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 Ima Non Controversial Girl
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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
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| 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.Â
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
Posts: 2128
| 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:Â I've paid more for 30Â days, so I don't mean to sound cheap. Just that it feels awkward when everything is listed this way.Â
  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?
Â
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.Â
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...
Â
Not at all I value everyones input. I def see your point. Thanks for your feedback! | |
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