Yard problems :/

J

JazFisher

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6 June 2012
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16
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Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire
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I am 17 and get treated like one of the kids at my livery yard. I love my yard and everyone is really nice but obviously I get on with the people my age (17) and a few who are slightly younger better than the older people. However, the YO uses the "kids" to do all the jobs like pitch up the much heap (some people never pitch up their own muck :mad: ) sweeping the yard, putting jumps away which everyone uses etc and I don't know how to explain that I work from 9 - 5.30, have a 45 min drive to work and a brother, dad and boyfriend at home who are allergic to cooking/cleaning. I am busy! As I am sure everyone on here understands. I am more than happy to do my bit at the weekends but I just don't have the time in the week. On a couple of occasions now I haven't ridden because I've had to do other things and have then run out of time.

How do I explain this with out sounding like a moody teenager who doesn't want to pull her weight :/
 
I would ask Y/O why it is only the 'Kids' that have to do these jobs!! Why can't the adults get off their backsides and do their bit??!! If EVERYONE kept the yard tidy it wouldn't take as long... It should be a blanket rule that the yard is kept swept and tidy and the muckheap pitched up... if you don't have time to do that, get out of bed 5 minutes earlier (not aimed at you BTW)
 
Honestly, I would sit down with your YO and have a serious chat. If things get no better, find another yard, where your money is the same as everyone elses.

Good luck xx
 
CBFan said:
I would ask Y/O why it is only the 'Kids' that have to do these jobs!! Why can't the adults get off their backsides and do their bit??!! If EVERYONE kept the yard tidy it wouldn't take as long... It should be a blanket rule that the yard is kept swept and tidy and the muckheap pitched up... if you don't have time to do that, get out of bed 5 minutes earlier (not aimed at you BTW)
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To be fair some adults always help and if I ever can't make it down in an emergency I have several numbers of people I know would look after Star in an instant for me, it's just those few who don't do their jobs that are creating more work which I suppose my YO thinks the kids have the time to do :/ but I don't. I will try and speak to her, only problem is there is always a lot of people around.
 
that sounds ridiculous. Why can't everyone just tidy up after themselves? Chat to her, and if she continues I'd probably move!
 
If you all pay the same money then you should all do the same sweeping cleaning etc and by the way your not a kid your a working woman and deserve to be treated as such. I hate this YO who take the pee I gladly sweep the whole yard or pitch in with them Im no different to them they pay for a service and I try my best to do as much as possible to make their lives and their horses a bit easier they come to the yard to relax and enjoy your horses not to tidy up someone elses mess your not a cleaner it so dont do it.
 
What is in your yard contract?
If your yard owner is incapable of getting people to clear up after themselves then she should employ someone to do it and charge the people who are leaving a mess.
 
This happened at the yard we were at except it was the yard "Manager" who was using the kids (and I mean kids) as skivvies. We had a word with the actual owner to highlight the fact that the "Manager" wasn't actually doing what she was paid for. I know this is slightly different but as others have said, I would have a word with the YO - they must have an office where you can politely request 5 minutes of their time? If you don't feel you can do it on your own, how about talking to the older ones who DO help out or failing that, get some of the younger ones together and all go have a chat to vent your concerns?
 
Cheek! You pay your rent same as everyone else. Just as long as you tidy up after yourself that should be all is expected of you. She has no right to tell you to do these things..you are the client after all!! Age has nothing to do with it. I am much older then you and always respect my fellow liveries no matter their age. Oh..and you shouldnt be expected to do all the housework either just cause your female (I assume) ok. That's my rant over! ;-)
 
My sister is somewhat in the same boat as you even though she is 37! :eek:
She often gets asked to help do something like tidying up or lead rein a pony and she is usually short on time but because she's a lovely helpful sort she does it.
I'll tell you what I told her: Memorise these words "I'm sorry I don't have time right now" it's polite and to the point. If you have time you help tidy up the yard as everyone should if not learn to say "no" because it sounds like you are running yourself ragged.
Hope it all works out ok!
 
I do sometimes refer those under 19 to be part of the "kids", but only as a joke / and when it is appropriate, they have their own room and facilities, we adults need our own space. Most kiddies love to sweep and tidy, the teens don't like it as it is "work"
After a weekend, the yard needs swept, and everything is a mess. and it is usually the yard staff who have to do it, I am not even going to mention "the kitchen sink"
A 19 yo with a job and a horse is rare indeed.
 
I had this at a past yard - ok I was under 17 but was made to lead the riding school ponies for hours every weekend (4 hours a day!) sweep the whole yard and tidy the muckheap, while the older liveries did nothing. I would either have a word, or get your parents to say it's not on if they don't take you seriously. I ended up having to leave
 
I'd speak to the YO (as you plan to do) and mention in the course of your chat, something along the lines of

"Of course I am sure you understand that now I am working in full time work as an adult, I would really appreciate you lovely YO now giving me adult status on the yard.
Its prob difficult for you Mrs YO, as you have known me when I was at school, but now I have full adult responsibilities at home and work, I'd really appreciate being able to get on with my own horse chores in the small amount of free time I have. [give friendly smile]
Obviously I understand that the children like to be busy, particularly if one of the other adults doesn't manage to carry out their own chores in time (such as putting the muck up) but I'd really prefer it if I can be treated as an adult. [big grin to YO]
I am more than willing to help out when I have the time tho [smile at YO]
Thanks ever so much for hearing me out, I must dash as have to go & get a load of washing & ironing done now - the chores don't stop do they?" [smile and leave]

:)
 
Sounds like it's time you got more assertive with the yard owner and your family who clearly take you for granted.Speak to YO as it may be she thinks you are just a really helpful young woman who always tries to please.It's possible yoo has not even thought you may be feeling fed up.If you are happy at the yard i am sure you can resolve the issues.
 
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