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| *Trainer will charge $20 a ride (usually in but not limited to 30 day incriments) with a 5$ a day fee for care.
The 5$ a day covers feed, hay, a stall with shavings, grooming ect. for optimal care of each horse.
How would you feel as an owner/customer about a trainer implimenting this pricing method?
Edited by scwebster 2014-02-07 12:04 PM
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 Expert
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Location: Gainesville, TX | Depends on the trainer. I'm paying more than that a month for most of the training on my two year old, but its someone whos well regarded and very experienced. | |
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Cat Collector
Posts: 1430
| If i have a client in the barn that wants their horse ridden and does not want to pay the monthly fee, I charge $20 per ride.
If it is an outside horse that is coming in for a week or two its still $20 a ride with board on top of that. | |
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 Worst.Housekeeper.EVER.
Location: Missouri | JMO, but it feels a little like the trainer wants to nickle and dime me...
Grooming products??? I don't want to buy your brushes. Shavings in the stall? What's the other option? I feel like listing every expense like this is a bit of a turn off.
Again, JMO. I've only sent one off (to three different trainers) and I expected that he would receive everything listed in your example for the one inclusive fee that was charged.
I wouldn't mind a seperate training and boarding fee, depending on the facility, set-up, and trainer.
eta: I've paid more for 30 days, so I don't mean to sound cheap. Just that it feels awkward when everything is listed this way.
Edited by just4fun 2014-02-06 6:25 PM
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 Born not Made
Posts: 2937
Location: North Dakota | Kind of an odd way to word things, but that works out to about $750 for 30 days. Seems reasonable for someone who does a good job. That's actually the same price I am sending my 3-year-old off for. | |
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Pig-Bear Dog Lover
| It depends who your sending the horse to bit those charges are not bad. | |
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Meanest Teacher!!!
Posts: 8555
Location: sunny california | i like it. it has a get what you pay for feel to it | |
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Regular
Posts: 84
| I ride outside horses and I think that is a good deal... if my customers knew what I spent on fly spray only they would be amazed.... | |
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 Lived to tell about it and will never do it again
Posts: 5409
| Paying by the ride could end up being cheaper then per month. Say the weather is bad or some other circumstance comes up that doesn't allow the horse to get riden. If you are paying by the month it could take two months to get the horse to the point that you are wanting. However if you are paying by the ride you are only out the $5 for the days the horse didn't get riden. | |
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 Expert
Posts: 2097
Location: Deep South | I kind of like the idea of charging by the ride instead of the usual by the month. Most trainers charge a flat rate for 30 days, but that does not mean your horse will get 30 rides, as most ride 5-6 days a week. So if you end up paying the same for 30 rides as you would sending the horse off to someone else of equal quality for the 30 days, I would say you're getting more for your money. | |
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  Damn Yankee
Posts: 12390
Location: Somewhere between raising hell and Amazing Grace | Doesn't sound too bad to me for the right trainer. I have never sent a horse for training as I do all my own. But I always wondered about flat fees and how it's handled about how many times a horse is ridden. I like the idea of a boarding fee as a flat fee, then the training per rides. I would dislike paying a training fee per month to find out the horse couldn't be ridden for some reason (trainer was away, busy, injuried etc). | |
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 Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | its a steal.. 5 bucks a day to feed, hay, shavings and fly spray and care .. is cheap. | |
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 Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | Sounds workable to me. Better than the screw job I got last year when I sent one off for 30 days riding, I called a couple times for updates, the trainer was gone a week over Christmas and again over New Years to see family. 60 days after we dropped the horse off he called and wanted to know how many days we wanted him there. We said 30 days riding, figured when he had 30 days riding he would let us know to pick him up. We got charged SIXTY days because the horse was there 60 days. I know dang well he didn't have more than 30 actual rides.
The guy I have riding 2 now charges $650 for 30 days riding/working. I expect he will be on them in no time, both are good minded. It's not right to charge an amount for 30 days or whatever when you are out of the state for 2 weeks.  | |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 591
| wyoming barrel racer - 2014-02-06 4:37 PM
Sounds workable to me. Better than the screw job I got last year when I sent one off for 30 days riding, I called a couple times for updates, the trainer was gone a week over Christmas and again over New Years to see family. 60 days after we dropped the horse off he called and wanted to know how many days we wanted him there. We said 30 days riding, figured when he had 30 days riding he would let us know to pick him up. We got charged SIXTY days because the horse was there 60 days. I know dang well he didn't have more than 30 actual rides.
The guy I have riding 2 now charges $650 for 30 days riding/working. I expect he will be on them in no time, both are good minded. It's not right to charge an amount for 30 days or whatever when you are out of the state for 2 weeks.
I know of another trainer who has done this a lot to clients. Charged for a full month of training when they were maybe only there for half of it. My friend got screwed over even after I warned her of it. She had her horse there for 90 days and got charged for all of it. I said there's no way that the trainer rode your horse because they kept their FB updated as to their location and it sure wasn't at home riding my friend's horse! Not to mention the horse came back worse than when they sent it there, both body condition and riding! It's sad how few honest people are out there these days. There still are some, but you better do your homework to find them and they are hard to find. A good trainer is well worth the price they charge. | |
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 Reaching for the stars....
Posts: 12708
| 3 To Go - 2014-02-06 6:46 PM wyoming barrel racer - 2014-02-06 4:37 PM Sounds workable to me. Better than the screw job I got last year when I sent one off for 30 days riding, I called a couple times for updates, the trainer was gone a week over Christmas and again over New Years to see family. 60 days after we dropped the horse off he called and wanted to know how many days we wanted him there. We said 30 days riding, figured when he had 30 days riding he would let us know to pick him up. We got charged SIXTY days because the horse was there 60 days. I know dang well he didn't have more than 30 actual rides. The guy I have riding 2 now charges $650 for 30 days riding/working. I expect he will be on them in no time, both are good minded. It's not right to charge an amount for 30 days or whatever when you are out of the state for 2 weeks. I know of another trainer who has done this a lot to clients. Charged for a full month of training when they were maybe only there for half of it. My friend got screwed over even after I warned her of it. She had her horse there for 90 days and got charged for all of it. I said there's no way that the trainer rode your horse because they kept their FB updated as to their location and it sure wasn't at home riding my friend's horse! Not to mention the horse came back worse than when they sent it there, both body condition and riding! It's sad how few honest people are out there these days. There still are some, but you better do your homework to find them and they are hard to find. A good trainer is well worth the price they charge.
I've had the same thing happen with more than one horse.
My question is - who's going to police the trainer so he/she can't say they rode 20 times in a month when they only rode 2 times?
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 Canine Carryout Queen
Location: Oklahoma | Bibliafarm - 2014-02-06 6:28 PM its a steal.. 5 bucks a day to feed, hay, shavings and fly spray and care .. is cheap.
I agree!! I feel like we have fallen in with the best colt starter in the country and we pay $35/day.... You get what you pay for ... if your trainer is good, $750/month is good! | |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 591
| lonely va barrelxr - 2014-02-06 4:49 PM
3 To Go - 2014-02-06 6:46 PM wyoming barrel racer - 2014-02-06 4:37 PM Sounds workable to me. Better than the screw job I got last year when I sent one off for 30 days riding, I called a couple times for updates, the trainer was gone a week over Christmas and again over New Years to see family. 60 days after we dropped the horse off he called and wanted to know how many days we wanted him there. We said 30 days riding, figured when he had 30 days riding he would let us know to pick him up. We got charged SIXTY days because the horse was there 60 days. I know dang well he didn't have more than 30 actual rides. The guy I have riding 2 now charges $650 for 30 days riding/working. I expect he will be on them in no time, both are good minded. It's not right to charge an amount for 30 days or whatever when you are out of the state for 2 weeks. I know of another trainer who has done this a lot to clients. Charged for a full month of training when they were maybe only there for half of it. My friend got screwed over even after I warned her of it. She had her horse there for 90 days and got charged for all of it. I said there's no way that the trainer rode your horse because they kept their FB updated as to their location and it sure wasn't at home riding my friend's horse! Not to mention the horse came back worse than when they sent it there, both body condition and riding! It's sad how few honest people are out there these days. There still are some, but you better do your homework to find them and they are hard to find. A good trainer is well worth the price they charge.
My question is - who's going to police the trainer so he/she can't say they rode 20 times in a month when they only rode 2 times?
Yes that is difficult. It makes it easier when they constantly update their Facebook status and the location feature is turned on though! You would also know it when you get on your horse and they ride like sh*t or look like someone forgot to feed a few mornings... | |
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Expert
Posts: 2097
Location: Deep South | lonely va barrelxr - 2014-02-06 6:49 PM 3 To Go - 2014-02-06 6:46 PM wyoming barrel racer - 2014-02-06 4:37 PM Sounds workable to me. Better than the screw job I got last year when I sent one off for 30 days riding, I called a couple times for updates, the trainer was gone a week over Christmas and again over New Years to see family. 60 days after we dropped the horse off he called and wanted to know how many days we wanted him there. We said 30 days riding, figured when he had 30 days riding he would let us know to pick him up. We got charged SIXTY days because the horse was there 60 days. I know dang well he didn't have more than 30 actual rides. The guy I have riding 2 now charges $650 for 30 days riding/working. I expect he will be on them in no time, both are good minded. It's not right to charge an amount for 30 days or whatever when you are out of the state for 2 weeks. I know of another trainer who has done this a lot to clients. Charged for a full month of training when they were maybe only there for half of it. My friend got screwed over even after I warned her of it. She had her horse there for 90 days and got charged for all of it. I said there's no way that the trainer rode your horse because they kept their FB updated as to their location and it sure wasn't at home riding my friend's horse! Not to mention the horse came back worse than when they sent it there, both body condition and riding! It's sad how few honest people are out there these days. There still are some, but you better do your homework to find them and they are hard to find. A good trainer is well worth the price they charge.
My question is - who's going to police the trainer so he/she can't say they rode 20 times in a month when they only rode 2 times?
No one has to, trainers make a living by word of mouth, recommendations. Screwing enough people will run themselves out of business. | |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 411
Location: Smack in the middle of WA! | I pay the guy that starts my colts per ride. I provide their feed and takes care of them for however long they need to stay with him. Last colt he had only needed about 10 rides until I felt comfortable bringing him home. Luckily he's great with young horses and a great friend and lives within a mile from me! I would rather pay by the ride as I then know how much riding my horse is actually getting! I have taken in a few horses my self for tune ups and always ride them the full 30 days for one price. If I need more than the thirty days to get it done, which it should as I feel that days off for the horse are important and I don't want them to dread being ridden or if weather is not good or due to my own personal reasons, I cover the cost of feed. I hate paying for something I'm not actually getting! | |
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Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | BamaCanChaser - 2014-02-06 5:55 PM lonely va barrelxr - 2014-02-06 6:49 PM 3 To Go - 2014-02-06 6:46 PM wyoming barrel racer - 2014-02-06 4:37 PM Sounds workable to me. Better than the screw job I got last year when I sent one off for 30 days riding, I called a couple times for updates, the trainer was gone a week over Christmas and again over New Years to see family. 60 days after we dropped the horse off he called and wanted to know how many days we wanted him there. We said 30 days riding, figured when he had 30 days riding he would let us know to pick him up. We got charged SIXTY days because the horse was there 60 days. I know dang well he didn't have more than 30 actual rides. The guy I have riding 2 now charges $650 for 30 days riding/working. I expect he will be on them in no time, both are good minded. It's not right to charge an amount for 30 days or whatever when you are out of the state for 2 weeks. I know of another trainer who has done this a lot to clients. Charged for a full month of training when they were maybe only there for half of it. My friend got screwed over even after I warned her of it. She had her horse there for 90 days and got charged for all of it. I said there's no way that the trainer rode your horse because they kept their FB updated as to their location and it sure wasn't at home riding my friend's horse! Not to mention the horse came back worse than when they sent it there, both body condition and riding! It's sad how few honest people are out there these days. There still are some, but you better do your homework to find them and they are hard to find. A good trainer is well worth the price they charge.
My question is - who's going to police the trainer so he/she can't say they rode 20 times in a month when they only rode 2 times?
No one has to, trainers make a living by word of mouth, recommendations. Screwing enough people will run themselves out of business.
Well in this case, when I called and asked how the horse was. He was like, he's doing ok this and that. I'll be gone next week out of state and again during New years. So I knew he was not there at least 14 days of the 60 and no one rides every day otherwise. Things come up etc. | |
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 Ima Non Controversial Girl
Posts: 4168
Location: where the wind blows | Mine charges by ride and then per day care. $5/day care is cheap. I pay double that, mines outside, no shavings and $25/ride. I have no issue with it at all as I know what I will have when I get hem home. Worth every penny.
Prices you quoted seems more than reasonable. | |
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Expert
Posts: 2128
| euchee - 2014-02-06 6:23 PM Paying by the ride could end up being cheaper then per month. Say the weather is bad or some other circumstance comes up that doesn't allow the horse to get riden. If you are paying by the month it could take two months to get the horse to the point that you are wanting. However if you are paying by the ride you are only out the $5 for the days the horse didn't get riden.
Great point. I believe the issue is the trainer has an outdoor facility, and rain/weather conditions prevent riding every day during certain times a year. The cost per 30 days used to be 600 flat. If it took 2 months to get 30 days on the horse that was just how it went, but in the end the cost to feed, and care for the horse cut didnt leave the trainer very much for his efforts. | |
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 I Prefer a Beard
Posts: 1944
| Trainer I use charges $35 a ride plus a boarding fee for hay and care. I had no problem paying it, best money I spent on my horses. He is a reining trainer and I love him there isn't one thing he did with my horses I would change. | |
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Expert
Posts: 2128
| Thanks for all the replies! I wanted as much of an unbiased opinion as possible. My husband is the trainer I mentioned. He trains full time, and it is the way he makes a living. In the past he has always charged 600 flat (30 rides), or worked out a deal for lesser/more time according to customers needs. Our facility is outdoors. He rides 5-6 days a week, but certain times of the year weather can be a problem. If the weather is constistanly bad, he is not able to ride and the horses still need feeding and caring for. He has gotten into situations where by the time he gets 30 rides, his take home is VERY minimal. In some situations owners are not able to make arrangements to pick up their horses for days sometimes weeks. He is then out that extra feeding expense also. He believes the $5 a day would be the most fair solution because that is close to what owners spend even if they are at home.
*Forgot to add he also keeps cattle to work rope horses.
Edited by scwebster 2014-02-07 7:56 AM
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Location: Keeping up with the numbers! | If he is keeping roping stock in addition, your price is very reasonable. Calves are not cheap and they eat as well! | |
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Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | Id charge 10 a day.. for care.. if they have stalls. training is extra.. imho | |
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 Ima Fickle Fan
Posts: 3547
Location: Texas | Personally, I think $5/day for board is a little low. If you're breaking even on that, I would be surprised. To me, you also have to factor in the associated costs: labor, fuel to pick up feed/supplies, etc.
I know we paid more than that when we sent my horse out to a trainer. He also cut us a break when he wasn't able to ride due to bad weather.
If someone asks for the specific costs, you could itemize it for them. Otherwise, paying a set fee each month is reasonable to me. To me, the set fee takes into account the average number of rides and the cost of care. I would also expect to pay more for a horse being sent to work on cattle vs. getting the basics. It costs money for cattle, as well. If I'm getting just the basics, I wouldn't pay what it would be for a horse in the roping pen. Maybe that's just me. | |
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Queen Bean of Ponyland
Posts: 24954
Location: WYOMING | I charge per ride which covers ride and board care. Owner pays for feed, hay, feet, exhibitions, etc. I ride between 4-6 times a week depending on what the horse needs. If I haul one to a show that is a ride charge - I dont charge fuel. | |
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Expert
Posts: 2128
| aggiejudger - 2014-02-07 10:00 AM Personally, I think $5/day for board is a little low. If you're breaking even on that, I would be surprised. To me, you also have to factor in the associated costs: labor, fuel to pick up feed/supplies, etc.
I know we paid more than that when we sent my horse out to a trainer. He also cut us a break when he wasn't able to ride due to bad weather.
If someone asks for the specific costs, you could itemize it for them. Otherwise, paying a set fee each month is reasonable to me. To me, the set fee takes into account the average number of rides and the cost of care. I would also expect to pay more for a horse being sent to work on cattle vs. getting the basics. It costs money for cattle, as well. If I'm getting just the basics, I wouldn't pay what it would be for a horse in the roping pen. Maybe that's just me.
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Expert
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| geronabean - 2014-02-07 10:01 AM I charge per ride which covers ride and board care. Owner pays for feed, hay, feet, exhibitions, etc. I ride between 4-6 times a week depending on what the horse needs. If I haul one to a show that is a ride charge - I dont charge fuel.
What are your guidelines on picking up after training is finished? He tires to be flexible with everyone, but sometimes it takes days/weeks for owners to pick up. | |
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Expert
Posts: 2128
| just4fun - 2014-02-06 4:43 PM JMO, but it feels a little like the trainer wants to nickle and dime me...
Grooming products??? I don't want to buy your brushes. Shavings in the stall? What's the other option? I feel like listing every expense like this is a bit of a turn off.
Again, JMO. I've only sent one off (to three different trainers) and I expected that he would receive everything listed in your example for the one inclusive fee that was charged.
I wouldn't mind a seperate training and boarding fee, depending on the facility, set-up, and trainer.
eta: I've paid more for 30 days, so I don't mean to sound cheap. Just that it feels awkward when everything is listed this way.
I see your point. The reason for the explanation of the extra charge is because he is going up on his prices, and wanted his repeat customers to understand what the reason is. He never charged for shavings before, or wormer ect.
Would you as a customer feel more comfortable if it was just one all inclusive price?
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Expert
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| BeanCounter - 2014-02-07 9:45 AM If he is keeping roping stock in addition, your price is very reasonable. Calves are not cheap and they eat as well!
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Reaching for the stars....
Posts: 12708
| wyoming barrel racer - 2014-02-06 7:00 PM BamaCanChaser - 2014-02-06 5:55 PM lonely va barrelxr - 2014-02-06 6:49 PM 3 To Go - 2014-02-06 6:46 PM wyoming barrel racer - 2014-02-06 4:37 PM Sounds workable to me. Better than the screw job I got last year when I sent one off for 30 days riding, I called a couple times for updates, the trainer was gone a week over Christmas and again over New Years to see family. 60 days after we dropped the horse off he called and wanted to know how many days we wanted him there. We said 30 days riding, figured when he had 30 days riding he would let us know to pick him up. We got charged SIXTY days because the horse was there 60 days. I know dang well he didn't have more than 30 actual rides. The guy I have riding 2 now charges $650 for 30 days riding/working. I expect he will be on them in no time, both are good minded. It's not right to charge an amount for 30 days or whatever when you are out of the state for 2 weeks. I know of another trainer who has done this a lot to clients. Charged for a full month of training when they were maybe only there for half of it. My friend got screwed over even after I warned her of it. She had her horse there for 90 days and got charged for all of it. I said there's no way that the trainer rode your horse because they kept their FB updated as to their location and it sure wasn't at home riding my friend's horse! Not to mention the horse came back worse than when they sent it there, both body condition and riding! It's sad how few honest people are out there these days. There still are some, but you better do your homework to find them and they are hard to find. A good trainer is well worth the price they charge.
My question is - who's going to police the trainer so he/she can't say they rode 20 times in a month when they only rode 2 times?
No one has to, trainers make a living by word of mouth, recommendations. Screwing enough people will run themselves out of business.
I know that 4 hours isn't hideous for the distance to the trainer, but it doesn't make sense to make that drive every couple weeks just to check up on your horse. That's an extra $100 per trip added in to the training fee. I was always told yes, the horse is being ridden, yes, he/she is coming along fine (great, fantastic, etc.). One was delivered to trainer in August and $$$ got tight. I wanted to keep the horse in training but could not afford to drive anywhere. I gave up showing that winter to pay the training bill. Got a few $$$ together to make the drive in March or so and the horse couldn't trot to the first barrel in a straight line, zig zagged everywhere looking at every shadow, cow, bird, etc. Kind of told the story there. You CAN NOT get money back from a trainer. And I beg to differ that word of mouth will affect a trainers business. This trainer has pulled this stunt and worse in the past. Not just once, and not just to one person. But because this trainer can turn out some pretty fantastic product if an effort is made. I think it's a cr*p shoot with this trainer and if you get lucky you get a great barrel horse, and if not, then you waste a lot of time and money. | |
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Queen Bean of Ponyland
Posts: 24954
Location: WYOMING | scwebster - 2014-02-07 11:21 AM geronabean - 2014-02-07 10:01 AM I charge per ride which covers ride and board care. Owner pays for feed, hay, feet, exhibitions, etc. I ride between 4-6 times a week depending on what the horse needs. If I haul one to a show that is a ride charge - I dont charge fuel. What are your guidelines on picking up after training is finished? He tires to be flexible with everyone, but sometimes it takes days/weeks for owners to pick up.
Edited by geronabean 2014-02-07 11:48 AM
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 Money Eating Baggage Owner
Posts: 9586
Location: Phoenix | r_beau - 2014-02-06 3:16 PM
Kind of an odd way to word things, but that works out to about $750 for 30 days. Seems reasonable for someone who does a good job. That's actually the same price I am sending my 3-year-old off for.
I agree. And then say they give them a day off every week, it's even less. $700 is about the average going rate for starting horses around here. | |
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 Swiffer PIcker Upper
Posts: 4015
Location: Four Corners Colorado | Bibliafarm - 2014-02-06 5:28 PM its a steal.. 5 bucks a day to feed, hay, shavings and fly spray and care .. is cheap.
I agree that is a really fair boarding price. Right now My horses cost me $6 a day each for hay alone. | |
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 Veteran
Posts: 141
Location: College Station, TX | I am charged $600 for 30 rides, and if 30 rides are completed in 30 days then that's all I owe. If weather, holidays, ect get in the way I pay what it cost for the horse to be there those extra days. She keeps all expenses for my horse separate so I am paying exactly what was spent on feed/hay/ect in those extra days. It averages around $5 a day.
I know this isn't feasible for most that are training multiple at a time. My trainer had quit taking outside horses so since mine is the only one there it makes it easier to do it this way. She doesn't add in fuel to get supplies, or things like that but I would completely understand if she did. | |
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Expert
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| Talkeetnababe - 2014-02-07 12:03 PM I am charged $600 for 30 rides, and if 30 rides are completed in 30 days then that's all I owe. If weather, holidays, ect get in the way I pay what it cost for the horse to be there those extra days. She keeps all expenses for my horse separate so I am paying exactly what was spent on feed/hay/ect in those extra days. It averages around $5 a day. I know this isn't feasible for most that are training multiple at a time. My trainer had quit taking outside horses so since mine is the only one there it makes it easier to do it this way. She doesn't add in fuel to get supplies, or things like that but I would completely understand if she did.
That sounds like a fair way to do it! That way you see exactly what you are paying for. Thanks for the reply! :)! | |
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Worst.Housekeeper.EVER.
Location: Missouri | scwebster - 2014-02-07 10:32 AM just4fun - 2014-02-06 4:43 PM JMO, but it feels a little like the trainer wants to nickle and dime me...
Grooming products??? I don't want to buy your brushes. Shavings in the stall? What's the other option? I feel like listing every expense like this is a bit of a turn off.
Again, JMO. I've only sent one off (to three different trainers) and I expected that he would receive everything listed in your example for the one inclusive fee that was charged.
I wouldn't mind a seperate training and boarding fee, depending on the facility, set-up, and trainer.
eta: I've paid more for 30 days, so I don't mean to sound cheap. Just that it feels awkward when everything is listed this way.
I see your point. The reason for the explanation of the extra charge is because he is going up on his prices, and wanted his repeat customers to understand what the reason is. He never charged for shavings before, or wormer ect.
Would you as a customer feel more comfortable if it was just one all inclusive price?
My GF called me a couple of weeks ago about a trainer and asked me what I thought about her fees. She listed everything, gas, entries, feed, training, board, the list went on forever, it seemed. This was a consignment situation, so there were prices if the horse sold, different from if it didn't sell, and fees for if she sold it vs. the trainer...It just made me feel like what happens if the trainer has a flat tire? Do you pay for that too? lol!
So, that's what I had in mind when I aswered.
If the fees are non-negotiable, then I don't know that I would bother listing them. For instance, if it's not cheaper if I bring my own fly spray, then just include it as a "boarding and care" fee. Maybe you can keep an itemized list if someone is that picky, but I would think most people that seek you out are trusting you to spend the money as you see fit.
Also, I can't imagine the trainer being responsible for worming my horse! IMO, that shouldn't be included in your fees. If necessary, it should be a seperate charge (I've even see an administration fee on top of the wormer fee).
I loved my last trainer. I know he didn't get 30 days riding done on my horse, but there were days when he camped on him all day, worked cows for hours, etc. I would rather have that kind of riding than 30 day short sessions, so I did prefer the flat fee in my situation.
Sorry for the book. Hope it helped some. But, I'm obviously in the minority with my thinking, so maybe it's best to disregard...
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Expert
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| just4fun - 2014-02-07 12:13 PM
scwebster - 2014-02-07 10:32 AM just4fun - 2014-02-06 4:43 PM JMO, but it feels a little like the trainer wants to nickle and dime me...
Grooming products??? I don't want to buy your brushes. Shavings in the stall? What's the other option? I feel like listing every expense like this is a bit of a turn off.
Again, JMO. I've only sent one off (to three different trainers) and I expected that he would receive everything listed in your example for the one inclusive fee that was charged.
I wouldn't mind a seperate training and boarding fee, depending on the facility, set-up, and trainer.
eta: I've paid more for 30 days, so I don't mean to sound cheap. Just that it feels awkward when everything is listed this way.
I see your point. The reason for the explanation of the extra charge is because he is going up on his prices, and wanted his repeat customers to understand what the reason is. He never charged for shavings before, or wormer ect.
Would you as a customer feel more comfortable if it was just one all inclusive price?
So, that's what I had in mind when I aswered.
If the fees are non-negotiable, then I don't know that I would bother listing them. For instance, if it's not cheaper if I bring my own fly spray, then just include it as a "boarding and care" fee. Maybe you can keep an itemized list if someone is that picky, but I would think most people that seek you out are trusting you to spend the money as you see fit.
Also, I can't imagine the trainer being responsible for worming my horse! IMO, that shouldn't be included in your fees. If necessary, it should be a seperate charge (I've even see an administration fee on top of the wormer fee).
I loved my last trainer. I know he didn't get 30 days riding done on my horse, but there were days when he camped on him all day, worked cows for hours, etc. I would rather have that kind of riding than 30 day short sessions, so I did prefer the flat fee in my situation.
Sorry for the book. Hope it helped some. But, I'm obviously in the minority with my thinking, so maybe it's best to disregard...
Not at all I value everyones input. I def see your point. Thanks for your feedback! | |
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 Toastest with the Mostest
Posts: 5712
Location: That part of Texas | I would prefer to pay on a per ride and boarding fee than a flat fee. My thoughts pretty much mirror everybody else's on not wanting to pay for the days when they are not getting rode or the trainer is out of town. I think it also probably works better for the trainers too in that they can better show what work was done for the money they are earning. I also sometimes like sending my own feed and hay with a horse and having a way to negotiate a possibly lower boarding fee would work better with the itemized price list than just a flat fee.
I've found that in this economy, it's sometimes easier to get people to pay or afford your services when it's more itemized than a flat fee. I've moved from taking family law cases on a flat-fee to an hourly rate. Once the retainer is used up, my clients can either send more money to finish the case out or I'm withdrawing off of the case. I've taken on so many flat-fee cases that have ended up in me not making a profit because I either spent more time working on them than I thought or just fluke things happen to make them the case go on longer than expected. I end up eating the costs in the end and it's not good for my business. It sounds like your husband has been in that position too so I hope that itemizing stuff works for you guys too! | |
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 Forever Young
Posts: 6768
Location: relocated to Texas | Bibliafarm - 2014-02-07 5:28 PM its a steal.. 5 bucks a day to feed, hay, shavings and fly spray and care .. is cheap.
Exactly right. I would be losing money to charge $5 a day for care, feeding 1/2 bale a hay a day, plus grain and minerals, shavings, etc. Are you kidding me?
And, charging per ride is going to be cheaper for you than paying by the month. $20 a ride is on the low side too as most trainers put 20 rides a month on a horse, not 30. If he charged you for 20 rides that is $400.00. Add to that 30 days at $5 and that is $550 for the month.
I would be looking more at the results the trainer gets than just the fees. Honestly, with this billing system, I would question the experience of the trainer because I don't feel a person could make a living charging like this. The experienced ones will charge by the month. Last I paid a guy to start a colt was $800.00/mo. He was worth it. | |
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Forever Young
Posts: 6768
Location: relocated to Texas | Bibliafarm - 2014-02-08 8:45 AM Id charge 10 a day.. for care.. if they have stalls. training is extra.. imho
Ditto. A friend left a horse in my care when they went out of town. The horse had an injury that I had to doctor twice a day, and I fed it, cleaned the stall, etc. He paid me $25/day for that and provided some of the hay (I ended up running out before they got back.) | |
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Expert
Posts: 2128
| Hollywood's Fan - 2014-02-07 1:37 PM Bibliafarm - 2014-02-07 5:28 PM its a steal.. 5 bucks a day to feed, hay, shavings and fly spray and care .. is cheap. Exactly right. I would be losing money to charge $5 a day for care, feeding 1/2 bale a hay a day, plus grain and minerals, shavings, etc. Are you kidding me?
And, charging per ride is going to be cheaper for you than paying by the month. $20 a ride is on the low side too as most trainers put 20 rides a month on a horse, not 30. If he charged you for 20 rides that is $400.00. Add to that 30 days at $5 and that is $550 for the month.
I would be looking more at the results the trainer gets than just the fees. Honestly, with this billing system, I would question the experience of the trainer because I don't feel a person could make a living charging like this. The experienced ones will charge by the month. Last I paid a guy to start a colt was $800.00/mo. He was worth it.
Right now he charges 600 for 30 rides (he provides feed and hay). No matter how many "days" it takes him ( month and a half average). He has been training for the public over 10 years. Keeps anywhere from 6-12 horses at all times. He has been hesitant to raise prices because he wants to remain affordable to all of his loyal customers. He is realizing though, that he cannot keep doing so and make decent living at it. If it werent for his winnings at the Pro Rodeos and jackpots he couldnt make a living just riding. Sometimes you just have to make business decisions. From the feedback you and others have givin I feel confident most will be understanding.   | |
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Forever Young
Posts: 6768
Location: relocated to Texas | scwebster - 2014-02-08 1:08 PM Hollywood's Fan - 2014-02-07 1:37 PM Bibliafarm - 2014-02-07 5:28 PM its a steal.. 5 bucks a day to feed, hay, shavings and fly spray and care .. is cheap. Exactly right. I would be losing money to charge $5 a day for care, feeding 1/2 bale a hay a day, plus grain and minerals, shavings, etc. Are you kidding me?
And, charging per ride is going to be cheaper for you than paying by the month. $20 a ride is on the low side too as most trainers put 20 rides a month on a horse, not 30. If he charged you for 20 rides that is $400.00. Add to that 30 days at $5 and that is $550 for the month.
I would be looking more at the results the trainer gets than just the fees. Honestly, with this billing system, I would question the experience of the trainer because I don't feel a person could make a living charging like this. The experienced ones will charge by the month. Last I paid a guy to start a colt was $800.00/mo. He was worth it.
Just curious, but how does he win at the pro rodeos? Is someone else riding his horses there?
Edited by Hollywood's Fan 2014-02-07 2:17 PM
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Expert
Posts: 2128
| Hollywood's Fan - 2014-02-07 2:13 PM scwebster - 2014-02-08 1:08 PM Hollywood's Fan - 2014-02-07 1:37 PM Bibliafarm - 2014-02-07 5:28 PM its a steal.. 5 bucks a day to feed, hay, shavings and fly spray and care .. is cheap. Exactly right. I would be losing money to charge $5 a day for care, feeding 1/2 bale a hay a day, plus grain and minerals, shavings, etc. Are you kidding me?
And, charging per ride is going to be cheaper for you than paying by the month. $20 a ride is on the low side too as most trainers put 20 rides a month on a horse, not 30. If he charged you for 20 rides that is $400.00. Add to that 30 days at $5 and that is $550 for the month.
I would be looking more at the results the trainer gets than just the fees. Honestly, with this billing system, I would question the experience of the trainer because I don't feel a person could make a living charging like this. The experienced ones will charge by the month. Last I paid a guy to start a colt was $800.00/mo. He was worth it.
I wanted to get a feel for what other customers pay, and what other trainers charge. There arent many full time trainers in our area to get information from. This seemed like a good place to get a broad perspective, and has proved very informative! I agree with you :) :) | |
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Expert
Posts: 2128
| scwebster - 2014-02-07 2:35 PM Hollywood's Fan - 2014-02-07 2:13 PM scwebster - 2014-02-08 1:08 PM Hollywood's Fan - 2014-02-07 1:37 PM Bibliafarm - 2014-02-07 5:28 PM its a steal.. 5 bucks a day to feed, hay, shavings and fly spray and care .. is cheap. Exactly right. I would be losing money to charge $5 a day for care, feeding 1/2 bale a hay a day, plus grain and minerals, shavings, etc. Are you kidding me?
And, charging per ride is going to be cheaper for you than paying by the month. $20 a ride is on the low side too as most trainers put 20 rides a month on a horse, not 30. If he charged you for 20 rides that is $400.00. Add to that 30 days at $5 and that is $550 for the month.
I would be looking more at the results the trainer gets than just the fees. Honestly, with this billing system, I would question the experience of the trainer because I don't feel a person could make a living charging like this. The experienced ones will charge by the month. Last I paid a guy to start a colt was $800.00/mo. He was worth it.
Edited by scwebster 2014-02-07 2:41 PM
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Meanest Teacher!!!
Posts: 8555
Location: sunny california | I think there are situations where that price structure would be an acceptable one. If the trainer is in a more depressed area and hay prices are cheap compared to the rest of the country. I know in CA $5 day would not work for a stall with shavings. in an outside pen and hay cheap maybe; still on the low side though. as far as $20 per ride. I think if it were a less expereinced trainer or new to the area this price is ok. but not for the first 30 days as that takes more time. also too cheap for a problem horse.
I know I would like this price structure for mine as he is already broke and doesn't need riding everyday. I just want him legged up so ponying him one day and riding him the next works great.
also another thing to consider is long rides need to charge more. I had one trainer that I had him put trail miles on mine and told him to count one ride as two or three because my horse developed a time clock on him. | |
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How to do you feel about these trainer conditions