Does this sound fair for free board?

Question

I am currently boarding where there is no indoor arena but it is just getting too icy to ride outside. I would like to board somewhere with an indoor arena. I found this barn where board is $400 a month. For January I will have 2 horses (I am getting a gelding soon) and $800 is a bit much to pay every month on just board when I have farrier and what not on top of that. The barn lady said I can clean paddocks for 10 hours a week to get one horse's board free and then I would pay full price for the other.
I just wanted to see what your opinions are, does 10 hours a week of cleaning paddocks and mucking stalls sound fair for $400 board? I think it's pretty standard but I just wanted to see what you guys think.
Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi. English Cowgirl!



Yep that sound very fair :). She sounds nice! And that's a great deal. But as others has said, it would be more accurate if she says an ammount of pens rather then an amount of hours.



But that is her problem. That would just be about an hour and a half's work a day! That's really a great deal. U shouldn't miss your chance.



But you said its getting icy oudside so won't you get cold? Also if it rains, you won't be able to go out to clean them.



Just make sure all that is in a contract. Remember to wear a jacket!



Good luck and I hope you get your gelding soon :).

Answer 2

Do the math.



10 hours at the standard rate of $10 an hour = $100 a week = $400 a month.



Make sure to get it in writing.



Because she's better off to say per stall, not per hour, but that's her problem. You're better off sticking with 10 hours a week. Because then that's however many stalls you can do in an hour.



Don't let her bully you into rushing to get in lots of stalls, either. Take your time and don't wear yourself out.



Also, wear a protective mask. If you don't, your lungs will have dust and you can develop problems later on in life.

Answer 3

uh yea that is extremely fair!! thats 10 dollars an hour lol when i only get 7.25 ( which is totaly fine with me) an hour ahahah:). but i would watch what your getting into 10 hours a week is a lott more than you think! i work off board at my barn and last month in total i only got about 16 hours and i go out almost everyday and he has 20+ horses to take care of. plus im basicly one of his only workers! unless you plan on being there every day then here are your options

5 hours a day only 2 days a week

4 hours for 2 days, 2 hours 1 day. 3 days total

3 hours a day for 3 days, 1 hour one day. 4 days total

2 hours a day 5 days total



this was in nooooo way meant to be rude i jus dont wan you to accept it then not be able to get out there haha:)

Answer 4

Yes, that sounds more than fair! I work off my horses board and only get $6 per hour credit (sucks, I know, but it's a small barn)

Answer 5

That sounds VERY fair! Your getting free board for one horse..Thats really good its only 2 hours more than a regular work day!

Answer 6

Depends, how many pens do you have to clean? 4 or 40?



Also, judging on time is stupid on her part. It should be per stall/pen not per hour; if you have 40 pens to clean and 10 hours a week to clean as many as you can, well frankly you could spend 10 hours slowly cleaning 4 pens for free board.



Doesn't sound right in my head, I suppose because I've always had people tell me the work that needs to be done regardless hours instead of the hours it needs to be done regardless the work.

Answer 7

$400 a month for board is a good price if it includes food meaning hay and grain. $10 an hour for chores is a good deal for you if you can spare the ten hours a week.

Answer 8

$400.00 per month off for 10 hours per week. It would boil down to $100.00 off per week. That means you would be paid $10 an hour for 10 hours of work. Sounds fair. Your horses would enjoy your extra barn activity also.

Answer 9

I would say that lady is being VERY VERY VERY nice. I would never do free board for free, especially if I was doing 400 a month.



I guess that sounds fair...However if I were you, I'd do more. To show your appreciation.

Answer 10

If you think the boarding stable is a good place to board and that it is worth it to work and pay then go for it. Honestly I would lol! Sounds like a good deal

Answer 11

This guy obviously doesn't share a love for horses but it is still funny. I read this and I had to laugh and pass it along.

Why having a horse SUCKS!



http://myfacebrook.blogspot.com/2011/12/why-having-horse-sucks.html

Answer 12

Yeah, sounds fair to me.

Answer 13

Yes very fair!