If you board, would you ever prepay your board?

cindyf · 08-25-2008, 07:51 AM

Ok, I'm looking at boarding 2 horses now compared to 1 in the past. I currently have about 4 months worth of board saved up and would love to prepay the board so I don't have to worry about paying monthly over the winter months when work for my hubby slows down. I know I could just "save" the money and pay monthly but we both have a hard time "saving". So has anyone ever prepaid their board before, and if not would you? This is a boarding place that I have been at for over a year with one horse and just acquired another horse. It's a great place and I don't see myself leaving there anytime soon. I have a great relationship with the barn owner, she's awesome. So would you do it, has anyone ever done that before? And if so do you put anything in writing that you prepaid?

paso_lover · 08-25-2008, 07:54 AM

I had a boarder whose mom gave post dated checks. Very convenient and responsable I think.

CowhorseGal · 08-25-2008, 07:56 AM

I don't think I would prepay. If you have a hard time saving.. (I can relate by the way) I would take the money and divide it into the 4 months and put them into money orders. Don't write in the (Pay to) part. That way it is harder to spend than cash in an account or in an envelope. With todays economy you never know what could happen and even thought you and the BO get along very well that cannot prevent financial disasters.

Carri · 08-25-2008, 07:57 AM

I would definitely get something in writing, if you prepay. Some places will even give a bit of a discount if you prepay, but you have to make sure you are really happy there, because it is often non-refundable.

equine.trailrider · 08-25-2008, 07:06 PM

As a former boarder, I would only prepay if given a discount worthy of prepaying.

Gotta Love Duns · 08-25-2008, 07:24 PM

I personally don't like the idea of prepaying there is just too much that can go wrong, I think most of it has happened to me over the years.

I really like CowHorseGal's idea of placing the money in money orders and putting them away. That way the money is out of your account and you can't see it & spend it but it's not also in your barn owners hand so if you do have to move you can.

nrhareiner · 08-25-2008, 09:32 PM

I would not pre pay more then that month which is the norm at least around here. I have in the past paid by the week as I got paid every week and boarding 3-4 horse made it easier. However to pay for several months in advance I would not. I can see so many things that could and some times dose happen. What if you do not like the place??? What if there was problems. I have boarded places in the past that where owned by one person and operated by anouther and had the person opperating them just up and leave. Since they where the ones getting the board as they where just leasing the building if I had paid in advance to that person I would have been out that money and had to pay again. Too many things can go wrong.

Heidi

banat · 08-25-2008, 09:34 PM

I think it depends on the relationship you have with the barn owner. I have had people pre-pay, and I did offer them extra services or a discount as a "thank you" or incentive to continue. It's worked well for me and for my boarders also, but all situations are unique. We've all heard horror stories about boarders/barn owners, make sure it "feels" right to you and make sure everything is detailed in your contract.

BarnBum · 08-25-2008, 09:41 PM

If you do pre-pay, put something in writing signed by you and BO. Put something also that if you leave, you get the money back of the months you weren't there. I would ask the BO if you get a discount ?? Its not a bad idea "if" you have it on paper.

horselady · 08-25-2008, 09:43 PM

I had a boarder pay 6 months in advance. was great for him, but I paid bills and looked forward to the next 6 months.
But in your favor pay and get receipt and date when next board payment is due.

princesskristin · 08-25-2008, 09:53 PM

I don't think its a bad idea at all if you have a board owner that you are on really good terms with and trust.

Mav2007 · 08-26-2008, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by princesskristin

I don't think its a bad idea at all if you have a board owner that you are on really good terms with and trust.

agree. I prepaid by a couple months with checks, wrote the months in the memo part and told the barn owner why I was prepaying. If you have a good barn owner, this shouldn't be a problem.

Lopin · 08-27-2008, 09:54 AM

I had a client who would prepay for several months in advance. I liked it!

tuffsmom · 08-27-2008, 10:01 AM

I would just get it in writing.

horseloverinVA · 08-27-2008, 10:06 AM

I've prepaid up to 3 onths at a time in the past when I boarded. I never had a problem. I just made sure to get a reciept when I paid. I had a great relationship with my trainer/barn owner though and that def helps!

cindyf · 08-27-2008, 11:59 AM

I have a great relationship with the barn owner she's great. She's very much a professional when it comes to handling the barn stuff, so I'm sure she and I could come to an agreement. Everyone brought up good points though, that's why I love this forum!!!

SoCo · 08-27-2008, 12:15 PM

I prepaid one month ahead at my former barn. They COULD NOT keep the books straight. They always thought that I OWED them one month. I had to present my check stubs TWICE to prove that I was paid up to date and ahead. I was trying to make it easier on them and me.

I stopped doing that since they couldn't keep it straight and I"m glad that I did as they didn't pay the mortgage and lost the farm and I was out 1/2 a months board, which s*cks for me but it's better than a whole month and a 1/2.

Make sure you get receipts if you prepay so you don't get questioned about paying your board or come to find your horse has a padlock on his stall, heaven forbid!!

I started noticing that my horse wasn't getting the correct full amount of grain or hay that I was paying for about 2 weeks before I found out that the bank was repo'ing the place. Of course I found out from another boarder not even the owner of the place!

Needless to say I moved him quickly, that day, before the bank took my guy and I had to fight and prove that he was mine.

Tippy · 08-27-2008, 12:19 PM

I personally would not prepay. I have a great relationship with my BO, but like others have said to much can go wrong. I like the money order idea.

cindyf · 08-27-2008, 12:52 PM

I'm not sure yet what I'm going to do. But I too like the money order thing and may just do that. Not sure yet.

EquineAlberta · 08-27-2008, 03:07 PM

A money order without the name filled in is kind of like leaving cash laying around.

What might help is to have a second account that has limited chequing privileges, and keep that for your horse board. Only use if for that one thing, and put money into it when you have it. Limit your bank card so you can't take out/use more than $20.00 (or whatever the min is) so you can't spend that money. Because the bank statement will be seperate from your regular account you won't feel as rich when you look at your main statement and you won't be as likely to over spend.

WHen you have extra, put it in that account. Or, you can have the bank automatically move a certain amount to that account each month. This will not only keep your money safe for board, it will also help practice saving.

Karen

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
transition from stable board to pasture board	cudak	Health & Nutrition	3	06-05-2008 10:08 AM
Stall board or pasture board for Rosie	Bonanza	Boarding / Farm Upkeep & Real Estate	10	05-23-2008 03:58 PM
How much is too much for board?	harvest_moon	Boarding / Farm Upkeep & Real Estate	31	09-27-2006 02:12 PM
Looking for somewhere to board!	horses4sale	Boarding / Farm Upkeep & Real Estate	2	01-05-2005 03:24 PM

08-25-2008, 07:51 AM
cindyf Yearling Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: southern mn Posts: 601	If you board, would you ever prepay your board? Ok, I'm looking at boarding 2 horses now compared to 1 in the past. I currently have about 4 months worth of board saved up and would love to prepay the board so I don't have to worry about paying monthly over the winter months when work for my hubby slows down. I know I could just "save" the money and pay monthly but we both have a hard time "saving". So has anyone ever prepaid their board before, and if not would you? This is a boarding place that I have been at for over a year with one horse and just acquired another horse. It's a great place and I don't see myself leaving there anytime soon. I have a great relationship with the barn owner, she's awesome. So would you do it, has anyone ever done that before? And if so do you put anything in writing that you prepaid?

08-25-2008, 07:54 AM
paso_lover Seasoned Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Sudbury Ontario Canada Posts: 4,458	I had a boarder whose mom gave post dated checks. Very convenient and responsable I think. __________________ "I wish I was half the rider she thinks she is" \"Some people feel compelled to cut off the heads of others in order to make themselves appear taller\" ---Paramahansa Yoginanda

08-25-2008, 07:56 AM
CowhorseGal Weanling Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 344	I don't think I would prepay. If you have a hard time saving.. (I can relate by the way) I would take the money and divide it into the 4 months and put them into money orders. Don't write in the (Pay to) part. That way it is harder to spend than cash in an account or in an envelope. With todays economy you never know what could happen and even thought you and the BO get along very well that cannot prevent financial disasters. __________________ The more I know men the more I like my dog

08-25-2008, 07:57 AM
Carri Bombproof Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia Posts: 9,972	I would definitely get something in writing, if you prepay. Some places will even give a bit of a discount if you prepay, but you have to make sure you are really happy there, because it is often non-refundable. __________________

08-25-2008, 07:06 PM
equine.trailrider Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 899	As a former boarder, I would only prepay if given a discount worthy of prepaying. __________________ -I'll Take A Cold One. Make It A Draft! visit me at http://www.freewebs.com/sunshineacres

08-25-2008, 07:24 PM
Gotta Love Duns Bombproof Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dixonville, Alberta Posts: 7,806	I personally don't like the idea of prepaying there is just too much that can go wrong, I think most of it has happened to me over the years. I really like CowHorseGal's idea of placing the money in money orders and putting them away. That way the money is out of your account and you can't see it & spend it but it's not also in your barn owners hand so if you do have to move you can. __________________ A penny saved is a penny you can spend on your next horse.

08-25-2008, 09:32 PM
nrhareiner Yearling Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 727	I would not pre pay more then that month which is the norm at least around here. I have in the past paid by the week as I got paid every week and boarding 3-4 horse made it easier. However to pay for several months in advance I would not. I can see so many things that could and some times dose happen. What if you do not like the place??? What if there was problems. I have boarded places in the past that where owned by one person and operated by anouther and had the person opperating them just up and leave. Since they where the ones getting the board as they where just leasing the building if I had paid in advance to that person I would have been out that money and had to pay again. Too many things can go wrong. Heidi __________________ Double Eagle Photography www.doubleeagleph.com Definision of Gun Control: Hiting what you aim at.

08-25-2008, 09:34 PM
banat Newborn Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 11	I think it depends on the relationship you have with the barn owner. I have had people pre-pay, and I did offer them extra services or a discount as a "thank you" or incentive to continue. It's worked well for me and for my boarders also, but all situations are unique. We've all heard horror stories about boarders/barn owners, make sure it "feels" right to you and make sure everything is detailed in your contract.

08-25-2008, 09:41 PM
BarnBum Greenbroke Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 3,542	If you do pre-pay, put something in writing signed by you and BO. Put something also that if you leave, you get the money back of the months you weren't there. I would ask the BO if you get a discount ?? Its not a bad idea "if" you have it on paper. __________________ Murphys Horse Law - A horse's misbehavior will be in direct proportion to the number of people who are watching !!

08-25-2008, 09:43 PM
horselady Greenbroke Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: albany new york Posts: 3,241	I had a boarder pay 6 months in advance. was great for him, but I paid bills and looked forward to the next 6 months. But in your favor pay and get receipt and date when next board payment is due. __________________ www.rainbow-horse-retirement.com We love and take care of your companion for the remainder of his lifetime

08-25-2008, 09:53 PM
princesskristin Coming two Join Date: May 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,592	I don't think its a bad idea at all if you have a board owner that you are on really good terms with and trust. __________________ Sometimes you just got to take a ride of faith.

08-27-2008, 09:54 AM
Lopin Coming two Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Home of Brett Favre Posts: 1,692	I had a client who would prepay for several months in advance. I liked it! __________________ Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.

08-27-2008, 10:01 AM
tuffsmom Seasoned Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Nebraska Posts: 4,012	I would just get it in writing. __________________

08-27-2008, 10:06 AM
horseloverinVA Started Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South Central, Virginia Posts: 2,173	I've prepaid up to 3 onths at a time in the past when I boarded. I never had a problem. I just made sure to get a reciept when I paid. I had a great relationship with my trainer/barn owner though and that def helps! __________________ A horse can lend its rider the speed and strength he or she lacks, but the rider who is wise remembers it is no more than a loan. Pam Brown

08-27-2008, 11:59 AM
cindyf Yearling Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: southern mn Posts: 601	I have a great relationship with the barn owner she's great. She's very much a professional when it comes to handling the barn stuff, so I'm sure she and I could come to an agreement. Everyone brought up good points though, that's why I love this forum!!!

08-27-2008, 12:15 PM
SoCo Halter broke Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Phila Pa Posts: 113	I prepaid one month ahead at my former barn. They COULD NOT keep the books straight. They always thought that I OWED them one month. I had to present my check stubs TWICE to prove that I was paid up to date and ahead. I was trying to make it easier on them and me. I stopped doing that since they couldn't keep it straight and I"m glad that I did as they didn't pay the mortgage and lost the farm and I was out 1/2 a months board, which s*cks for me but it's better than a whole month and a 1/2. Make sure you get receipts if you prepay so you don't get questioned about paying your board or come to find your horse has a padlock on his stall, heaven forbid!! I started noticing that my horse wasn't getting the correct full amount of grain or hay that I was paying for about 2 weeks before I found out that the bank was repo'ing the place. Of course I found out from another boarder not even the owner of the place! Needless to say I moved him quickly, that day, before the bank took my guy and I had to fight and prove that he was mine.

08-27-2008, 12:19 PM
Tippy Long Yearling Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Alberta Posts: 1,042	I personally would not prepay. I have a great relationship with my BO, but like others have said to much can go wrong. I like the money order idea. __________________

08-27-2008, 12:52 PM
cindyf Yearling Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: southern mn Posts: 601	I'm not sure yet what I'm going to do. But I too like the money order thing and may just do that. Not sure yet.

08-27-2008, 03:07 PM
EquineAlberta Seasoned Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 4,425	A money order without the name filled in is kind of like leaving cash laying around. What might help is to have a second account that has limited chequing privileges, and keep that for your horse board. Only use if for that one thing, and put money into it when you have it. Limit your bank card so you can't take out/use more than $20.00 (or whatever the min is) so you can't spend that money. Because the bank statement will be seperate from your regular account you won't feel as rich when you look at your main statement and you won't be as likely to over spend. WHen you have extra, put it in that account. Or, you can have the bank automatically move a certain amount to that account each month. This will not only keep your money safe for board, it will also help practice saving. Karen __________________ Hillside Stable, Ardrossan, AB Do unto others as you would have them do unto you...is it really that hard?