• Welcome to the Chronicle Forums.
    Your forum sign-up is not complete, you must add an Alias/Screen Name before you can post to the forums. Your name and email is not exposed to Forum users, only the Screen Name is accessible or viewable. The forums and the rest of www.chronofhorse.com has single sign-in, so your log in information for one will automatically work for the other. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Chronicle of the Horse.
    Complete Profile
  • Welcome to the Chronicle Forums.
    Please complete your profile. The forums and the rest of www.chronofhorse.com has single sign-in, so your log in information for one will automatically work for the other. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Chronicle of the Horse.
    Complete Profile

Announcement

Collapse

Forum rules and no-advertising policy

As a participant on this forum, it is your responsibility to know and follow our rules. Please read this message in its entirety.

Board Rules

1. You’re responsible for what you say.
As outlined in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, The Chronicle of the Horse and its affiliates, as well Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd., the developers of vBulletin, are not legally responsible for statements made in the forums.

This is a public forum viewed by a wide spectrum of people, so please be mindful of what you say and who might be reading it—details of personal disputes are likely better handled privately. While posters are legally responsible for their statements, the moderators may in their discretion remove or edit posts that violate these rules. Users have the ability to modify or delete their own messages after posting, but administrators generally will not delete posts, threads or accounts upon request.

Outright inflammatory, vulgar, harassing, malicious or otherwise inappropriate statements and criminal charges unsubstantiated by a reputable news source or legal documentation will not be tolerated and will be dealt with at the discretion of the moderators.

Credible threats of suicide will be reported to the police along with identifying user information at our disposal, in addition to referring the user to suicide helpline resources such as 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK.

2. Conversations in horse-related forums should be horse-related.
The forums are a wonderful source of information and support for members of the horse community. While it’s understandably tempting to share information or search for input on other topics upon which members might have a similar level of knowledge, members must maintain the focus on horses.

3. Keep conversations productive, on topic and civil.
Discussion and disagreement are inevitable and encouraged; personal insults, diatribes and sniping comments are unproductive and unacceptable. Whether a subject is light-hearted or serious, keep posts focused on the current topic and of general interest to other participants of that thread. Utilize the private message feature or personal email where appropriate to address side topics or personal issues not related to the topic at large.

4. No advertising in the discussion forums.
Posts in the discussion forums directly or indirectly advertising horses, jobs, items or services for sale or wanted will be removed at the discretion of the moderators. Use of the private messaging feature or email addresses obtained through users’ profiles for unsolicited advertising is not permitted.

Company representatives may participate in discussions and answer questions about their products or services, or suggest their products on recent threads if they fulfill the criteria of a query. False "testimonials" provided by company affiliates posing as general consumers are not appropriate, and self-promotion of sales, ad campaigns, etc. through the discussion forums is not allowed.

Paid advertising is available on our classifieds site and through the purchase of banner ads. The tightly monitored Giveaways forum permits free listings of genuinely free horses and items available or wanted (on a limited basis). Items offered for trade are not allowed.

Advertising Policy Specifics
When in doubt of whether something you want to post constitutes advertising, please contact a moderator privately in advance for further clarification. Refer to the following points for general guidelines:

Horses – Only general discussion about the buying, leasing, selling and pricing of horses is permitted. If the post contains, or links to, the type of specific information typically found in a sales or wanted ad, and it’s related to a horse for sale, regardless of who’s selling it, it doesn’t belong in the discussion forums.

Stallions – Board members may ask for suggestions on breeding stallion recommendations. Stallion owners may reply to such queries by suggesting their own stallions, only if their horse fits the specific criteria of the original poster. Excessive promotion of a stallion by its owner or related parties is not permitted and will be addressed at the discretion of the moderators.

Services – Members may use the forums to ask for general recommendations of trainers, barns, shippers, farriers, etc., and other members may answer those requests by suggesting themselves or their company, if their services fulfill the specific criteria of the original post. Members may not solicit other members for business if it is not in response to a direct, genuine query.

Products – While members may ask for general opinions and suggestions on equipment, trailers, trucks, etc., they may not list the specific attributes for which they are in the market, as such posts serve as wanted ads.

Event Announcements – Members may post one notification of an upcoming event that may be of interest to fellow members, if the original poster does not benefit financially from the event. Such threads may not be “bumped” excessively. Premium members may post their own notices in the Event Announcements forum.

Charities/Rescues – Announcements for charitable or fundraising events can only be made for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. Special exceptions may be made, at the moderators’ discretion and direction, for board-related events or fundraising activities in extraordinary circumstances.

Occasional posts regarding horses available for adoption through IRS-registered horse rescue or placement programs are permitted in the appropriate forums, but these threads may be limited at the discretion of the moderators. Individuals may not advertise or make announcements for horses in need of rescue, placement or adoption unless the horse is available through a recognized rescue or placement agency or government-run entity or the thread fits the criteria for and is located in the Giveaways forum.

5. Do not post copyrighted photographs unless you have purchased that photo and have permission to do so.

6. Respect other members.
As members are often passionate about their beliefs and intentions can easily be misinterpreted in this type of environment, try to explore or resolve the inevitable disagreements that arise in the course of threads calmly and rationally.

If you see a post that you feel violates the rules of the board, please click the “alert” button (exclamation point inside of a triangle) in the bottom left corner of the post, which will alert ONLY the moderators to the post in question. They will then take whatever action, or no action, as deemed appropriate for the situation at their discretion. Do not air grievances regarding other posters or the moderators in the discussion forums.

Please be advised that adding another user to your “Ignore” list via your User Control Panel can be a useful tactic, which blocks posts and private messages by members whose commentary you’d rather avoid reading.

7. We have the right to reproduce statements made in the forums.
The Chronicle of the Horse may copy, quote, link to or otherwise reproduce posts, or portions of posts, in print or online for advertising or editorial purposes, if attributed to their original authors, and by posting in this forum, you hereby grant to The Chronicle of the Horse a perpetual, non-exclusive license under copyright and other rights, to do so.

8. We reserve the right to enforce and amend the rules.
The moderators may delete, edit, move or close any post or thread at any time, or refrain from doing any of the foregoing, in their discretion, and may suspend or revoke a user’s membership privileges at any time to maintain adherence to the rules and the general spirit of the forum. These rules may be amended at any time to address the current needs of the board.

Please see our full Terms of Service and Privacy Policy for more information.

Thanks for being a part of the COTH forums!

(Revised 2/8/18)
See more
See less

Why do they always want to ride??? a small vent

Collapse
X
Collapse
  • Page of 6
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next
  • #61
    I wouldn't let barn help ride privately owned horses. Or horses in training. If there's something suitable, that's another story. If she wants to ride anything you've got, and you haven't got anything well, then, there you go.

    Comment

    • #62
      I think part of what disappoints me is the level of animosity and disdain many of you have for people who want to ride. Clearly, there are MANY reasons you don't want people to ride your horses, and they are GOOD reasons, but many people just plain don't understand or know. It seems awfully rude to get in a huff over it. Rehearse an answer, use it and go from there.

      Comment

      • #63
        I agree - the people that work for verrry little pay just to be around horses are doing it because they love it. The snotty additude is not necessary. I also would think that it'd be a good thing to throw someone who may be less experienced (and who knows, you could be giving her WAY too little credit.) on a sale horse - odds are you'll eventually get a "think they have WAY more experience than they do" buyer. And a 40k sale horse with white line issues? I'd be chomping at the bit for that one, for sure!

        Comment

        • #64
          I had children off the street come over and ask if they could ride my horses. When I said no they acted like I was the nastiest person around. What, I'm supposed to say sure go ahead and ride? Then I find out from other neighbors that these same children were in my paddock with the mare and her new foal playing with her. Where are their parents?

          Then I had a half-boarder on my very nice OTTB, that I saved money up to buy, letting her boyfriend a rank beginner ride her. She didn't ask, she told me she was letting him ride. Then there was the time she asked if I would let a friend who also boarded at the same barn ride my horse. Huh? WTF? She's got her own horse and mine is not some community anyone can ride schoolie. She and I parted ways very quickly.
          Yogurt - If you're so cultured, how come I never see you at the opera? Steven Colbert

          Comment

          • #65
            I'm supposed to say sure go ahead and ride?
            "I'm sorry, but you can't ride. My horses are very sensitive and could really hurt you. If you would like, I can tell your mom and dad about a great place with pony rides with safe horses for you to ride"

            I mean, you can always say "NO" in a very polite, diplomatic way. You can't expect kids not to be attracted by horses and want to pet them and be near them. Unfortunately, you do need to educate them and set boundaries. It is your right to simply say "No", and they should just leave you alone- but they are kids, and a nice explanation with the "no" would be a kind thing.

            Comment

            • #66
              They're kids... of course they're going to think you're mean because they don't understand why that's wrong - but that's up to their parents to teach them.

              I get drained of the attitude of some of the barn managers on these threads. It's always US versus THEM.

              just being prepared with a nice excuse "I'm sorry when I take on sales horses, I agree that I am the only one at the barn to ride it except bonafide buyer prospects, but I recommend XYZ barn to ride at. They are excellent and have many suitable horses"
              This is the best way I've heard about handling the situation, polite and not cruel in the slightest. And liability is as good a reason as any.

              If she continues to argue you can fire her. In theory, it should be as simple as explaining your reasons. Not everyone has learned tact.
              ---
              They're small hearts.

              Comment

              • #67
                Times have definitely changed. Would the owners of all the horses and ponies who asked me to ride their beasties many years ago be doing the same these days? I'm not sure. I like to think that some still would. But, I realize that some would not - and it's not their fault.
                \"Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of solitaire. It is a grand passion. It seizes a person whole and, once it has done so, he will have to accept that his life will be radically changed.\" -- Ralph Waldo E

                Comment

                • #68
                  I sympatize both ways--having been on both ends of the question. Lots of random people have asked if their grandkids could ride my eventer (NO). On the other hand, a wonderful woman who works for me is now riding my old quarter horse on a regular basis. She's a good rider, he needs exercise, and it's a nice treat I can give her.

                  Comment

                  • #69
                    Originally posted by lunatic fringe View Post
                    maybe you didn't know it, but you're supposed to keep some old schoolie around your barn for the help! My word! I'm with Fluffie and Night Song. These people need to get a grip and realize that riding at a barn doesn't necessarily involve getting "free rein" with the horses! If I could not ride, I would either ask my trainer to ask a boarder or other person to ride my horse or to ride it herself! I would not foresee that "the staff" and their SOs would randomly be riding my horses. I can't believe some of these responses! Maybe you should let her husband ride one of your new OTTBs! lol!!!! People - these horses have owners! The board, etc. is not paid so that they can be publicly accessed! A private barn is just that! A private barn. Flame away if you like, but there better not be someone I don't know on one of my horses! Yes, it might be different if someone on the staff were talented and hired to assist the trainer, but random barn staff? No way! and before you flame? - my daughter and I are barn staff!
                    Geez. What the heck is wrong with asking if you can possibly ride? Just because someone is on "the staff" doesn't mean they no diddly. If she argues and whines and won't take no for answer, that's one thing. But just asking, "Hey, maybe sometime down the line, do you have a horse that I could possibly ride/hack? If not, no problem!" And who said anything about randomly riding any horse and having "free rein"? I mean, they're working for the person, they probably feel it doesn't hurt to ask. And if the BO says no, then maybe they think the BO will be able to direct them to another barn. Perhaps someone the BO knows and trusts.
                    "No, not anything goes, I said no rules!"

                    Comment

                    • #70
                      I'm getting a tone here -- but NOT from the poster, but from the employee. "Don't worry, I won't sue" is not the right answer. Controlling your three-year-old around a barn is. When a horse kicks the kid in the head, do you think "don't worry I won't sue" will stand up???? And arguing that non-rider husband should be allowed to ride 17.2 sale horse (no suggestion that this request included a lesson)??? In what barn would that be considered an appropriate request?

                      Asking politely goes like this: I would love to ride, if there's anything you have that might be appropriate for me and needs exercise, please let me know. Or this: My hubby is horse crazy. Is there any way I can get a discount on a lunge lesson for him?

                      My opinion -- this is a problem just waiting to happen. I'd try to find other help with a greater grasp of reality.

                      Comment

                      • #71
                        Originally posted by hollyhorse2000 View Post
                        My opinion -- this is a problem just waiting to happen. I'd try to find other help with a greater grasp of reality.
                        Greater grasp of reality!!! Oh, YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                        Comment

                        • #72
                          Originally posted by magnolia73 View Post
                          I think part of what disappoints me is the level of animosity and disdain many of you have for people who want to ride. Clearly, there are MANY reasons you don't want people to ride your horses, and they are GOOD reasons, but many people just plain don't understand or know. It seems awfully rude to get in a huff over it. Rehearse an answer, use it and go from there.
                          You are SO missing the point....it is a JOB...no part of the JOB description included riding. Of course I want people who love horses like I do...BUT ....WHY would I want to supply a perfect stranger with a horse or access to same? It is just not going to happen. I dont know why that is hard to understand. When I go to work at a pool/spa store I dont expect them to provide me with a spa or pool...same for a worker at a motel/hotel...they dont expect a room...I give up.
                          The thing about smart people, is they look like crazy people, to dumb people.

                          Comment

                          • #73
                            And when I worked in a restaurant, I always got dinner. When I worked for a clothing store, I got free clothes, or at least a discount. While not every job offers such things, every job has some perks (Unless your job really sucks).

                            I'm not saying the employee isn't a lawsuit waiting to happen, nor am I saying mroades should be expected to provide her with a horse. I think Mags and I were just saying that the us versus them snarkiness is what came across first.

                            Most reasonable people would understand a simple "I'm sorry - that horse does not belong to me and my client could very easily sue me for letting you/your husband/anyone outside of our agreement ride him" or whatever other reason (lame, etc). If your staff is THAT unreasonable and illogical, why on earth are you trusting them to care for these horses?
                            ---
                            They're small hearts.

                            Comment

                            • #74
                              They GAVE you clothes?? Where did you work???? I need to go there! Christmas is coming and all!! Maybe I can go to car dealer and they will give me a car/truck to use because I "like" them!! Shoe store??? Deli???...NO cooking for Thanksgiving!!! Woo hoo!!! I know..A real estate agency!! Then they will GIVE YOU a farm and you can let them ride YOUR horses!!! Work for a radio station and they will let you take the mike cuz you would "like" to! TV?? Same!!! Sounds great!
                              The thing about smart people, is they look like crazy people, to dumb people.

                              Comment

                              • #75
                                I remember working at a barn hours on end, working my butt off.. I ALWAYS asked if I could ride something - anything. Once they let me ride they saw that I could actually ride and they then, let me ride all their horses. I don;t see what the problem is???

                                Comment

                                • #76
                                  Yep - I worked in a very high end clothing store where we were expected to dress the part. If there was one thing left over in my size, it was given to me to assist with that effort, since we didn't make all that much money. Everything else we got 40% off on. I'd never have expected free stuff, demanded it, or argued with them - but it sure was nice.

                                  Every restaurant I've ever worked in fed me, at the very least at a discount. A friend of mine works for a car dealership and he does get an employee discount, the occasional use of a car for personal use, etc.

                                  These weren't high-paying jobs in any sense of the word, so they tried to make working there have good perks to ensure a happy staff with less turnaround.

                                  Honestly, it's the attitude of my employer that counts.
                                  ---
                                  They're small hearts.

                                  Comment

                                  • #77
                                    She lets her three year old little girl wander the farm and it scares the crap outta me...when I bring it up, she says :"I wont sue you"
                                    Wow - I'd have even more of a problem with that than arguing about the husband riding a horse. She may not sue you, but according to the law in some states, the child can sue you up until she becomes an adult and even up to a certain time frame after adulthood is reached if she is injured. Ditto insurance companies if they pay out on the child's behalf. I'd be nipping that habit in the bud immediately - no child on the premises while she is working. Much less unsupervised and wandering. What the fruitbat?!
                                    Delicious strawberry flavored death!

                                    Comment

                                    • #78
                                      Damn, I don't know where you all live, but I gotta move there! I can't ever find anyone who says they want to ride and follows through--I get plenty of "can I ride?" but that's as far as it goes--despite my encouragement, they never bother to actually show up. I think it's more of a "I just want to hear 'yes' and then I can not bother actually following through, because all I really wanted was that approval" in most cases. Certainly there have been FAR more people like that who asked me to ride than actual riders asking. I wish I had people around who just needed a mount!
                                      "If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you; but if you really make them think, they'll hate you." -Don Marquis
                                      **CEO of the TQ "Learn How To Ride or MOVE OVER!!" Clique**

                                      Comment

                                      • #79
                                        "QUOTE:"I have found wonderful barn help...a married mother of two who will work for what i can afford to pay her and takes pride in her work"

                                        Quote:"She lets her three year old little girl wander the farm and it scares the crap outta me...when I bring it up, she says :"I wont sue you" "

                                        Sounds like 2 different workers. Once you said shes great now you are pointing out how laxadasical(sp?) she is. Hmmm.

                                        At any rate dont turn your nose up at people that ask to ride be happy they are interested in the horses and you did say she took pride inher work.

                                        Consider buying her and husband a trail ride gift card or something for Xmas. if they have one of those "rent-a-horse" places around you.

                                        BTW I worked for (2) BNT. Both olympians and you know what even the muckers got to take the horses on mounted PM walks. And these were no 40K horses they were 500K+ horses. So as little walk around the field or indoor has never hurt anyone and has kept a lot of good help.
                                        \"A smart lady knows its ok to change her mind, a damn fool never does\"

                                        Comment

                                        • Original Poster
                                          #80
                                          LOL she is two different workers...I am sorry if you think I am snotty.......but I never said riding was prt of this job. She tells me she can work for what I can pay her because she doesnt have to pay for daycare...if I raise my board then THEY all bitch! Its a no win situation for sure.....thanks for all of your points of views....they have been helpful.
                                          "You can't really debate with someone who has a prescient invisible friend"
                                          carolprudm

                                          Comment

                                          Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next
                                          Working...
                                          X