)
 
amymay said:
Don't text her - speak to her face to face.

Tell her what she needs to do and what the repercussions are if she doesn't - i.e she'll be asked to leave.

It's very simple.
Click to expand...

I totally agree with this.

Too many people moan about others without being straight with them and telling them exactly what they need to do. Tell her nicely but firmly that you are unhappy about her haphazard ways and let her know too that if doesn't or can't fix it then you won't continue to tolerate it. If you tell her respectfully but stick to your points/principles then if she doesn't sort herself out she can hardly say that you have been unfair to her if it then results in you asking her to leave.
 
BubbleDog said:
I totally agree with this.

Too many people moan about others without being straight with them and telling them exactly what they need to do. Tell her nicely but firmly that you are unhappy about her haphazard ways and let her know too that if doesn't or can't fix it then you won't continue to tolerate it. If you tell her respectfully but stick to your points/principles then if she doesn't sort herself out she can hardly say that you have been unfair to her if it then results in you asking her to leave.
Click to expand...

Been there, done that - am a very direct person as all who know me in 'real life' will tell you
I am now questioning myself for become too damned tolerant these days & lowering my stds too:eek:

<Reggie Perrin mode>
I didnt get where I am today by being a lily-livered sop.
Does your bum look big in that madam?
Most certainly it does:D
< / exit RP mode>

;)
 
Perfectionists are sometimes good!! :) However, after whats happened tonight I would be very mad! Seeing as you have spoken to her, left notes etc I would give a firm ultimatum
 
The Xmas Furry said:
Been there, done that - am a very direct person as all who know me in 'real life' will tell you
I am now questioning myself for become too damned tolerant these days & lowering my stds too:eek:

<Reggie Perrin mode>
I didnt get where I am today by being a lily-livered sop.
Does your bum look big in that madam?
Most certainly it does:D
< / exit RP mode>

;)
Click to expand...

Well, I guess then you have reached the end of the road. It all hangs on whether you can put up with these lapses in behaviour (it doesn't sound like you can to me). You really only have two choices. Put up and shut up or tell her to go.
 
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