Should I pay my 'sharer'?

SuperH

SuperH

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I have a lady who comes and rides with me, not a share or loan as such just comes and rides as and when she likes (has done for about 10 months). We go to fun rides, shows, xc, bits and bobs and trailer out to hacking on a regular basis. She doesn't give any financial contribution just pays her own entry fees. This works for me as I have two great ponies who love to go out and about together (and one of them is fairly green and needs to hack out in company at the moment).

I went away for 10 days and asked her to look after them for me alongside my mother in law. I'm not sure exactly how many days each did but I think 'sharer' came most days, sometimes morning and evening. She lives about 10 miles away. Should I give her some money towards fuel? I did say I would pay her to do them before I went and she said no as she doesn't contribute towards riding. I've bought her a tin of biscuits but do you think I should give her some cash? If so how much?
 
it sounds like she gets a good deal already, so she probably owes you some goodwill you've built up. i'd get her a nice box of chocs, thank you card and wine.
 
I'm a sharer and from my point of view it sounds like an amazing arrangement she has with you. I think a tin of biscuits would be fine since it shows your appreciation and she seems happy to do it. I think many sharers out there would bite your arm off for this!
 
I think that it depends a bit on her circumstances. If you know money is a bit tight give her her petrol expenses otherwise a little present and card saying 'Thank You' should be okay as you aren't making her pay towards the ponies at other times. If you regularly asked her to do things it would be different but as an occasional help it is just payback for letting her ride at other times :)
 
I personally wouldn't give her cash because then you have the dilemma of how much money to give her and whether it's enough etc. but maybe an expensive bottle of wine and some flowers or something else nice to go alongside the biscuits.
Having said that if you said you'd pay her before then she might be expecting the cash. Either way I'd give her a bit more than just the biscuits lol
 
You could always ask her again if you can pay her. If she still says no the accept graciously. Seems boith of you are lucky to have eavh other. A little card a pressie as other say sounds like the best thing.
 
My sharer has a similar arrangement to you. I've never asked her to do a whole week but she has done a few days when we've been away/out for the day or when I've been working away and hubby was ill. I just got her a good bottle of wine or something. I'd like to think that we have a good give and take relationship.

I'd take her for lunch or a trip to the beach/farm ride with the horses as a thank you.
 
Sounds like you have a good relationship and exchanging of services which is much better than payment. I agree wine and flowers as a thank you. As you have said you'd pay her then I think it d be fair to offer her petrol money, which hopefully she will rebuff, but as you've offered think it would be best to. (maybe £50-100 thinking a pro would cost £250+)
She is getting a good deal though so nothing wrong with asking for a small contribution towards shoes, feed etc, but as a separate entity.
 
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I have a similar arrangement. My sharer is a diamond and helped me out so much when I was poorly so I had a bracelet made for her out of old boys tail hair as she used to exercise him for me and gave it to her as a thankyou. Now he is retired she rides kids loan pony during the week which suits us both as it keeps him fit (kids ride at weekends and one evening a week) and we still get to prattle about together. Maybe make her a gift?
 
Maybe say that when you are next out competing that you will pay the entry fees as a thank you - or maybe membership to a club so that she gets reduced entry fees for the year
 
I think she's just happy to have a nice sharer and horse. Sounds like a nice lass :) I'd personally be happy with the biscuits.
 
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