"Less important" riders have to give arena right of way to MORE important riders??

[snokat]

I don't know if this was already mentioned in an earlier post, but Giantpony, where do you board? (as in City,State) I can understand not volunteering barn names/people, but I'd certainly like to know where this took place if that's OK. Thanks.

[faraway46]

First of all: what's wrong with owning a plow horse? I won two national jumping finals on a an ex-carriage horse! I say, if the horse lives up to your expectations, it could be an elephant cross and pink, as long as it makes you happy!!

Second, I, too, got sick of BNT and riders' primadonna attitudes, even though I've ridden jumpers in Grand Prix. Seems like if you're a big time rider/trainer, everyone involved in the equestrian world who is "beneath" you, should bow and awe in gratitude for their presence. That is why I bought my own place and hang out with all the begginers and trail riders...they're much more fun!!!

Third, the better rider should try to steer away from the less experienced one, since they have more ability to do so ( although in this case, I don't know who is a better rider since the jumper couldn't stay clear of ONE rider in a ring...?!?)

And,last but not least, if the "better" rider is having trouble with another one in a ring, shouldn't she stop and request something nicely to organize the way of riding to accomodate the space for both of them? She might of been a better rider but, by her attitude, not the better person .

Giantpony: get the h**l out of that place! Go somewhere where you are appreciated as a wonderful, horseloving person that you are. I admire that more in someone, than anyone who can jump a 6ft wall! It is WAY more important to rescue another living being than to win all the ribbons on earth!! Poor Barn Manager...she has made a terrible mistake! Believe me, she will miss you soon!! I would take you up for free at my place but it's a little out of your way !!!

[horse_poor]

i just managed to read this entire thread-actually started reading it last night and got tired so stoppped on page 4, left the window open, turned the monitor off, then came back this a.m. to finish it.

first, giant pony--i was appalled to read your post. every barn i have been at, including the one i am currently at, the arena is "share and share alike" what i find interesting is most barns have a "do not jump unless a trainer is present---if you are a trainer do not jump unless someone else is present" rule-simply to prevent a situation that if a rider was to come off a horse while jumping and got hurt they wouldnt lay there for hours until someone came along and found them. (of course i dont think its a good idea to ride alone without someone else in the barn period-i have come off more on flat work than jumping work) now, evidently the barn you are at must not have had this rule since the princess was jumping w/out a trainer. at a barn we used to ride at the was a girl we called the kamikazi (sp?) rider-you had no clue what direction she would be going in at any point in tim and couldnt control her horse---we chose to not ride when she was in the arena, but that was our choice. sometimes there are rdiers you cannot stay out of the way of because, well, they are simply all over the place.

the way you describe her jumping sounds as if she was almost being a show off-"oooo lookie at me i am juuuuuuuuumping! my response would be BFD. woohoo.

someone mentioned that they asked to ride during someone else lesson and the lesson giver said sure-i think its good for my student(s) to ride with someone else riding in here. AMEN! i dont know how many times i have said to students-when you are at a show there will be a gazillion other people warming up with you----you HAVE to learn ring etiquette. i even make them call jumps if there is even one of them in the ring-why? it gets them in the habit and its a good way for them to learn to identify jumps by their proper names (oxer, liverpool, etc)

announcing entry before entering the ring is a fabulous idea--a horse i am currently training was at a barn where this was a rule-a barn princess thought she was above the rule, barged into the arena, the training horse (i was not training her at the time) was being lunged by her then trainer, was startled by the barn princess's entry into the arena, reared/bucked and corkscrewed and hit the ground on her shoulder, causing a bone chip/muscle tear that took about 2 years to recover from. before i enter a ring, and require any of my students to do the same, i yell a heads up we'recomin in---it's COURTESY.

as far as the princess insulting your horse, i think i would have promptly dismounted and clocked her right off of her horse. i have a rule-insult me, my mother, my family-thats fine-but dont DARE insult my kids or my horses. thats when the gloves come off and things become ghetto.

i think you should present the contract with the appropriate sections highlighted and simply ask for a response-----let the contract speak for you.

as far as sterotyping by discilpine-BAH! i am at a barn that has everything from dressage to eventers to western pleasure to gamers to hunters---you can find a princess in any discipline. i have no time for a princess in any discipline-we all put our boots on one at a time.

ginatpony--i think you will be better off at another barn-its just too bad things had to come down to this-but as soeone said, if the BO/BM contines to ignore her own contract, she will find herself with only one boarder. what a sad only world she will be in then.

i have been at barns that there has been a sign up for arena use when it came down to a huge cat fight. but more barns than not, everyone peacefully coexists-we all pay the same amount of money for the same use of the facilities (although i know some places you pay x for the use of x, etc) but in general, i think you get my gist.

its people like this princess that makes this sport not fun and make me wanna throw my hands up and say "I QUIT" fortunately the people i know like that are far and few between.

molly
*member of just about every clique*
http://community.webshots.com/user/mavw1971

[TC Manhattan]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by GotSpots:

Seriously though, I'd bet that GP could highlight the contract, call her lawyer, stand on her rights, and protest her treatment. She's entitled -- it sounds like the barn manager and princess were hideous. But in the long run, stepping on a turd only makes it flatter. Getting out may be the best thing, and being able to do so with your head high and without taking steps towards the karma train, well, that's probably better for your gut anyway. Good luck, regardless. I would have let the draft cross nail her.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Wow, reading this whole thread blows me away (on a number of levels.) I highlighted the above quote because of all the posts, this is the one which most closely hits the mark where I see it. Sounds to me like the JP (jumping princess) was a real sh*t, but the real baddy in this scenario was the barn manager.

In my mind, anyone with the authority/responsibility of barn manager would reasonably be expected to possess some level of maturity, objectivity and fairness. After all (especially in light of the very specific terms delineated in GiantPony's boarding contract) this all boils down to a black-N-white legal issue. (I'm not diminishing the fact that the rudeness and manipulativeness of JP was bad, too; it's just that in this case GiantPony has the advantage of a cut-and-dried legal precedence as well...she's got it in writing...the writing of the boarding facility, who is the one who is ultimately screwing her by botting her out of the barn.)

One can go on and on about the crappy behavior of the princess, and yes, "rules for the road" are very important to know and follow. In my mind, this is way beyond that. The princess threw a "hissy" fit. She ran and tattled to the BM. Well that's bad, but most of us have witnessed this sort of scenario in the past. To me the BIG ISSUE is that the BM used this "chicky's" complaint as reason enough to break contract with GiantPony by evicting her. Showing him copies of the contract mean nothing...he knows them. All you're doing is reinforcing that the retaliation was effective because you got "hurt." Well, what about the old saying, "don't get mad...get even"? It would be really interesting to shake this BM (and BO if that is a different party) in their boots with threat of legal retaliation and retribution. Don't you have anyone (friend, family) who is a lawyer who could write/call and contact them to at least get them trembling?

Reading this thread really pisses me off!

BTW, lay off of SLC already. Some of these posts were REALLY vicious. The point IMHO is not the arena rules or the manipulative princess...it is the BM who empowered her complaint by using it as the basis to evict GiantPony. He/she's the one I'D want to get my hands on!

"Have no expectations, only abundant expectancy."

[GotSpots]

Just to clarify, the intent of my post was not to seriously suggest legal action. Tone is hard to get across in the written context. The gist of my comment was that although I wouldn't be surprised if she could pursue some sort of legal remedy, that perhaps these are just hideous people, and GP might be better off not getting down in the dirt with them. Leaving in a classy manner might be a better option in the long term, rather than duking it out. Sometimes getting even is more psychically harmful than getting past an unpleasant situation.

[TC Manhattan]

You're absolutely right, GOTSPOTS.

I guess it's just that so much energy was being spent on anger toward the "princess," whereas I saw the real culprit was the barn manager. Many posters were having a fit (and rightfully so) about the shoddy, rude and manipulative behavior of the "princess" toward GiantPony. Her behavior was definitely inexcusable. However, I saw the REAL CULPRIT as being the barn manager who so readily validated and defended her bratty behavior by turning on GiantPony and victimizing HER. Just serves to justify to the "princess" in her own little, smarmy mind that SHE was right in attacking and evicting GiantPony. It is the BM who enabled her behavior, so it will only get worse next time.

GiantPony's post listing the terms of her boarding agreement really just put me over the top. I've NEVER been in a facility which spelled these issues out so clearly and specifically...and THAT just blew me away. That barn manager (and the facility) just basically doesn't have a leg to stand on should they get called on it. That's why my response about "rattling the cage" by threatening legal recourse. Might at least give GiantPony the opportunity to discuss this matter at length with BM. I'm with her when she says that backing away so readily from a bully is not always the best course of action. Sometimes the "thrill" of a retreat serves to empower these tyrants even more in their own minds, and they'll either come back for more blood or seek another "victim."

My sense of fairness is completely violated by this entire scenario...the BM (gee, you know this is a rather "Freudian" abbreviation!) above all else should have been a fair and impartial referree/mediator between the 2 boarders and their arena conflict. Rather, he/she chose to empower the more aggressive party. How is THAT conflict resolution?

"Have no expectations, only abundant expectancy."

[lilblackhorse]

Did we ever ascertain that the barn was managed by someone else OTHER than the owner? I think I asked that pages ago....it definitely makes a difference. If they are the same, then she's not going to get far (Other than the woman has breeched her own contract)...but if the BM did that without the BO knowing, I think sparks still could fly--and rightfully so. Can you imagine the hot water BM would find herself in should the owner find out that a long time boarder was evicted against the contract rules?

Elippses Users Clique........"I hate stall rest" and Grammar Nazi Cliques

"What the fuh?" Robby Johnson

[Kryswyn]

Giant Pony - you were right, they were wrong. You have a legally binding document. Wave it at them and tell them you'll move when you find a suitable place (like on March 1).

SLC- oh nevermind why bother...

Heather - Wow you think too much Sometimes what walks like a duck and quacks like a duck IS a duck. Or dick as someone else mentioned lol. But whatever works for you. I admire anyone who strives for self-improvement.

~Kryswyn~
"Always look on the bright side of life, de doo, de doo de doo de doo"

[nhwr]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Heather - Wow you think too much Sometimes what walks like a duck and quacks like a duck IS a duck. Or dick as someone else mentioned lol.......
~Kryswyn~
"Always look on the bright side of life, de doo, de doo de doo de doo" <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I am the only one who thinks this is ironic?

[Kryswyn]

Probably Because you're thinking too much.

~Kryswyn~
"Always look on the bright side of life, de doo, de doo de doo de doo"

[seal]

Well, I for one am sad to state that I do NOT think that giantpony should try and sue the BM or the BO for that matter.

An errily similar situation happened to me and it came from the BO/BM who also sided with the guilty party. I, too, like GP attempted to stand up to the bully and instead, I was victimzed yet again, by the BM/BO.

In my sitation the BM sided with the guilty party because:

1) Both were male
2) Guilty party boarded 3 horses to my lowly 1

Since I was already quite unhappy and displeased how I was treated by said "mangement" since I was a lowly boarder, I chose to leave. I don't see how one can retaliate no matter how just ones cause is--this "industry" is a very, very small world and I would be afraid of being branded "difficult".

I really see it as a lose/lose scenario.

Just my 2 cents.

[TC Manhattan]

Well, you're right, SEAL. I see no realistic way of staying on (for GiantPony). Because even IF a threat permitted her to stay on, the situation would remain "uncomfortable" at best. Unfortunately, once the BM stopped being unbiased all hope was lost that this could end up a "win-win" situation for all parties. There's just a big part of me that wants to say "yea, I'll go...but not QUIETLY!" Fair is fair and UNFAIR IS UNFAIR. (Can you tell that this whole thing pushes all the wrong buttons for me? )

BTW, thoughts on a new "by-line": "DPMO" short for "don't piss me off!" Would make a great tee-shirt logo, no?

"Have no expectations, only abundant expectancy."

[giantpony]

Update...
FYI, The BM is also the BO just to clarify.

As of yesterday, my horse has been moved 1.5 hours away to my friend's place, it was the best I could do on such short notice. Honestly, I didnt want my horse there a moment longer than necessary.

The barn I want to move to, has a stall available March 1, so she can mostly have a month off as there is no indoor arena, and its too far to go more than 2 or 3 times a week.

After I loaded the mare, I posted 6 copies of the boarding agreement with relevent areas highlighted, along with a short explanation written on it, for anyone that hadnt heard the whole story.

As we were ready to pull out, the BM came running out of the house and said "you cant leave the property!" when I asked why, so told me I couldnt leave until I paid February's board. I handed her a copy of the eviction notice and told her I would not be paying, since I would not be here any longer. She told me no matter why I was leaving, I had to give 30 days notice or pay for 30 days board.

I told her to feel free to take me to court for it, and that I would be glad to counter sue for breach of contract. She yelled all sorts of profanities and I sat quietly, waiting for her to breathe and then said "Have a great day and I wish you all the best in the future. Please stand back from the truck as I would hate for you to get injured."

She stepped back, her mouth open wide, suddenly speechless. I started to drive away and waved back at her. Then I took a deep breath and suddenly knew we'd be better off than we had been.

I did forget to pack 2 buckets and a lead rope, but Im not going back for them, cut my losses and move on

The mare trailered quietly, but was a bit stiff coming off the trailer. No heat, no swelling, no nothing, hopefully she'll work out of it in a day or so.

And so ends the nightmare, I hope. Thanks to everyone for their support and suggestions

[For anyone who wanted to know what stable, I will not publish the name, but its a well known h/j stable in the upstate NY area.]

[AWIP]

Let me get this straight...

- Bm is BO
- evicts you in violation of her OWN boarding contract
- then wants 30 days board in accordance with the boarding contract as if you CHOSE to leave?

Dear god ... what reality is this person living in? Best of luck GP, anything has got to be an improvement over that.

[horse_poor]

unbelievable.

thats all i can say


she kicks you out, you leave, shes pi$$ed for not getting feb board.

OTOH, what exactly DID the eviction notice say? if it said this is your 30 day notice to vacate, then she might have a leg to stand on.

what is the contract termination clause in the contract? most usually say 30 days notice must be given by either party....

molly
*member of just about every clique*
http://community.webshots.com/user/mavw1971

[lilblackhorse]

GP, I give you a big pat on the back for being a big person and taking the high road. You are a good person,and when this woman (who I now know is the bo as well) needs a big assed whallop with Aunt Esther's purse.

OMG--I can hardly contain myself sitting here thinking that this bitch had the audacity to ask you for next month's board after she evicted you. wow. wow....I just let it sink in, and STILL I am amazed.

I think you handled this with class and aplomb, and I am happy that your gentle giant is out of there. These people are obviously unwell, and you didn't need to be there a minute longer. I hope this comes back to bite her on the ass for bad Karma, but we can only wait and hope.

I hope your horse and you will be very happy at your new barn next month-even being far away for a month is a better thing than having those freaks take care of your loved one.

What a piece of work---what state did you say you lived in? Personally, I, being the nasty vindictive person I am, would happily post her name and the name of her facility so that others would not be duped. How utterly unprofessional, and she's lucky you aren't sueing her butt off for breach of contract,like you mentioned. Oh to have been a fly on the wall for THAT priceless look that I am sure you got when you mentioned THAT!

She takes the cake-I hope you find happiness and fun at your new place.You deserve it.

Elippses Users Clique........"I hate stall rest" and Grammar Nazi Cliques

"What the fuh?" Robby Johnson

[wanderlust]

Unbelievable. I can't believe the nerve of the BO. giantpony, I am very impressed by your attitude through all of this. I don't know if I would manage to be so polite.

~formerly Master Tally~

[bip]

I think as soon as the inconvenience of moving your horse wears off, you will laugh and laugh at this whole thing. It is so over the top!

You MUST have other stories from this place, don't you? Seems strange that they would act normal for three years and then just go off the deep end. Maybe things that only seemed a little strange as isolated incidents but now have meaning in the larger context? Pray tell!

[Calico]

GiantPony, you handled it beautifully. What a freak!

Best wishes.

[Nikki^]

Now now girls, Lay off of slc. We all know she wrote many books on Ring etiquette such as:

"HEY YOU! Get out of my schooling ring!" A guide to boarding Barn school ring etiquette.

and her supplemental book:

"HEY TRAINER! Get those Yahoos out of my warm up ring!" A guide to proper warm up ring etiquette at a horse show.

Edited to add:

Her latest book:

"IT'S ALL MY FAULT!" A self help guide that teaches you that you are at fault for everything no matter what it is. \
(Devildog quitting her job for dangerous reasons is an example...)




Kioko

Look up your TB's bloodlines

[This message was edited by Nikkibaby27 on Feb. 02, 2004 at 03:36 PM.]