What should I say?

I

Ilovefoals

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I have been lurking on here for a while and though it was time I asked for some advice.

Here goes - I have land and stables of my own so was happy to offer livery to a friends 2 ponies when she lost her grazing. I'm rubbish when it comes to the issue of money or charging folk for things so when she asked what I wanted paid, I just said £40 for both which is for grass livery. As it was so cheap, my friend said she was definately going to help me muck out my lot at a weekend and do her share of poo picking the field. Needless to say, things have not turned out that way. She has only been up a handfull of times to see them since they came in oct, has only bought 1 bag of feed so I'm feeding them mine, I've had them in for the farrier twice and vet once plus during all the terrible weather, I was feeding them twice a day and bringing them in to dry off. I have also been putting haylage in the field every day as my youngsters are out there too but although she is aware of all this, she hasn't offered to pay anymore. I don't really mind doing the feeding and checking and bringing in and out etc but how do I tell her I want paid for it? I know I should just bite the bullet but how much more should I ask for?

Help!!
 
This is a really difficult one as it is a friend. Tell her it has been an expensive Winter feeding the animals and that you have found it a lot of work. Suggest a rota for jobs and take it from there.
 
She's taking the p*ss out of you big time IMHO. I would call her and say you are sorry but this winter her ponies have cost you a fortune in both time and money and unless she can square things up (ie pay you for food, farrier, hayledge) and start taking responsibility for her animals then you are going to have to ask her to move them.
 
A real friend wouldn't leave you literally in the poo like this. My instructor had the same problem with her "friend" when she got her onto our yard as a mercy thing as she was getting chucked out of her old place (alarm bells should have rung then).

When she was asked to leave, the night she moved her real personality came out and she screamed obscenities across the yard.

If she is a good friend if you tell her how you feel she will most likely be mortified. Then might be a good time to bring up the subject of payment - she might say yes or it might make her get on with her responsibilities. If she doesn't care or gets confrontational - get her out. Very harsh but she will continue to take the mickey. What would happen if her beastie got hurt whilst you were looking after it (despite the fact she was supposed to)?
 
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I know what you all say is absolutely right! She is someone I have known for about 5yrs as a friend but I wouldn't say she's my best pal. I just hate confrontation or the thought I might offend someone or hurt their feelings. My OH suggested trying to write down the cost of everything I have paid for so she can see it all in black and white. I don't think she is purposely avoiding paying me, I think the thought hasn't crossed her mind. I know she can afford it as she has a mega paying job and her dressage horse is on full livery at a competition yard, no expense spared. As I said, I don't mind doing the work and putting in the time if I'm getting paid for it.

What would you say is reasonable to charge for what is basically full grass livery?
 
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