The New Changes Explained

Happy New Year! I know it has been a while since I have written anything. I took a little time off for the holidays and to do a little soul searching. I had a couple unexpected events happen and had to reevaluate some things. But I'm back and ready to go for the new year!

As some may have noticed, I worked on the website and partly changed the structure of my business. I like being a full service boarding facility, but the price point seems to be a hurtle for a lot of people, which I understand, but I also can't function as a full service facility for less than that. One solution to that is for people to work off board, but that is problematic for a few reasons. One is personal liability, one is employment liability and another is longevity.

I am also in the position of doing all of the labor myself. While it is doable, it is also exhausting! I am by no means against hard work, but my body has not been holding up as I had hoped it would. With a lot of unanticipated back discomfort, I am definitely going to need a day off here and there.

So I got to thinking about how to improve the price point for people and still be able to function as a legitimate business and get the labor help that I need. I have come up with what I think is a good solution. Full board is still offered, but at a slightly increased price. Everything is included and, as always, I try my best to cater to your individual horse's needs. Rough board is also now an option. For half of full board you have a stall, space for equipment and supplies and access to the facilities. You are responsible for all care of your horse.

Now here is the fun part. I'm offering several options in between full and rough board. In an attempt to make things as easy as possible, but also maximize flexibility, I thought about all of the daily horse chores and broke them up into four categories: feeding breakfast and turnout, blanket changes, stall mucking, feeding dinner and bring in. If a boarder wants me to do one of those things one time, the charge is $5. If you want me to do one of those things for the entire month, the charge is $50. And you aren't locked in to a plan. You decide what you want at the beginning of each month!

For example: if you signed up for rough board, but you know there is a month you won't be able to feed and turn your horse out most of the month of June. Just let me know, add the $50 to your board payment and you don't have to worry about it. If you are going to be late from work and can't bring your horse in, just let me know and I will happily do it. Just add the $5 to your next board payment. I will also keep track of any extra tasks that I have performed on a spread sheet that I will email at the end of the month.

Another new offer this year is having your horse exercised for you! If you can only ride a couple days a week, or are going on vacation, I can keep your horse going for you. I don't claim to be a trainer, so my focus would simply be suppleness, relaxation and fitness so that when you are able to ride you know that you can get right back to work after some time off or continue with your work without spending extra time getting back into a groove.

The semi-coop setup seems to be a good way to solve the pricing and labor concerns that I have had up to this point. Look for stalls opening in the spring and I may be hiring help for one day a week! If there are questions or you want a tour, please don't hesitate to call or text!