Will people just take the mick?

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eeyore28

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Hi,
Im thinking of taking on a small private yard in Somerset with school / walker / good grazing etc.

The problem is that due to health problems my parents who normally help me with the horses when im at work, cannot commit this year to as much horse related work.

I am allowed to sub let the boxes - so im considering letting 1/2 boxes either for free / cheaply in exchange for help with my own horses.
Hay/ feed / bedding would need to be provided by them but the stable, grazing and use of the facilities would be free / cheap.

Am i likely to find anyone genuine?
Will people just take the mickey as its 'free'?

Has anyone tried this?

Thanks for reading!
 
I personally wouldn't want to do that. By having the contract means that no matter what theyre like they have to help you with yours. So if they're completely raving loonies, I wanted want them near my horses. So I personally would go for full price livery, and ask them later in if they'ld help out, Once you get to know them etc? ;)
 
I would charge something and have a contract in place which very clearly states what is expected on both sides. Problem is that you will really need to know someone well and that you can trust as you won't have the space for them to let you down/resentful etc - it will just cause you to lose enjoyement in your yard.

Alternatively, have you looked into what it would cost to employ a part time groom for the week? to work around you? and then effectively split the costs with another party?
 
It's a great idea - I would jump at the chance but I think the problem you'll have is finding someone reliable. I can't believe how half-soaked and idle a lot of people are. You would probably need to find someone who could provide references - maybe a competition person?

I would certainly have them on trial first as you don't want to find someone is not going up etc
 
Brontie said:
I personally wouldn't want to do that. By having the contract means that no matter what theyre like they have to help you with yours. So if they're completely raving loonies, I wanted want them near my horses. So I personally would go for full price livery, and ask them later in if they'ld help out, Once you get to know them etc? ;)
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But if i do that im then stuck with them possibly saying no and having them take up the box / boxes - plus i have a month to vet potential people before i take them in as such.
 
Nash2 said:
It's a great idea - I would jump at the chance but I think the problem you'll have is finding someone reliable. I can't believe how half-soaked and idle a lot of people are. You would probably need to find someone who could provide references - maybe a competition person?

I would certainly have them on trial first as you don't want to find someone is not going up etc
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Not anywhere Somerset are you? lol
 
There was a yard round here who offered that and was inundated with sensible mature people who want to get away from large llivery yards and relish the ability to "run" their yard managing the horses how they want.

I would advertise carefully and insist on references and experience (instructors, BHS exams etc)...you may find that there is a local amateur competitor or something. Wish I was back in Somerset!!
 
No sorry - Midlands lol. I'd be great at something like that. I hobbled across a field the other day on crutches in flip flops in the rain as one of the livery horses was lying down and didn't move when I called. I'm a bit obsessive. Check all the horses all the time.
 
Nash2 said:
No sorry - Midlands lol. I'd be great at something like that. I hobbled across a field the other day on crutches in flip flops in the rain as one of the livery horses was lying down and didn't move when I called. I'm a bit obsessive. Check all the horses all the time.
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Bummer!

Jo G where are u based? Where did they place adverts for the yard?
 
I did this for 10 months. I needed help with mine as I have a young family...I have my own land and stables. I offered someone free livery for help with mine. Unfortunately she turned up with a 4 yr old ex racing loony that ran ragged round my fields,wound mine up and fractured my pals ribs whilst leading in.

It was a disaster and I'd never do it again...they left last week.
 
I'm on the Cambs/Herts border and the ad was in our local tack shop. She did an A4 size ad with tear off bits at the bottom with her contact number on
 
Where would be the best place to advertise?
I know the free ones like new rider, trade it, free ads etc

Should i try horsemart / horsequest etc
 
what about asking your farrier and/or vet if they know of anyone that might be suitable . they go to lots of yards and usually know all the gossip(good and bad. its the sort of thing i would like but unfortunately am nowhere near you.....:D:D:D:D
 
I'm backing the idea of subletting at normal price, then hiring a groom. That way, you're not beholden to them if they turn out to be nutters. Instead, you can hire someone you really trust - and can fire them if they turn out to be terrible!
 
Big boy Rocky - ive replied to your pm

The problem is i could only let 1 maybe 2 boxes - as i need the rest of the boxes for my own horses and i dont think it would cover what groom are charging these days!

I will ask my farrier though - hadnt thought of that!
 
I actually know some people, who are very experienced and hardworking, but just don't have the money for their own horses... I think you won't have any trouble finding someone genuine :) Just make sure you vet them thoroughly and have a contract in place!
 
Snickers said:
I actually know some people, who are very experienced and hardworking, but just don't have the money for their own horses... I think you won't have any trouble finding someone genuine :) Just make sure you vet them thoroughly and have a contract in place!
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I intend on vetting people as such! and a contract!

I really think its a chance for someone to have a lovely yard at minimal cost - maybe someone who has lost their job / made redundant or just struggling to balance the maths in this climate?

Or am i way off track?
 
I would seriously look into the pitfalls of sub-letting, beit for free or you charge.
The biggest one would be Public Liability Ins.
Then Business Rates on the stables.
It's a mine field.
A good friend of mine had a similar set-up as the one your proposing, her "liveries" horse escaped from it's fields and she was sued for ££££'s.
Sadly, she didn't have what was seen as appropriate Ins and she ended up having to sell her house to pay costs!
 
That's the deal we have with our livery. She pays us about £10 a week and helps with my horses in the winter. It works really well as she is so lovely. I wouldn't think that people would take the mick as long as you are there some of the time to make sure that the work is being done.
 
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