What would you do?

[zizz]

I keep my two horses on DIY livery at a small yard with two other horses. The lady who owns the yard is absolutely wonderful but she is a bit wet and knows nothing about horses. When i first moved down there was one unbroken filly to share the facilities with and i was told she was moving at the end of january. however another horse has arrived since then leaving me with 4 horses and 3 stables and no feilds due to the wet weather. I have erected an electric fence dividing the yard into two, and the filly is very happy to stay one side eating her hay. However both the other livery owners lonly visit their horses once a day one after i feed in the morning and the other after i feed at night. The owner of the filly leaves me a haynet to give to her in the evenings and some feed at night but i also have to refill the haynet and feed and water her in the mornings. The cobs owner doesn't finish work til late so i find I am feeding and watering her horse morning and evening, turning her out and clearing up the dung of the gravel before I can put my two out. I can't just shut her in the stable and leave it to her owner as i never know if shes going to come, she only mucks out occasionally and th YO who is unable to carry water has found her with no water in the mornings when i havn't done her and asked me very nicely to at least make sure she is watered. It makes me feel quite used as they are both on DIY livery too and neither has offered to do my horses for me should the need arise and it does get me quite down. What would you do in my situation?

 

[squirtlysmum]

You're right you are being used and the others owners know they can get off with it, start charging and then they may realise you are not there to be used or alternativley you can earn a bit from their laziness, it's a difficult situation but remember you are there to enjoy your horse. The yard owner needs to understand she should speak to the owners and not be a 'wet'

 

[rach1984horse]

I can understand how you feel. I "work" for my horses livery and pay for the other one as I am the only livery on the yard. My horses live out 24/7 but YO keeps 6 of her 8 horses in. I a call most nights asking me to feed them or bring them in etc. This is fine but we had arranged set nights. When she does them she doesn't touch the beds (she usually has a major muck out on a Saturday). But I always feel bad and end up gutting all her beds during the week and working much longer than my livery is worth.

Speak to the owners. Your YO needs to speak to them, or charge them for part livery and make sure that you are paid for what you do or it's reflected in the price of your livery.

 

[Breezesbenefactor]

I've just joined this site and I'm seeing cases like this all the time. It is no wonder that the ILPH is so full of neglected horses. I find it shameful to read how some owners treat their animals and the out dated opinions and views of many owners.

You are doing a great job and despite the others taking advantage of your good nature you should continue. From your note I got the impression you need to change and possibly be more assertive. You'll probably be surprised by the result and at least you'll have got matters off your chest - pinch their food in the meantime!!! Good luck

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

You are being taken advantage of, not just by the other liveries but the yard owner in particular.

She may be lovely to you but she is accepting payment for DIY Livery from the other owners but they are not actually on DIY are they! You are being dragged more & more into looking after the other horses.

You need to speak to the YO and tell her you have not got the time or inclination to look after other peoples horses. Tell her, as she knows nothing about horse husbandry, that she needs to speak to the other owners. She needs to tell them what DIY livery means and that thier horses must be looked after correctly. If she doesn't offer full or part livery then they must be prepared to move on to a yard that does.

She'll soon get others to replace them & they will hopefully be better clients.

 

[piebaldsparkle]

Think you need to let both owner and the YO know that either you won't be doing their horses anymore or (if you are happy to do so) agree some sort of payment for doing them. You don't have to be nasty, but be firm and make sure they know what you terms are.