What should I charge a mate for livery...

madhector

madhector

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soon to be up north!
www.darlingdressage.co.uk
I have a friend bringing her horse to mine for the summer, she did this last year and I helped get the mare fit and schooled, and all worked really well, the difference is last year all I could offer was a field, no luxuries
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This year, she will get a stable, with rubbermatting, and use of the menage, electricity and water etc and all other nice civilised things
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Last year I didnt charge her anything and I ended up feeling like she took advantage quite a bit (my own fault I know as didnt set any guidelines down) so this yearI have decided to charge her a livery fee, and then when I end up schooling her horse and ferrying her to shows I wont feel fed up about it, if that makes sense. She is also going away for 2 weeks and wants to put the mare on full exersise livery for that time

So what should I charge her? for d.i.y and full/schooling? I dont want to over charge her as she is a mate, but she wont be paying livery at her old yard while she is here so I feel a bit taken advantage of if i let her stay for nothing.

Your thoughts please guys
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I never charge friends anything to board at my place, I know I should I suppose, but it just isn't something I've ever felt was right.

Maybe if you were to charge her half of what it would cost her if she was just a livery? That would make her feel happy and then you would get something out of it too?
 
LOL!! I know
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. What I mean't was, if you were going to have a livery, work out how much you would charge that livery and then perhaps charge your friend half of that price? Either that or charge the full price of what it would be and then you can spoil yourself!!
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Hi Madhector

I think you should charge but give her a discounted rate, if she is a good friend. At the end of the day you have had to outlay money to create the facilities, so why should anyone expect them for free.

She should really offer you money towards fuel if you take her to comps and if schooling for two weeks and on full livery I would ask for at least £10 everytime you school plus whatever you charge for livery as a minimum.

I can't believe people could be given so much support and generosity and not even think to offer some payment for it !!
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She is a good friend, but (and I dont mean this in a nasty way) she wouldnt offer to pay unless you asked. hence last year I felt pretty put out, as I put huge amounts of work into her horse and got nothing in return, wouldnt mind if she helped out with mine, but she doesnt feel up to handling either of them, so fair enough, so decided this year we should decide everything from the beginning to avoid any stress
 
I would charge her something, because at least then you are getting something in return. Even with a friend I suggest that you do lay down some ground rules from the beginning, so it doesn't turn out like it did last year. Like you I have my lad at home and we occaisonaly have another livery on, despite having no facilities such as a menage. And the rate we change is £20 per week for a stable/grazing/hay/water/straw. So I think £20-£30 would be fine for DIY and maybe something around the £80 mark for full livery + schooling, maybe a bit less because she is a friend.
 
I am taking my mare on full schooling livery for two weeks ( so I can havelessons on her as well ) the cost is £118 per week includes livery and schooling,

For the facilities you have I would think £25 a week for DIY
 
I have a mate up my yard. I don't charge her as we made a deal she buys in the hay and feed, and helps with all the turn out when ever she can, and it works well...
 
The going rate. Mate or not, you are not running a charity and why should you be out of pocket (as you could let the place to a paying punter)? Real friends don't ask for or expect a "friend's discount".
 
Agree with drjames. £25 per week DIY, £85 per week Part (as in full with no riding) and every time you ride the horse charge £10. Transport to shows is dodge as if I tell you to charge for fuel then you could get prosecuted
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Agree with drjames. £25 per week DIY, £85 per week Part (as in full with no riding) and every time you ride the horse charge £10. Transport to shows is dodge as if I tell you to charge for fuel then you could get prosecuted
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[/ QUOTE ]

I thought there was something like that, tbh the amount of shows she will actually get around to going to will be very small, so can put up with the odd free lift
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Actually mates is a nightmare thing for me

My parents have a x-country course, arena, farm and I have a huge set of show jumps.

The problem is that it's my parents business (we have the odd livery), so its always been a bit difficult with friends. Obviously close friends might be different, but without being nasty most of my horsey ones only show up when they want something and I wouldn't see them otherwise.

Last year a friend brought her horse over for 2 weeks and we charged her £50 per week, because it was hassle having her here (and the horse trashed paddock, required electric fencing and repairs). She also didn't bother turning up on a few days so then I felt responsible for her horse

I don't have a solution, but I know what an awkward position you are in!
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I look after my friends pony for the firework season. Its normally for about 5weeks Oct-Nov and I charge her £35 per week. Thats me looking after him fully. If she wants him exercising ill take him out. I dont have any facilities apart from some nice new stables, a lovely field and great hacking!
I dont charge her lots for looking after her pony and she doesnt charge me lots for doing my hair! its a great deal between us!
 
Keep it strictly business - I have my horse stabled with a very good friend - but pay the going rate for everything.

So essentially I pay around £20.00 per week for stable and turnout and additional for hay.
 
why dont you ask her to pay for her own hay straw or woodchip,feed and then charge her for the stable and if your schooling ask her for maybe £30 or £40 extra then you both will feel better
 
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