Need some Input, not sure what to charge for this....

[lockedhearts]

A friend of mine is seriously considering going overseas to work for a year. He does not want to give up his horses and has asked me what I would charge per month to take care of them. He lives about 7 miles from me and I would have to feed them twice a day plus any emergencies, etc. Not sure how he is going to handle feed/hay, he gets feed in bulk from the same guy he and I both get hay from.
So , it will take me about 1 hour each time I go feed. None of his stay in the barn so no stalls to clean. I have no idea what to tell him......

Anyone have experience with this?

 

[RabbitMage]

I'd tell him to look into either leasing them for the duration or find himself an actual boarding stable that offer full care or will tailor something to his needs AND probably has the proper release of liability forms in case something goes wrong.

This isn't a deal I'd enter into for any amount of money, personally.

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

Quote:
I totally agree with this. Even though its only a few miles away it will take up much more time than you even can anticipate. I used to have my horse boarded off my own property and caring for him, while not very far away from where my house, was always a headache. There was usually something that needed done that kept me there longer than I should have had to. A mess to clean up, brush to pick out of his tail, fence rail down, ect ect. ALWAYS something.

If I were you I would tell him to make other arrangements because this really will turn into something that is more time consuming than you can anticipate, not to mention that if there was an emergency it would potentially keep you from your own obligations. If you choose to name a price i would make it a pretty steep one so that you don't feel put out when you realize how much time and effort it will actually entail.

 

[lockedhearts]

I have horses of my own, I no what work and comittment are involved, also since I am unemployed, I am thinking this may help me financially as well. I can handle most emergencies and have had to do stitches a few times on my own. I also have a very good vet and he has agreed to use her if anything came up. I am pretty much tied to my farm 24/7 except for errands so taking up my time is not a big issue.

 

[chicks4kids]

Since you said that this would help you out financially, then considering it should definitely be an option and it'll be cash in hand. And since you are already knowledgable in this area, that should be considered a factor and a plus in your favor-he already knows that you know how to take care of the animals so he may be willing to pay more than he would a random stranger. However, I don't know how much to charge him. I am leaning towards around $300 a month.

But here are some things to consider:
1. if you do find a job, could you handle both the job and taking care of his animals?
2. What about wintertime?
3. Can you haul his animals if need be or have access to his equipment?
4. Will he give you money for emergencies/feed or credit card or something?
5. Are you in charge of watching his house as well?
6. Can he set it up so $$ is automatically deposited into your account for payment of services?

Just some things that run across my mind...because that is a large commitment, but financially could help you out as well.

 

[lockedhearts]

I have a Dually and Horse Trailer so hauling is not an issue. I have over 30 years experience with horses and yes we would have to work out the details (how he will pay for feed, hay, vet etc) A friend said $425 month, but I don;t want him to feel like I am trying to rip him off.

 

[michickenwrangler]

How many horses does he have?

I worked/lived at a boarding stable when I was younger, taking care of 40 horses, and I was paid $200/week plus my room and board plus room and board for my horse, so essentially, I was getting paid over $2000 a month with pay & benefits.

$400-500 a month is not unreasonable depending on area.

 

[Camelot Farms]

If you have your own horses, is it an option to bring his to your place?

 

[lockedhearts]

Quote:
Not an option to bring his here, I do not have enough room for his plus mine. He has 5 Horses and they are easy to deal with. I am thinking around 300-400 per month and he has to work out the details for feed/Hay and vet care if needed, either via CC or checks or something to the vet. His brother lives just down the road from him and can feed the horses, but has no clue about anything if something is wrong. He would not know colic from a horse just rolling in the dirt. He would feel better paying someone that knows how to spot a problem and can take care of an injury or illness.
My Hubby can feed at night here if I should get caught over there for an issue.

 

[Camelot Farms]

I think that is more than reasonable.

You should check with HorseJody to see if she has a contract or document that would work for this situation. Just something to absolve you from any problems that could arise.
HorseJody always has good stuff