Working full time with 3 DIY horses

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Bozzy

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I sold on and consequently gave up horses last May. Surprisingly I've hardly missed it at all, I have actually only ridden once in that time and my only contact with horses has been when I've looked after/clipped friends horses.

I have been offered a job at a yard where my friend keeps her horse due to them sacking their groom. She was employed full time to look after the YO's 3 horses (not having to ride) and I think the YO has realised she was being taken for a ride with the groom increasingly taking the pee.

Now I'm desperately after earning some extra cash, I've a fair bit of debt that I want paid off by the end of the year and having an extra job will massively assist that.

So I just want someone to tell me I'm not insane having a full time job whilst also taking on a job caring for 3 horses DIY (which could become two at some point due to one being for sale), will I be taking on too much? I've only ever had one at a time in the past! Also, money is negotiable, what would be the going rate p/w, I obviously don't want to sound greedy but need to make it worth my while?
 
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i do 2 with a full time job. and there mine tho only one needs worked, 5 times a week. you get used to it pretty quick!

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Same here, you just get into a routine and get on with it.
 
If it is any help we paid our groom £8 per hour to look after horses when on DIY - and she did a normally did 2 hours a day (2 horses) plus hacking £20. Is that any help? As for the amount of work you are taking on - I guess you can try it and see - at least we are coming out of winter (so I keep telling myself anyway!) Good luck
 
It would depend on what she expected of you and what sort of times you'd be up at the yard before and after work, of course you'd have to discuss it with the YO and see if it was all viable. But it is possible to work a routine, and once you get into it it's workable. I don't have a full time job (I work evenings) but do have three small kids 2, 3 and 4 as well as the three horses. So I have to find a way to fit it all in the same as it'd be if working full time with the horses. I'm sure it'll work out fine for you if you decide to take the job on. Good luck!
 
Depends if you have to do additional hours with your f/t job or if you do a 9 til 5 type one. It won't be easy as it will mean long days, but if it's just for a set period of time i.e. the next 10 months and it helps you pay your debts off, it may well be worth it. Just keep telling yourself it's not forever.

At least you won't have to find time on top of all this to ride, so you won't be worrying about that.
 
If you don't miss the contact with horses after selling yours are you sure you want this sort of work? Yes its possible but a couple of nights bar work might be easier???
 
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If you don't miss the contact with horses after selling yours are you sure you want this sort of work? Yes its possible but a couple of nights bar work might be easier???

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true. it has been close to minus ten for god knows how long. my toes are still frozen!!
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Thanks so much everyone
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I reckon I could do it, especially when I keep thinking of the extra money I'll be earning and that it won't be forever! Bar work.....that would involve being sociable to people....**shudders at the thought**
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I meant to say I have actually started to miss it more recently having been getting a bit more involved which is crazy - it's mid winter, cold, muddy and I'm actually starting to miss it now of all times!!

My f/t job is 8:30-5:15 and I usually work from home in the evenings if I have any extra today instead of staying on.

And I'm quite lucky in that the YO sounds quite flexible, ie, she could bring in or turn out some days as long as everything's done. Hopefully going to meet her tomorrow to discuss - she's really desperate as the groom leaves on Sunday!

It's just around pay, was thinking £100 per week based on 2 horses at 2 hours a day. I'd like to ask for more while it's still 3 horses though, maybe £140 or is that pushing it?!
 
I would have thought you would earn more money doing a few shifts at a pub, probably less tiring a a bit more flexible! I used to do three before work, turnout, muck out, get ready for night etc and then someone brought them in for me and I want back late to ride 1 or 2 and skip out, hay feed rug etc. I was at yard at 6am and then back there until 9 at night (worked longish hours) and was totally knackered!
 
I have my two boys on DIY and work a full time job as well, TBH it's bloody hard work, especially when they are in due to bad weather. However I love starting the day with seeing my boys and going straight to the yard after work.

I think if you've got the stamina go for it!
 
Thanks again everyone
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It's just 3 horses could take longer than 2 hours, I guess I'd just have to see how long it takes (Was thinking it would be about an hour per day per horse) especially taking into account little extras like poo picking fields, harrowing the school etc.

Thanks again, fingers crossed it goes well tomorrow
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Go for it - working in a pub is nothing compared to looking after horses. Three horses and a full time job is shattering, but still worth it. Routine is the key. I used to have 3 at a private yard now I am down to 2. It defiantly makes the difference that extra one though.

I think if you really miss it you will be fine, even then as someone said we are on the other side of winter now. I guess the real factor is will it affect your current job...are you going to turn up with hay in your hair and feed in your nails... if you are and have a job where it matters or where you will be totally exhausted or put your current job under threat then I would say be careful. A lot depends on your routine and location of horses to home and work.

I have recently paid a groom to come and look after mine whilst I have been in plaster with a broken ankle. (Hants/Wilts area) I had quite a few people ring up following a local ad. They wanted between 6-10 pounds per hour based on coming twice a day for two horses.

Hope this helps and good luck!
 
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