need non-legal advice about horse/mule

[WingingIt]

Personally, I'd say let the barn owner take it as legally that's his right due to the past due fees. He seems like a stand up man and he's been taking good care of BC for three months now without being paid, so I'd imagine he'd continue to be good with training, etc. If he later sells BC to a good home to recoup some of the money he's put in for training, etc., that's certainly his right, logical and a paying (new) owner is probably going to take better care of BC BECAUSE they'll be paying good money to get a well trained and very wanted BC. (As opposed to the girl who paid $1 - nothing big invested, nothing big to walk away from, you know? I KNOW you were being super nice, please don't feel I'm picking on you about that, it was very sweet of you.)

If you decide you want BC back and want to take on the training and expenses, the first expense you have to take care of, IMO, would be paying the past due stable fees. If the BO is willing to let the girl give BC back to you, it's not fair that he lose the money for the three months he's been taking care of BC.

 

[OldGuy43]

I sold BC to her for $1.00, because the situation was good for me as BC would be where I could watch over her

I understand your feelings, but you sold BC. I know you wanted non-legal advice, but I feel compelled to point out that a minor cannot enter into a contract so that part is unenforceable by either party, ergo BC is yours to do with as you please. Let your conscience be your guide. " 'tis a puzzlement."

 

[chickened]

I would encourage the mother to give the mule to the barn for board. The girl does not have interst in the mule, the mother is unemployed and what is she going to do after catching up on board? wait until another wad of money arrives? My guess is the barn owner will collect past board and then ask her to move the mule, but that is a guess. The mule in the right hands would be a valuable animal and the barn owner seems to be that kind of person. Letting go of a baby you raised is tough.

Best horse I ever had cost me a 150.00 board bill. I hunted with him across the West he would do anything I wanted him to do and go anywhere in the rugged wilderness.

 

[dewey]

Since the barn owner's contract is with the mom, if he ends up owning the mule because mom doesn't pay the board, then it's his mule to do with as he pleases...including gifting it to you.

He could sell the mule to you for the board bill or a smaller amount if he wanted to, but it sounds like he'd rather gift it to you (hence, relieving you of any perceived debt to him and clearing the table between you two). Holding onto some notion of guilt after the owner goes out of his way to try to relieve you of it would be a waste, regardless of whether you decide to keep the mule.

 

[EweSheep]

I agree with Sonoran and OldChick, well thought of about the welfare of BC.

Yep, gaited mules ARE popular around here!

 

[seminolewind]

Whew, alot of good comments! Thanks!

Redhen- I would like to see Mr. G retain ownership and find a buyer who can afford to keep a good mule. And I promised myself way back that he would never be owed money for her, and I stand by that. I will reimburse him for the board so far.

Mattemma, I have no problems with the BO having her to resell. I've seen him take back any animal he's sold, even a few years later, because he sells good animals. The barn is the best place I've ever boarded.

Theoldchick, she is already trained to gait, walk , trot, canter, jump, and trail. If you fall off, she will stand and wait, LOL. The barn has already trained her 2 years ago, and did a fine job. She also does voice command. She's a big girl, probably 15' 3'' now. Mr. G /barn is just the kind of place that can do a good job selling her to good people.

Wingingit, I've already decided to reimburse him for the board because I promised myself that when the girl bought the mule. She won't be costing anyone any money. I guess I consider myself her guardian in a way, owned or not.

Oldguy, her mother had signed the papers. I was looking for non-legal information because regardless of what's legal, I want to be fair. I talk I, I, I, because BO is asking me what I want to do with BC, and I'm trying to do what's fair even tho I would prefer to just own my horse. If it comes down to it, I would take her back, her life and wellbeing are important to me.

Chickened, I think if mom keeps dragging this out , I would think about calling her and show her that being realistic is not a failure or a fault. I think that's the way she feels. YES, letting go of her is hard, and I am working on that-for my sake.

Dewey, good point about "gifting". I could not accept it. I guess I just know too much about how some people have taken advantage of his kindness and willingness to help. He would do anything for anyone, and I want to be sure I'm not doing that. One thing I do know is that if he keeps her, her board will be paid up to date by me, and she is 100% healthy and sweet.

I appreciate all the food for thought. It's helping me with staying fair above all else.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

One thing that could be said to the mom is to remind her that her daughter agreed to work at the stables to help pay the cost of boarding. Yes, she is a minor and cannot legally enter contracts, but the mother DOES have the power to insist that her daughter live up to the obligations that she made. It will help teach her responsibility to require that she live up to her word; losing interest in an activity does not negate responsibility for caring for your animal or doing what you promised.

 

[seminolewind]

Sonoran, good point. But I don't know how simple. Simple would be for mom to decide to give up the mule.

But I think there are some disfunctional things going on there. Mom , I believe, may have an alcohol problem, and also relies on men to survive (money). She has only worked odd jobs, maybe she can't hold a job. Meanwhile , she may feel forever guilty and let her daughter walk all over her "for love", and giving up BC would , in her mind, fail the girl.

In general, I think the daughter can have the upper hand , although there is not a selfish bone in her body.

Hopefully, possibly, your idea could work because it's a solid different angle.

to be continued........................

BTW, Sonoran, I love that pic in your avatar. I have a silkie who's a dilute partridge, gotta take a pic, I just can't get over the color. Gotta see it!