Opinion coming at ya:
A few months ago I ran into an acquaintance, who has an equine business, that was super annoyed, and told me what had her so riled up. The gist of it was that she received a phone call from a rider who wanted her to come to her barn to provide the service for her. It was a bit of a drive, so the provider would be charging a larger trip fee, but had good news for the caller. She explained the trip fee, but said "I have another client at your barn, and she has been waiting for someone else to want me to come out, I'll give her a call and then you can split the trip fee with her." To the providers surprise the caller did not want her to do that. She explained that she didn't want to "Split her appointment," and that she "wanted the focus to be on her and her horse." The provider assured her the appointment would not be shorter, and that she would take care to let the other boarder know not to approach her until she was done, and that this would save them both some money. But the caller would not be swayed, saying that "if "Betty" doesn't have the money to pay for her own trip out, that is not my problem." In the end the provider did call the other boarder, asking her to arrive at barn quite early, did her horse first and did not charge her a trip fee. She just said "no fee as I am going to be in the area anyway," and did not tell the boarder what had happened. (I know right? I bet there was some barn drama after that huh?)
A few months ago I ran into an acquaintance, who has an equine business, that was super annoyed, and told me what had her so riled up. The gist of it was that she received a phone call from a rider who wanted her to come to her barn to provide the service for her. It was a bit of a drive, so the provider would be charging a larger trip fee, but had good news for the caller. She explained the trip fee, but said "I have another client at your barn, and she has been waiting for someone else to want me to come out, I'll give her a call and then you can split the trip fee with her." To the providers surprise the caller did not want her to do that. She explained that she didn't want to "Split her appointment," and that she "wanted the focus to be on her and her horse." The provider assured her the appointment would not be shorter, and that she would take care to let the other boarder know not to approach her until she was done, and that this would save them both some money. But the caller would not be swayed, saying that "if "Betty" doesn't have the money to pay for her own trip out, that is not my problem." In the end the provider did call the other boarder, asking her to arrive at barn quite early, did her horse first and did not charge her a trip fee. She just said "no fee as I am going to be in the area anyway," and did not tell the boarder what had happened. (I know right? I bet there was some barn drama after that huh?)
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| get it? hahaha |
Now, let's be clear, as my mom used to say "assholes and saints are everywhere." But this story illustrates that those who live a little tighter financially, would probably appreciate the consideration of other riders. Sure you have the right to want and get what you want if you can afford it, but just keep in mind that being kind and considerate is priceless. Think about the financial needs of your fellow equestrians before you pick a hotel, a restaurant, a show, extras for a trip. Especially when a group is going, and make sure that it fits the budgets for all involved so that all can be relaxed and have a fun time together. Just because you have the funds, or may be willing to whip out the credit card, please don't expect your companions to be in the same boat. Be up front about costs, try to keep overall costs down, and if costs are shared leave out the extravagant extras. Not all has to be split. If you want that extra whatever, allow others to say "no thanks" with all cost information available, and pay for those things separately. An added cost of $100 may not be a big deal for some, but many people have their budgets planned down to the $1.
Think of everyone when planning and try not to "price anyone out." Most people I know would be happy to share the trip fee, and that's the only time I have heard of anyone refusing outright. Maybe there are other reasons we don't know about behind the refusal (the other boarder being a lot to handle, butting in, etc). But I have heard many riders upset about costs being higher than they needed to be for shows, clinics etc. And being charged for things that they didn't want, use or expect. That's not cool!
Just my thoughts......
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