Silly question

Love_Em_All · 03-02-2005, 10:21 AM

I want to check out a boarding facility but I don't want to give them "warning" about when I want to show up and look around. It wouldn't be very helpful to give them time to clean the place up and make everything spiffy and normal if things aren't normally that way there.

Is just showing up at a boarding stable a good idea or do I need to call first?

Rita

**divinemisselle** · 03-02-2005, 10:31 AM

Here's a trick that works...go ahead and set up the day and even the time. Don't tell them where you're coming from. Be sure to arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to the set time.

Here's the trick...Apologize profusely for being so early, then tell them that it wasn't as long of a drive as you had expected. Tell them that you were unfamiliar with the area where the stables are located, and you allotted enough time to seek and find.

Most people will go, "Okay". It buys you an extra 30 or so minutes to catch them in the act of tidying.

Or...

Just show up unannounced. Period. Tell them that you just happened to be in the area and took a chance that someone was home. You don't have to consider this an official visit, but you' d be able to catch them unaware.

I love spontaneity!

**Orchid** · 03-02-2005, 11:01 AM

I think it's like choosing a daycare; if you want to know what the place is really like, you have to drop in unannounced. If it's a good place, they'll totally understand and welcome you. If not, beware.

Love_Em_All · 03-02-2005, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orchid

I think it's like choosing a daycare; if you want to know what the place is really like, you have to drop in unannounced. If it's a good place, they'll totally understand and welcome you. If not, beware.

Good advice! Thanks!

Rita

EquineAlberta · 03-02-2005, 01:19 PM

I think it depends on the type of boarding stable. It is a public stable then showing up anytime during openning hours should be fine, but if it is someone who just boards a few horses and they don't have staff there all day, then you need to make sure you come out when someone is around, or that they know you are there.

I know when I was managing a small barn, I really hated it if people showed up super early; I did not live there so usually I arranged it so we would meet as I was getting there or finishing a ride/lesson. If they showed up early and I wasn't there it annoyed the owners to have a stranger walking around, and if I was teaching I felt I had to rush the lesson/ride so I could talk to them.

If it IS a small barn and it is close to where you live, arrange a meeting and show up at that time. If you like it then pop back unnannouced, either while barn chores are being done, or at the time you would plan to be riding to see the day to day ambiance of the barn.

Good Luck!

**muttduck** · 03-02-2005, 03:48 PM

I'm gonna agree with EA. Some barns may not have staff around and you don't want to freak out other owners who may be there. (Who knows they may call the cops on you for being suspicious or trespassing.

)

I would say arriving early for an appointment would be okay on the first time out, though (like 15 minutes max.)

Also if any other owners are there, and seem friendly enough, ask them their honest opinion. Obviously, people on the forum are sometimes not happy with their barn, but stay for lack of better places... Find out if the appearance that you're seeing is typical or if they spruced it up, some owners may be honest about the place, and give you what you need for your decision.

**Orchid** · 03-02-2005, 03:55 PM

Ummm, my face is red,

I didn't clarify myself very well. I was thinking, go for an appointment first, then drop in at a later time, when they at least have met you. Sorry for any confusion

03-02-2005, 10:21 AM
Love_Em_All Newborn Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: California Posts: 13	Silly question I want to check out a boarding facility but I don't want to give them "warning" about when I want to show up and look around. It wouldn't be very helpful to give them time to clean the place up and make everything spiffy and normal if things aren't normally that way there. Is just showing up at a boarding stable a good idea or do I need to call first? Rita

03-02-2005, 10:31 AM
divinemisselle Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 6,650	Here's a trick that works...go ahead and set up the day and even the time. Don't tell them where you're coming from. Be sure to arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to the set time. Here's the trick...Apologize profusely for being so early, then tell them that it wasn't as long of a drive as you had expected. Tell them that you were unfamiliar with the area where the stables are located, and you allotted enough time to seek and find. Most people will go, "Okay". It buys you an extra 30 or so minutes to catch them in the act of tidying. Or... Just show up unannounced. Period. Tell them that you just happened to be in the area and took a chance that someone was home. You don't have to consider this an official visit, but you' d be able to catch them unaware. I love spontaneity! __________________ *Ditto.*

03-02-2005, 11:01 AM
Orchid Super Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 10,059	I think it's like choosing a daycare; if you want to know what the place is really like, you have to drop in unannounced. If it's a good place, they'll totally understand and welcome you. If not, beware. __________________ I have nothing witty or even charming to say at this point.

03-02-2005, 01:19 PM
EquineAlberta Seasoned Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 4,682	I think it depends on the type of boarding stable. It is a public stable then showing up anytime during openning hours should be fine, but if it is someone who just boards a few horses and they don't have staff there all day, then you need to make sure you come out when someone is around, or that they know you are there. I know when I was managing a small barn, I really hated it if people showed up super early; I did not live there so usually I arranged it so we would meet as I was getting there or finishing a ride/lesson. If they showed up early and I wasn't there it annoyed the owners to have a stranger walking around, and if I was teaching I felt I had to rush the lesson/ride so I could talk to them. If it IS a small barn and it is close to where you live, arrange a meeting and show up at that time. If you like it then pop back unnannouced, either while barn chores are being done, or at the time you would plan to be riding to see the day to day ambiance of the barn. Good Luck!

03-02-2005, 03:48 PM
muttduck Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 6,233	I'm gonna agree with EA. Some barns may not have staff around and you don't want to freak out other owners who may be there. (Who knows they may call the cops on you for being suspicious or trespassing. ) I would say arriving early for an appointment would be okay on the first time out, though (like 15 minutes max.) Also if any other owners are there, and seem friendly enough, ask them their honest opinion. Obviously, people on the forum are sometimes not happy with their barn, but stay for lack of better places... Find out if the appearance that you're seeing is typical or if they spruced it up, some owners may be honest about the place, and give you what you need for your decision. __________________ www.woodburnedpetportraits.com www.animalgalleryphotography.com

03-02-2005, 03:55 PM
Orchid Super Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 10,059	Ummm, my face is red, I didn't clarify myself very well. I was thinking, go for an appointment first, then drop in at a later time, when they at least have met you. Sorry for any confusion __________________ I have nothing witty or even charming to say at this point.