BO's? Do boarders who visit daily bug you?

[BuddyRoo]

I haven't "boarded" per se in quite some time.

Within the week, I moved my horses to a new barn. The first day, I was there twice. The next just once. The day after that I rode for the first time in 4 months (whoot for an indoor!!!!)....then I took one day off because I felt like I should back off a tad.

The other boarders at the barn don't come out very regularly per the BO. I was very up front about the fact that I like to see my horses most days of the week. She seemed fine w/ that. I asked about barn hours. She said that she didn't care what time of day or night I came out. Just come on out.

So I have asked, and I don't think there's any issue....but I still FEEL like maybe going there every day might be annoying.

If you are a BO and you live on the property, does having someone out DAILY feel like someone is checking up on you or annoy you? I don't want to tick this gal off. I just really like seeing my horses as much as possible. Even if I can't ride, I just want to see them.

And I must say...for the first time in 30 years, I have an INDOOR at my disposal and cannot imagine NOT riding! I can't believe everyone else isn't out there all the time! LOL Nice cushy rubber/sand mix. It's FABULOUS. Even my ol' stock breeds look like they have some suspension on this stuff! LOL

Really though. How much is too much as far as going out and riding/visiting horses?

I'm used to doing one day off. With no set barn hours/days....how much is too much?

[Tee]

I go every day - never a problem. :-)

[Trevelyan96]

You're paying to board your horses, and I don't see any legitimate reason that visiting them every day should annoy any BO, unless the barn has posted 'closed' days. Personally, I would not board somewhere where the BO discourgaged daily visits.

[justdandy]

IMO if BO had a problem with it he/she would set barn hours or have one day a week when the barn is "closed" to boarders.

If BO says he/she doesn't mind and there are no set hours.....HAVE FUN AND ENJOY THE KIDS!!!!:winkgrin::D:yes:

[Carrera]

If I was a BO I would expect the owners to be out at least 5 days a week if not more!

[betsyk]

I go every day. I'd bet 1/3 of the boarders where I board go every day, another 1/3 go 4-5 times/week, and a very small percentage (a handful of horses out of 100) are only visited once or twice a month. The barn owner and his family, and his son and his family, live on the property and as long as people are quiet after bedtime, and turn out the lights, they don't seem to mind having us around.

In your case I would imagine it would be different if you were making it look like you were checking up on the barn staff, rather than coming out to legitimately use the facilities. Or if you seemed like you were moving in, staying for hours and hours but not really *doing* anything.

[Sudi's Girl]

I go out to my barn at least 5 days per week - most of which are in the evening. However, my BO is pretty darn friendly, so I don't think she really cares. I think she's pretty much of the thought "The more the merrier!"

I think if you're paying board, and your new BO says whenever - feel free!!

As far as the "checking up" issues: As my mother ALWAYS says *rolling eyes* "What you expect, you inspect!" Why should you feel bad about making sure your horse is taken care of? If it keeps you from worrying, don't feel bad!

[sneederstb]

it would be wierd if the BO wasnt ok with you coming out to see your own horse...that you paid for...who you are paying for board...to be able to go out and see your own horse...I think everyday visits are normal

[MelantheLLC]

I feel guilty if I DON'T go everyday.

If I do miss 2 days in a row, the BM says, "Where were you?"

[Bayou Roux]

If you are a BO and you live on the property, does having someone out DAILY feel like someone is checking up on you or annoy you? I don't want to tick this gal off. I just really like seeing my horses as much as possible. Even if I can't ride, I just want to see them.


We're in this business because we feel exactly the same way about our own horses...we want to live with them & see them every day. So we get it.

As long as you don't want personal attention from us every time you visit, and as long as you're respectful of the rules and other boarders/owners, we are delighted to have you take that level of interest in your horses....

...while you're here, can you grab that rake...? :lol:

Seriously, though, we'd rather have active horsemen than absentee owners.

[Jsalem]

I certainly wouldn't have a problem with you coming every day as long as you came during "normal" hours. If the owner lives on the propery, just make sure you don't make a nuisance of yourself by expecting the owner to socialize with you past "closing time" all the time, or by coming after dark. When the BO lives on the property, they will expect to be "on duty" during normal hours. You have to let them off the hook otherwise so they won't burn out.

Also, if you go every day, you'll make yourself really popular if you offer to drop feed occassionally so they can have a date night or look in on a sick horse before you leave, etc.

I like my owners that come like clockwork.

[BuddyRoo]

:D Thank you. I guess why I feel weird about it is that no one else really goes out on a regular basis. It's kind of nice to have the whole place to myself...but I just wondered if that's the norm--the not going out part--or not.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

At my current barn - no. I think my BM/trainer appreciates it as it is another pair of eyes, I often will ask if I should throw extra hay (our temps keep plummeting), I will check on anyone who might have been a bit iffy, I make sure all the lights are out and gates shut. I am the night owl at the barn, since I come from the furthest away and come after work, so often it is just me, the horses, the cat, the dogs, and whatever wildlife is hopping around.

At my last barn - the BO HATED it. Her ideal boarder was someone who mailed a check and never came to visit. That worked for her, because then she could let her grandkids and others ride the horses, feed supplements as she wanted, etc. Whens he told me that immediately in effect was a new rule that the barn would close at 7 PM, I told her I'd find a new place, since the drive was an hour and I could not leave work much before 6, and her comment was, "Well, you don't have to come see him."

Yes, you moron. That's exactly why I have a horse. So I can NOT see him.

[over the moon]

A few people mentioned "closed days" and I have to say, I would not be comfortable boarding somewhere where there were days that the barn was closed to boarders. I've never heard of that before. When I was very young I used to take lessons at a barn where it was closed to lessons on Sundays to give the horses a day off, but any of the boarders or lessors were always welcomed that day. I think limiting the days a person can visit/ride/anything else their own horse is a little strange, to say the least. Does anyone have any examples of this?

To the OP, I would say that visiting daily would not be an issue at all! If there are no barn hours, I would just be sure to be respectful re: the barn's schedule. Ie, not interfering too much with morning or evening feeding, not going *too* late at night, etc. By the sound of it, what you're doing it perfectly fine! :)

[okggo]

I'd LOVE it if my boarder came out daily! I feel like her horse is one of mine, and while I don't have a problem with that, when I'm grooming everyone it would be nice to have one NOT to worry about :)

[LSM1212]

I go to the barn 5 days a week. 3 of those days are during the work week and then the weekend.

There are some that go everyday and some that only come occasionally. But our barn is a pretty hoppin' place Mon-Thur (for lessons). I go after work during the week but am gone by 8pm. Usually, it's just me and the evening help when I leave.

On the weekends, it's more sporatic. People come and go at different times. The BO/BM don't live on the property. As long as you turn all the lights off and make sure everything that needs to be locked is locked, it's cool. No barn hours and no closed days.

Works for me.

So go... see your horses. Enjoy the indoor (there is one at my barn and it's nice to have). :D

I guess you're not boarding at your friend's place anymore?

And if the BM/Trainer hasn't seen me in awhile or I haven't spoken to her on the phone, she gets worried. :D

[Crooked Horse]

I go every day.
I specifically asked if they were "closed" any days before I moved there. My BO has since mentioned that she wishes more boarders were like me...:winkgrin:

[CanterQueen]

My old barn owner once said to me "the best boarder is the one that never shows up but their checks clear." I swear to God. :yes:

[BuddyRoo]

LSM, no. Unfortunately. Because it was awesome and only 5 minutes from my house. But all the boarders had to go a few months ago. Long story.

Now it's a good 45 minute hike...30 if I go straight from work. But this indoor thing ROCKS. Seriously. For 25 bucks more a month than what I was paying before I have an indoor and an outdoor and plenty of room to trail ride.

I'm still looking for something closer (and BO knows this and is fine w/ it), but for now....the idea that I can ride even though it's raining/snowing/cold/dark? It's WONDERFUL.

Didn't see a soul out there the other night. Just the sound of about 20 horses munching hay and my horses breathing.

Hadn't been on a horse in almost 4 months. Longest ever time without a ride. It has sucked. But. Now we're here and now we can do stuff and I'm pretty geeked. Just don't want to tick anyone off.

What I've been doing is trying to time my visits for just after everyone has been brought in at night. I stay a little later at work (work is closer to barn) and head on up. Hit it about 6:30/6:45.

[ImJumpin]

I'm in a situation where I try to make it out every day, save one that I have a late class and cannot fit it in. I have to go to the barn after work during the weekdays, and most nights I arrive and leave to an empty barn-- this is a barn with close to 40 horses. I think the cold temps have scared many away for the winter (I just moved her in the winter, so cannot say what it is like year round) and others I know only come out 3 times a week (two of those being Sat and Sun). BO isn't even around when I come out, but I know she doesn't care one bit as long as I shut off all the lights and close up the door to the indoor and barn. Just because others don't do it, doesn't mean you should feel odd about coming out every night.

Over the Moon-- I came from a boarding situtation where the barn was closed to everyone on Mondays. Why? Well, it was an active lesson barn PLUS boarding barn, and the staff needed a day "off." The owners and the grooms lived on premise-- it gave them a day out of the week for home to be a bit more quiet. It let them complete projects that might have been impossible to do doing the week with everyone coming and going. And it gave all the horses a day off-- which sometimes some of us forget to do :). This barn was also located in a high traffic area. On Mondays, the tack room was kept locked. This way BO could have a day to leave to run errands, grooms had the day off, and there were no worries about someone breaking into the tack room without someone on the premise to keep track. I suppose you could argue that boarders could of all had a key, but then we know how responsible some boarders tend to be, and I am sure the lock would be forgotten.

[avezan]

Way back when, when I was boarding at a private farm, the BO told me how unusual it was to have a boarder like me who came out so often to ride. She said all of her others just sent checks, or maybe showed up once a month, or once every few months. I enjoyed having the place to myself (and the BO). I'm guessing the BO both enjoyed the company and at the same time, would have preferred her private barn to remain HER private barn (so I know what you are feeling). But, hey, the BO has offered their place up for boarding, so go as often as you like!!

[chestnutmarebeware]

A few people mentioned "closed days" and I have to say, I would not be comfortable boarding somewhere where there were days that the barn was closed to boarders. I've never heard of that before.

Many show barns have a "closed" day—generally Mondays—so that horses and staff have a down day to recover from weekend shows. But that doesn't mean stalls aren't being done, supplements given, etc. I never minded it, because I suspect that staff actually gets more done that day without the craziness of boarders! :lol::lol::lol:

[JohnDeere]

Im glad you asked this question.

Ifeel like a moron or a 12 y/o girl but I want to see my new boy every day. :cool: I dont, cause I do have a life :yes::lol: complete with work, kids, and a DH that likes to see me (and supper) some. But I go out when I can.

If I go to long I get withdrawl. I need to snort some horsie sent a few times a week!

[stryder]

You may find there are "day people."

I am usually an evening person, and often have the place to myself, because like you I visit after work. Weekends, too.

And I often wondered how so many horses were owned by people I never saw.

Until my first barn Christmas party, when I met all the women who are there every.single.weekday. about noon. And of course they wondered why my horse never had any visitors. I learned there are Sunday morning only people, mid-to-late afternoon people. And the "check" boarders, who never come at all, but come to the Christmas party.

Makes an interesting mix in our 20+ family barn. And yes, having a covered arena totally rocks!

[pj]

When I was BM I was really happy for the boarders to show up daily and spend the day. Many did. However I didn't like for anyone to show up at twelve o'clock midnight or after. Not knowing WHO was at the barn meant somebody had to check on it. Not fun getting out of bed and trekking to the barn in the wee hours of the morning to see who the visitor was. Sure as you didn't though it would have been someone who had no business in the barn so you put your clothes on and off you'd go.
I, too, wouldn't board at a barn that had any closed days or where I felt unwelcome to visit my horse daily.

[spotmenow]

I'm a BO and I don't mind my boarders who come daily. We are never "closed", like on a holiday-if you want to come give your horse a carrot on Christmas, knock yourself out! :)

We operate the same regardless of the holiday, day of the week, etc. I've boarded at too many places where things got skimped on holidays, stalls not cleaned Sundays, etc. Inexcusable in my opinion; the horses basic needs don't change just because the turkey is done!

[cloudyandcallie]

Enjoy your daily visits and the indoor. You deserve it after what you have been through.

If a BO does not want you to visit daily, then he/she should tell you before you move in. Use the facilities, but don't abuse the facilities.

[fordtraktor]

The more the merrier! On occasion it gets to be a bit much and you start to feel like you don't have much privacy. Most of the boarders on my family's farm have been with us ten years or more and think nothing of walking in the house unannounced with dogs/lunch/etc and plopping down around the kitchen table to gab. They are generally extremely thoughtful, though, and if someone in the family is sick/etc. they will take pains to be quiet or drop off a casserole.

We wouldn't trade our boarders for the world -- they have become some of our best friends. I can see where some BOs would cultivate a less "open" feeling, though.

[BuddyRoo]

Ford--that is exactly what I'm talking about.

In the past (since leaving the farm back home), I leased a place. So it was just me. Or for awhile, me and my good friend until she bought her place. Then my critters were at her place and they're like family...so it was nothing to be out there every day...have dinner, hang out, have a beer, whatever.

I'm used to having my "social time" revolve around the barn. So this is just new to me. I want to mind my p's and q's so I don't mess anything up.

PS: I'm riding in an indoor tonight! Whoot Whoot! :) Big grins.

[WorthTheWait95]

I go out every day. My BO will actually text me if I'm not out by 11am on the weekends to make sure I'm ok. :lol: I'm the only boarder and we're very good friends but she has told me on numerous occasions that she dislikes boarders who never come out to see their horses.

She has a groom that does stalls, feeds, etc but I always offer to feed in the morning/nights and do stalls on the weekends when she's out of town with her groom at shows to make it easier on her husband. I always refuse payment b/c she is SO generous with my horses. She does things for them all the time, even using her own meds, fly sheets, etc on them until I can buy my own and never lets me repay her. I figure it's the least I can do.

The only exception to her 'good boarder theory' was this girl that boarded there for a few months when I first moved in. She would go down to their house and knock on the door until they answered if she saw their car in the driveway. :no: Even after they answered and she saw they were eating dinner she wouldn't go away but would insist on chatting them up about nothing.

I follow a simple rule: If my BO isn't in the barn but is obviously home she clearly WANTS to be alone :lol:. I can't imagine invading someones privacy like that! Especially a husband/wife team that barely gets anytime alone. I generally give their house a wide berth while out there unless specifically invited in...it is their home afterall!

[over the moon]

I suppose my personal preference is a smaller, private barn over a large, bustling barn anyway... but I still can't see being overly happy with having a day I wasn't allowed on the facility, at all.

To me, it's one thing to be in training with someone, boarding at their facility, and the program having a mandated day off for the horses, and quite another to have a day when you are not allowed on the property at all. At my trainer's barn, Monday is the day off for the horses during show season. When I worked there, that was the one day he didn't ride himself, and generally I wouldn't either, with the exception of occasionally riding a baby. But it was never a day where the few students who kept their horses on the property weren't allowed to come visit their horses (there are only two; his farm is for his own horses, and isn't a boarding facility).

I guess I just think that being a barn owner is a 24/7, 365 job. I realize that even though the barn is "closed" there is still work to be done, and therefore it isn't actually a day off. If you don't want to do lessons, don't do lessons. If you want to have shorter barn hours, have shorter barn hours. I just don't agree with forbidding a horse owner from seeing their horse on a certain day of the week.

To each his own, I guess! :)

[SunshineAcres]

If you are a BO and you live on the property, does having someone out DAILY feel like someone is checking up on you or annoy you? I don't want to tick this gal off. I just really like seeing my horses as much as possible. Even if I can't ride, I just want to see them.

Really though. How much is too much as far as going out and riding/visiting horses?

I'm used to doing one day off. With no set barn hours/days....how much is too much?

I'm a BO and I love seeing the boarders out here! I ride with my boarders quite a bit and one in particular is a good friend of mine. We're all avid trail riders and go places together. I don't like it when they don't come out but I understand that life gets busy. When that happens, I try to give their horses extra special attention. That can backfire on me though, as I get pretty attached to the horses. We lost a boarder's horse to colic this winter and it hurt like she was my own. I had to be involved with removing her body from the barn and also when the renderer came for her.

[Nezzy]

Me and the BM are like best buds we even ride together during the week. I go up during the week when the weather is decent and that is also a good time for her to ride. So we have a good time, and i enjoy her company. we cannot shut up, that is half the problem.

BUT at our farm, Boarders are not allowed to walk up to the homes and start knocking. Private homes are off limits unless you are invited. If you have a problem you may call, but not just show up at their house. I think that makes a lot of sense, b/c they do need their private time. And they should not be required to think about work 24/7. If you have a serious problem, that's obviously another story, but I like the situation, and i think my BM enjoys having someone to talk to mid-week. I also ride on the weekends but it's very hectic at that time.

[Sandy M]

I feel guilty if I DON'T go everyday.

If I do miss 2 days in a row, the BM says, "Where were you?"

LOL. Me too! I even go out on non-riding days, just to make sure he's fine (BOs check - but you never know - they may not notice a little cut or swelling if it's not obvious), and to give him his supplements.

Going on vacation - Aaargh- with my old boy, I sent him to my dressage instructor and she used him as a school horse for the two weeks I was away. He's retired now. Bebe - not good for that sort of arrangement. I will probably have to send him back to the gal who started him for me when I go on vacation, and just tell her to hack him out a lot. Drives me crazy. Sort of the "no one can take care of him as well as I can" syndrome - even though logically, I know that isn't true.

[Pandarus33]

I ran my own barn for ten years. My answer is yes they can and no, not always. The boarder who comes out every day to do whatever they want with their horse and leaves is great. If I'm at the barn or they have a concern, they are welcome to talk to me. Where it turns into a problem is the daily visitor who believes that, since they are paying board, they deserve your dire attention every single day for what could be hours of time.

Being a farm owner, I rarely get to ride my own horse from the endless to-do list that involves owning property and horses. Having a barn buddy is great. Having a life-sucking vampire boarder is not. Ask me for 5 minutes of my time on a busy day- no problem. Ask endless questions and eat up family time, my ride time or chore time without offering any help on a regular basis- I'll get tired of you really fast. I've been very lucky to have few vampires and lots of good barn boarders that would do anything to help out.

Please- if you do come and visit your horse on a daily basis, respect the owner's privacy. Unless it was an emergency, business calls to me were 9am-9pm. Emails were always welcome. Calling me at work at 2pm and being ticked that I can't discuss Pookie's boo-boo at length will not win you any favors. I would do anything for the considerate boarders and they were wonderful to have at my place.

Common courtesy and everyone can be happy!

[BuddyRoo]

P-Totally get it. I have no need to talk to the BO/other workers who are relatives. I just want to see mine.

If there's something I can do to help when I show up? Great. Else, I'm just minding my own business.

When I went up the day I moved them I just trimmed them. Next day I rode a bit. Today I plan to ride a bit. But I don't need to be babysat nor do I need anything else. Just want to see my girls.

[Hampton Bay]

I have always gone to see my horses almost every day when I boarded. I just enjoyed seeing them, even when I did not ride. None of my BO's ever had an issue with it.

I do remember hearing about one barn that a friend used where the BO or BM asked her why she was out every day. And actually, I did board at one barn where the BO didn't enjoy seeing certain boarders that she didn't like. But she was very weird.

As one who boards a horse for my friend, I love it when she comes out. While I do care for horse just the same as I do mine, it is nice that she comes out and showers her mare with love. Plus it gives me some company while my finace is at work. She is not out every day because of work, but it would not bother me if she was. She is welcome out whenever she wants to come out, and she is welcome to call if she just wants to hear her mare is happily munching hay in the pasture. Actually I tend to email her at work some days to tell her that her mare is grazing contentedly with my three :)

[Brockstables]

We had the kind of boarders that never showed up, never sent the check, and still expected us to bend over backwards for them on everything.
Mind you, we sold them the horses, boarded them for minimal cost, handled EVERYTHING for them, offered them lessons/training included in the minimal cost of board to help them get to know their horses. They NEVER showed up, and they never paid up.
Our current "boarder" lives across the street from the barn. Never even asks how the horse is, and does not take the time to see for herself. PULLEEEZZZEEE!
Why have horses if you are not going to see/ride/pay/enjoy them???
I suggest checking the the BO again, casually. "You don't mind if I come almost every day, do you? I love to see Floopsie, and spend time with her. I don't want to be a pain. I would be happy to help out from time to time, like feeding, when I am here..." I would welcome a boarder that showed some interest in their horse and its care!
I would welcome an indoor, as well!!!
J

[War Admiral]

:D Thank you. I guess why I feel weird about it is that no one else really goes out on a regular basis. It's kind of nice to have the whole place to myself...but I just wondered if that's the norm--the not going out part--or not.

I boarded at a place like that - lots of wealthy owners from the ATL who just "couldn't" make it out to Athens every week (no sympathy here: I commuted that distance daily for 15+ years...) and they were just... never... there. As in, some of them you saw twice a year.

I did feel extremely weird about it at first, but soon discovered it's like Roux says: the barn staff are just glad someone is taking an interest and actually loffs their horse.

I did end up with a few wicked nice catch rides! :D

[mkevent]

I've had bad boarders in the past, and great ones here now. Maybe the BO has been burned before and just needs to get to know you better? Maybe she's just a little gun shy and what you're feeling is her apprehension.

[Simkie]

I have not missed a day at the barn in over a year. I'm there EVERY day. I usually ride 6 days a week, but even if I'm not riding or if Blush is off, I'm there.

When I was looking at barns, I did ask the smaller places if it would be okay if I was there every day, and I made sure my habits were known. So far it's not been a problem.

The only issue I've ever run into is when the BO doesn't call about something because they "know you'll be out." It seems some people don't understand that I'd want to know about a problem ASAP...

[equinelaw]

When I boarded I think my BO LIKED the fact I was always there. Free help, someone to gossip with, someone to call 911. I just about lived at the barn. The barns where I boarded always had couches and refrigerators on the assumption we would be there so much we might need a nap and lunch:)

I was asked to stop riding at 2 am though. The BO felt it was unfair to expect her to get out of bed and take me to the hospital at that time if my insane horse killed me. I was still welcome to come out, juts not ride. I thought that was fair:winkgrin:

But on the other hand I was always there to spot colic or founder or a cut or a loose horse at the earliest moment and I think I was an asset to have around for free 12-14 hours a day.

[Woodland]

Buddy Roo I run a boarding stable to care for horses so their owners may use my facility any day they desire. Every day is GREAT! I have nothing to hide - if I did would it matter when you came? In fact it would just confirm to you that your horse is safe and that things run smoothly. As long as you respect the barn rules and hours = No Worries!!

[Penthilisea]

It's not so much that I am out every day per se, but that my schedule and heath are so odd that I may be there at any time, or not at all. So flexibility is key. My current BO rocks, and since I live around the corner she will call me if she is off the farm and the weather changes, etc.
I have found it to be a personal problem that at a barn with a BO I like too much and is too chatty I don't get ANYTHING done. I am more efficient just puttering around with the barn to myself, or having a discrete conversation with the BO, or making time just to chat. I can't seem to multi task as well as I used to! :lol:
I do feel very conscious about personal time though-I hesitate to drop by after 7pm or so, especially without calling. Likewise, before 9am without advance notice, I mean, it is someone's house. It's NOT a commercial farm and I want the owner never to feel like I am a burden or the like.

[Jaegermonster]

I have a couple boarders here at my house. I don't care if they want to sleep in my barn. They only bug me if they "bug" me.
Meaning, we don't have to be talking to each other every second while you are here, and if I am actually trying to get something accomplished (like cleaning stalls or unloading hay) it goes much faster if I can just get it done and not have to keep negotiating around you in the stall door and wait for you to finish some inane story so I can go spread manure. Let's just putter in the barn.
My boarders can come out as much as they want, their horses are here for chrissake. I would never tell anyone they couldn't come see their horse. I do ask that they let me know please if they are coming out at some weird hour, like after 9 pm or so since I am armed and unexpected late night visitors will really not like the greeting that they get, and to let me know when they take the horse off the farm so I don't think it's stolen.
But they just need to go on about their business so I can get stuff done, and respect my privacy if I'm in the house.

[BumbleBee]

Certainly not. I wish every horse had an owner come out and dote on ponykins. My favorite boarders are the ones who show they care and are involved in the horses life. We have several absentee boarders so it makes us happy to see some get the attention they deserve.

[FancyFree]

Sometimes I go out twice a day. My BO is usually home, way up on top of the hill, so I doubt she even knows who is there and who is not. But even if she did, I think she appreciates owners who care about their horses. There is one horse there who is horribly neglected. Long feet, never brushed or cared for in any way. Many boarders have called Animal Control. They come out and inspect, call the owner and she gets his feet trimmed, then the cycle continues. So it's really sad. I think most barn owners appreciate an attentive owner.

[Gray Horse H/J]

When I first moved to the barn I'm at now, almost 2 years ago, I was asked by at LEAST 10 different people, "Weren't you just here yesterday?" They were all very shocked that I see my horse every day if possible. And I was shocked that THEY were shocked. :lol: It never occurred to me to NOT go.

Although my life has turned much busier in the last 6 months or so, so I have missed some days. But in general I am still there almost every day. I haven't ridden my horse much this winter for various reasons, but I enjoy going and grooming him, visiting him, even picking his stall.

I agree with the person who said there's "crowds" for different times of the day. I work days, so I am only at the barn after 5 pm. And on weekends I make it a point to get there no earlier than about 3 or 4 pm. The barn is way too busy before that for my taste. One day I took the afternoon off work to meet the vet. I was sitting in the club room watching people ride in the indoor and realized that I had NO clue who a single horse or rider in that ring was! I had never seen the people before, and the horses I had only seen in the stalls. So if you only go out at a certain time of day, there's probably people you're not seeing.

I say go enjoy your horses and your indoor! I wouldn't worry about being there every day at all.

[Quin]

Buddy - as you are there longer, you will get a feel for the 'rhythm' of the barn. If it is possible, you should try to vary the days and times you go at first, just to help you establish that 'rhythm'. You will find out when someone else is likely to be there that you want to ride with, or when there's a lesson group in the arena that you want to avoid.

As many other posters have said, so long as you keep the boundaries clear with the BO, she should have no problem with you being at the barn daily. We usually have our horses at home but two years ago we boarded one over a winter for rehab (bowed tendon) so that we could do the necessary daily - eventually twice/daily - handwalking in the loffly indoor arena. Including Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Basically the boundaries were that unless it was on fire or actively bleeding, you didn't go up to the BO's house if she wasn't in the barn right that moment.

[ValleyMiss]

I used to go out to see my horse everyday. My BO loved it. We are also good friends and she would have someone to keep her company. Plus I always pitched in to help. I had no problem helping clean stalls or unload hay. Of course it always worked for me too. I got extra lessons on some of her horses. Unfortunately I now have a new job and can't get out everyday. It takes me about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to get home in rush hour traffic. Luckily my BO is great about me coming by in off hours. I don't usually ride then, but I like to at least stop in and kiss his nose and just say hi. As long as I turn out the lights and close up, it's never been a problem.

Go everyday, your BO will appriciate someone who cares so much for their horses. And enjoy the indoor. I don't know what I would do without it. In PA I wouldn't be able to ride for half the year.

[JenEM]

I can understand busy show barns having a closed day, as downtime for both horses and employees. But otherwise, as long as you're there doing your thing and not being a nuisance to the BO, why on earth wouldn't you go out every day you can?

I have an odd work schedule at best, and cannot get out every day, though I wish I could. But I also get out to the barn around 2PM most days, which is "first thing in the morning" for this night worker, and so rarely see a lot of the other adult boarders, because I'm gone before they're even off work. I'm sure there are people who think my poor horse has an absentee owner.

[Mary in Area 1]

I've been a barn owner for 15 years. I expect people to come daily or almost daily to ride or groom their horses. The ONLY boarder who ever BUGGED me was a woman who boarded 2 horses with me. She would arrive at the barn at 7 am, just as we were feeding, because she wanted to "beat the traffic," which was silly as she was driving OUT of the city to our farm. She didn't want to ride then, though, as she wanted her horses to have a couple hours of turnout before she rode. So she would stand around in the aisle and talk, or fuss in the tackroom, or stand and watch her horses graze.

THAT was bad enough, but then she would groom one horse for an hour. Ride for about 15 minutes, then let said horse cool out on the crossties for another hour while she regroomed the horse, then turned him out. Then she would repeat the whole process with horse #2. She would be in the aisle, using the crossties, ALL DAY. She had nothing else to do. No kids, no job, supporting hubby, etc.

She drove me crazy. I eventually had to give her notice to leave.

[BuddyRoo]

Well, I rode tonight alone again. Hung out with the girls. All was fine. Just me and the quiet munching. LOL

Love that footing. Man o man. rubber and sand rocks.

[fourmares]

It bothers me if a boarder doesn't come out often enough. I pretty much expect to have my boarders come out every day... so long as you aren't following the BO around and inviting yourself into the house, I'm sure that you won't bother her one bit.

[Huntertwo]

I go to see my pony every single day after work, which is usually around 1:00pm. I go right by the barn on my way home and always stop in for a ride or just to see her.

It's not like I'm knocking on the B.O.'s door at every visit (never do) or asking for favors at every visit. Then I could see why she would get annoyed.

[bird4416]

My old barn owner once said to me "the best boarder is the one that never shows up but their checks clear." I swear to God. :yes:

I had to snicker at that one. My husband says that all the time. We have a few boarders that range from coming out almost everyday to coming out once every couple of years (seriously). They are all great although I do like having someone to ride with and I know the horses like to see their owners come out and fuss over them. The horses who seldom see their owners are on the list for extra pets and grooming so they don't feel too neglected. :)

To the OP, go aout as often as you like, you are paying for the privledge.

[VWBug]

My first day at a brand new barn with my brand new horse (I was on cloud 10) I said something about looking forward to riding almost every day. The BO rolled her eyes and said, "Great, you're going to be one of THOSE boarders." I think she was in the camp who liked boarders who paid on time and never visited the barn. Too bad! I came and rode whenever I liked and minded my own business but it was a little off-putting to know you were viewed almost as a trespasser!

My current barn is wonderful; it's a very quiet private barn. I often ride alone and the barn owners don't care if I come every day. It's always nice to feel welcome to visit your horse whenever you want.

[Reynard Ridge]

When I (briefly) boarded horses, you could come six times a day if you wanted. Your horse, you're paying to keep your horse there, you come see it when you like (within barn rules, which a BO is entitled to make and expect you to honor).

[IslandGirl]

What I've been doing is trying to time my visits for just after everyone has been brought in at night. I stay a little later at work (work is closer to barn) and head on up. Hit it about 6:30/6:45.

BR: If you REALLY want to ingratiate yourself to the BO, get there BEFORE everyone comes in for the night and help bring them in...your BO will LOVE having you there every day!!!

[Saidapal]

I say as long as your not parking your butt at her kitchen table and wasting her time go as often as you like. She probably looks out her window, sees your car and says to herself, "Good, I don't have to go out there and do a night check, Buddyroo's here and she'll tell me if anythings wrong." That's what I would say, especially on a cold or wet night.

About day/night people, I used to board at a barn that had well over a 100 horses and I usually rode after work and on the weekends. Whenever I was on vacation I would go during the work day and it was amazing how many people I had never seen before. They would feel the same about me -"Are you new?" "Uh, no. We've been here 7 years now." And we would always laugh. Some people knew my horse and not me, and I would get, "Oh, so your Saida's mom!"

[eventmom]

We take on borders at our house. It always amazes me when they ask (and they almost always do ask) when they are ALLOWED to come out! And my response is always the same. Any time you want! I can't imagine why they would want to come out in the middle of the night, but whatever:)
I LOVE it when borders come out. Truth is, a properly excersized horse is a better behaved horse, and a happier horse.
If I was a horse owner, and the BO didn't want me to to show up regularly, I would wonder what they were hding:eek:
I am pretty social though. I don't jabber a lot, but I do like having activity around me. And I am not terribly private either. I always end up becoming friends with my borders as well.

[spurgirl]

I only have 6 stalls here, and two are taken by my horses, so I'm pretty small. I tell new boarders I'm open anytime WITHIN REASON...by that let's say 7 AM to 10 PM. If someone had a show and needed to be at the barn around 5 AM, fine. I certainly can work around a late visit-my outdoor is lighted, but it has to be turned on at the house, so I need a call to let me know they are riding late. I did have a couple (in their 30's /40's) here looking into boarding a few years ago, who mentioned they really liked "hanging out at the barn"....like 4 hours a day, every day-ummm, no, my property is NOT a hang out because you don't have a life otherwise. I don't like my boarders that much;)

[saultgirl]

I've been a barn owner for 15 years. I expect people to come daily or almost daily to ride or groom their horses. The ONLY boarder who ever BUGGED me was a woman who boarded 2 horses with me. She would arrive at the barn at 7 am, just as we were feeding, because she wanted to "beat the traffic," which was silly as she was driving OUT of the city to our farm. She didn't want to ride then, though, as she wanted her horses to have a couple hours of turnout before she rode. So she would stand around in the aisle and talk, or fuss in the tackroom, or stand and watch her horses graze.

THAT was bad enough, but then she would groom one horse for an hour. Ride for about 15 minutes, then let said horse cool out on the crossties for another hour while she regroomed the horse, then turned him out. Then she would repeat the whole process with horse #2. She would be in the aisle, using the crossties, ALL DAY. She had nothing else to do. No kids, no job, supporting hubby, etc.

She drove me crazy. I eventually had to give her notice to leave.

Wow, you asked her to leave just because she spent time there taking care of and grooming and riding her horses? Or was it more that she was in your way at morning feed?

I often spend about 2.5-3 hours with my horse per day, if I ride, including grooming, tacking, etc... so I could certainly see that turning into 6 hours with two horses...

[horsepix76]

Wow, you asked her to leave just because she spent time there taking care of and grooming and riding her horses? Or was it more that she was in your way at morning feed?

I often spend about 2.5-3 hours with my horse per day, if I ride, including grooming, tacking, etc... so I could certainly see that turning into 6 hours with two horses...

I was wondering the same thing. Mary in area 1 must have an abundance of potential boarders with 2 horses who can fill stalls. Around here, for the cost of two board payments per month, she'd be welcome to spend as much time grooming as she wants!

[threedogpack]

I board also and like to go out every day. I think my BO appreciates it.

[Jumpin_Horses]

right now, its winter.. most boarders dont come out in the winter

ENJOY it while you can! because Ive seen that place in action. as soon as it warms up, there will be SO many people around, and shows and such, you will have to fight for arena time (especially ALONE arena time)

ENJOY!

most boarding stable I know of dont have "closed" times.. I would think it weird if they did.

when I boarded.. I was out 7 days a week 365 days.... I know.. Im nuts...

[Jaegermonster]

Wow, you asked her to leave just because she spent time there taking care of and grooming and riding her horses? Or was it more that she was in your way at morning feed?

I often spend about 2.5-3 hours with my horse per day, if I ride, including grooming, tacking, etc... so I could certainly see that turning into 6 hours with two horses...

From reading her post I think she asked her to leave because she was inconsiderate of the staff and the fact that they actually have work to do, and also because she left her horses standing around in the aisle for hours, which is also inconsiderate.

[suze]

From reading her post I think she asked her to leave because she was inconsiderate of the staff and the fact that they actually have work to do, and also because she left her horses standing around in the aisle for hours, which is also inconsiderate.

I agree. Leaving your horse in the crossties for hours is just plain rude to everyone else there. The rule here is that the Gators (and workers) always have the right-of-way & the boarders need to be polite and move their horses from the middle of the aisle if necessary. The tractors and water truck also have the right-of-way, so if someone is riding they have the choice of finding a different arena for a few minutes (we have 5) or staying and riding with the tractor or water truck. If we waited until there were no boarders around nothing would get done. We have boarders who are morning people, afternoon people, dinnertime people and night people. With 70 different boarders, it's important that everyone be considerate of everyone else and that they follow the rules - otherwise it would be chaos. Especially on Saturday morning when there's also a Pony Club here. Most of our boarders are great - no crazies at the moment - but the ones that suck the life out of you with inane questions or want to "chat" while we're working we wish didn't come out every day & stay all day. We tend to reverse direction when we see one of those coming.

[VCT]

Well, to be perfectly honest, I guess it depends on the boarder.

If they leave lights on, don't latch things properly, forget to shut the door to the feed/tack room, move jumps and don't put them back afterwards, leave their items lying around etc etc etc etc. Then yeah, I'd hate it if they come out everyday. Because it means more picking up after them on my part.

If they are considerate, responsible people, then I don't mind if they are here everyday, even for hours.

[Mary in Area 1]

Yeah, JM got it right. I didn't mind that she came everyday to see and ride her horses, it was that she spent so much time LOITERING that drove us crazy. She was constantly talking to my Barn Manager, begging her to go hacking with her, meeting her special vet there, meeting her special farrier there, meeting her special trainer there. She was so needy that she took up the time of 6 boarders! I think she had some psychological problems.

And yes, I have always had a waiting list. In two different barns in 2 states.

[2foals]

I don't think you should worry at all about going out there every day. I can't imagine any BO being bothered by a considerate boarder coming out every day.

By considerate, I mean:

Clean up after yourself, put your stuff away, leave stuff where you found it, turn lights off.
Don't interrupt the work of the barn staff or the horse's feeding schedule.
Respect the way the barn is managed, don't try to take over and tell the staff what to do and the BO how things should be done.
Don't do weird things or mess with other peoples horses.
Ride and handle your horse in a kind, safe and responsible manner.
Don't bring guests without advance notice/permission.
Respect the privacy of those living on the premises.
Say thank you every so often!

(Now, if you leave all the lights on and a mess in the barn every time you come out, or I have to worry that you are handling other people's horses or doing something of questionable safety, or take every visit to the barn as an opportunity to tell me how I should manage my barn differently, then yes, I'm going to sigh every time you drive up.)

Just the fact that you are asking the question you did in your post tells me that you are most likely a very fabulous boarder ;).