What to charge?

SheZAAM! · 11-08-2009, 08:48 PM

Ok, first of all,.....I am NOT a trainer, but I have had some success with getting things done while playing with babies. I've just tried things I've seen others do. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I've managed to keep myself from getting hurt.

Second, I'm unemployed, so any $ I can earn, helps.

The story is that a friend of mine was talking to her barn owner who mentioned that she needs someone to play with her new arab weanling filly to get her more used to being handled, caught and haltered. She mentioned my name and that I'm an unemployed therapist, not a trainer, but I've had some success with other babies.

I then talked to the BO and met her filly. She's cute, interested and friendly, but definitely will be tough to catch. I only played with her through her pen fence. I think I can do a few things with her, but I can't make any guarentees. I told the BO my story and asked what she's thinking in terms of hours/payment. She didn't have any ideas, just wants someone to play with her baby.

I talked to my friend who gave my name. She suggested doing a trial month, where I get paid and do what I can with the baby, but don't make any promises. Also don't make promises as to how much time I'll put in each day, or even how many days, because some days I'll be there for 10 minutes, other days I'll be doing my thing for 3-4 hours (

). I also want to at least cover the cost of the diesel getting there and back (13 miles round trip, diesel is almost $3/gal.)

So....what to charge?

sherriawright · 11-08-2009, 09:15 PM

Well, I would find out what trainers in your area charge and go from there. Around here, 30 days is around $400.00. That is just 30 days of riding and teaching things that you agree upon in advance. For example, my gelding was taught collection and to whoa.

Since you don't have much experience, I would charge as little as possible to get the experence, get your name out there and with times the way they are, maybe more clients. Maybe 1/2 of what everyone else is charging?

Lady_MCSE · 11-08-2009, 09:17 PM

Around here, Chicago area, you can't touch a trainer at all for less than $25/hr, more likely $50/hr for someone who's more likely to make progress than going backwards.

Taking the approach that it's a learning experience for you, then maybe you want to start out lower end, make sure you cover your diesel, but if you can both agree on a set of goals, maybe a "bonus" if any\all of those goals are met over time. That could make you both feel better about this being a worthwhile endeavor...

I know that as a computer tech person, I sometimes feel guilty taking money when after spending an hour fixing something, I end up discovering something rather "simple" that could've worked much faster much sooner than I actually did. However I have to remind myself that so what if it took me an hour, might've taken the other person 20.

SheZAAM! · 11-08-2009, 09:29 PM

Ohhhhh...I like the idea of a bonus if I actually accomplish something, but still money to cover my time and diesel.

Truth be told, if our financial situation was better, I'd do this for free. I love babies!

I spent a good part of my free time this summer playing with Friesan/Paint cross babies. Love 'em!

Mav2007 · 11-08-2009, 09:34 PM

Trainers around here charge about 30 per hour, but usually those are the ones with some sort of credentials and they are training the horse and the person. I know one trainer who trained a horse for a person who wanted to then sell the horse. The deal they worked out was that she got paid X amount to train and she made a percentage of the sale when the horse sold. I guess if I was you, I'd agree on an hourly wage, keep track of the time spent and then get paid at the end of each month/week, etc.

tuffsmom · 11-09-2009, 09:44 AM

If you do show as long as you accept money for anything horse related, you will be classed as a professional. Word does leak out.

Red Wolf · 11-09-2009, 07:36 PM

In my neck of the woods (Tryon, NC), comes to about $400-600 for starting a horse under saddle (plus board if the horse is kept at one's farm).

Simple exercise rides are $35, and 'diagnostic sessions' (to evaluate a horse) run upwards of $40-$90 depending upon the issues and disciplines. I generally offer a monthly program (for training sessions for horse, riding lessons, etc.,,,) for 2-3 sessions per week at $350/month for general work.

I generally like to deal with horses that everyone has given up on (you know, the horses that confound every trainer that comes along...). I've had people who ask me to correct behavioral problems and such and offer them a program to work on the issues they have with a given horse or to start a horse, etc.,,,. If I can solve the problem in less than the contract time, I charge them appropriately less (this is the best advertising you can get - you ask a reasonable price and the final bill comes out to less than quoted).

Horselady44 · 11-09-2009, 08:18 PM

Heres my 2 cent...of course...this is JMO

tuffsmom def has a point here...you may want to reconsider if you show

It depends on how long you work the weanling a day(I wouldnt work more than 1 hour with a baby in a day) They need time to grow and enjoy being a baby IMO. But, they def need to learn respect,catching,leading, and feet work...along with desensatizing

So, I would charge by the hour...probably $20-25 beings you are not a 'known' trainer and are not certified. And then charge for gas as well

SheZAAM! · 11-09-2009, 09:29 PM

Thanks for the top on being classified professional. I only show local and don't ever plan to do anything else.

$20-25/hour??? I was thinking $10 or $200 for a month!

Dustygirl · 11-10-2009, 06:09 AM

I'm somewhat in the same position. Currently unemployed and tons of time on my hands with the "kids". My farrier approached me a couple of months ago about doing some basic ground work and handling on one of his fillies (no saddle work). He's covered up with his regular job, training his cutting colts in the evenings and farrier work on the weekends, so this little lady needed some attention/work. Of course I was happy to do it! A couple of weeks ago, he lost the lease on his pasture and needed a place to put her. He asked to keep her at my barn in exchange for free farrier work on my 4 horses! Sweet enough deal for me!

I'd say, if you're comfortable with the $10/hour or $200/month rate, then stick with that! Start on the cheap side and word will definitely get out. Around here, there are a lot of people that have picked up horses for next to nothing (thanks to the economy), know nothing about starting the basics and want someone else to get the ball rolling, so if it's something you truly enjoy, why not make it profitable for yourself? Just make sure you and the owner have a clear understanding of what's expected of you and with a good evaluation of the horse, you'll have an idea of how far you'll be able to go within a month's time. That way the owner doesn't feel like they've not gotten their money's worth and you don't feel pressured to meet a goal in less time, which ultimately the horse will pay the price if you rush (especially babies) and backfire on you. Good luck with it and enjoy!

michlar · 11-10-2009, 03:31 PM

Here is my two cents...ask them to cover your gas to get there and get home and then charge for what you are doing separately. THat is more than fair, if a trainer has to travel to you they always charge mileage and meals. We pay $700 a month which includes all the care and board as well. I just thought of something...the trainer at our barn, whom I would never use, rides as an amateur...guess she really shouldn't be?

SheZAAM! · 11-10-2009, 08:58 PM

I decided not to do it. I went back today and played with the filly in her pen. I nearly got my head taken off! I quickly realized that I don't know enough, nor would I get paid enough to make it worth the risk.

I don't know if it's an arab thing, but the Friesan/Paint babies I've played with are MUCH nicer and more trained.

Horselady44 · 11-10-2009, 10:44 PM

Im glad she didnt take your head off! It really does take some know how and experience. Arabs are flighty sensitve horses...as with paints they are really mellow normally...same with Friesan/drafts. They tend to be more laid back.(of course...not ALL of them) Leave it to someone who has the experience and know how would be your best bet anyway...you can get hurt pretty darn fast

It is easy money...but if you get hurt it will all be put towards hospital bills

Glad you didnt get hurt!

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11-08-2009, 08:48 PM
SheZAAM! Yearling Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: . Posts: 631	What to charge? Ok, first of all,.....I am NOT a trainer, but I have had some success with getting things done while playing with babies. I've just tried things I've seen others do. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I've managed to keep myself from getting hurt. Second, I'm unemployed, so any $ I can earn, helps. The story is that a friend of mine was talking to her barn owner who mentioned that she needs someone to play with her new arab weanling filly to get her more used to being handled, caught and haltered. She mentioned my name and that I'm an unemployed therapist, not a trainer, but I've had some success with other babies. I then talked to the BO and met her filly. She's cute, interested and friendly, but definitely will be tough to catch. I only played with her through her pen fence. I think I can do a few things with her, but I can't make any guarentees. I told the BO my story and asked what she's thinking in terms of hours/payment. She didn't have any ideas, just wants someone to play with her baby. I talked to my friend who gave my name. She suggested doing a trial month, where I get paid and do what I can with the baby, but don't make any promises. Also don't make promises as to how much time I'll put in each day, or even how many days, because some days I'll be there for 10 minutes, other days I'll be doing my thing for 3-4 hours (). I also want to at least cover the cost of the diesel getting there and back (13 miles round trip, diesel is almost $3/gal.) So....what to charge? __________________

11-08-2009, 09:15 PM
sherriawright Yearling Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Pekin, Illinois Posts: 672	Well, I would find out what trainers in your area charge and go from there. Around here, 30 days is around $400.00. That is just 30 days of riding and teaching things that you agree upon in advance. For example, my gelding was taught collection and to whoa. Since you don't have much experience, I would charge as little as possible to get the experence, get your name out there and with times the way they are, maybe more clients. Maybe 1/2 of what everyone else is charging? __________________ Illinois, where our Governors make our license plates!

11-08-2009, 09:17 PM
Lady_MCSE Seasoned Join Date: May 2005 Location: Shytown, IL Posts: 4,653	Around here, Chicago area, you can't touch a trainer at all for less than $25/hr, more likely $50/hr for someone who's more likely to make progress than going backwards. Taking the approach that it's a learning experience for you, then maybe you want to start out lower end, make sure you cover your diesel, but if you can both agree on a set of goals, maybe a "bonus" if any\all of those goals are met over time. That could make you both feel better about this being a worthwhile endeavor... I know that as a computer tech person, I sometimes feel guilty taking money when after spending an hour fixing something, I end up discovering something rather "simple" that could've worked much faster much sooner than I actually did. However I have to remind myself that so what if it took me an hour, might've taken the other person 20. __________________ "A pun is its own reword." — Dance Drier, British comedian

11-08-2009, 09:29 PM
SheZAAM! Yearling Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: . Posts: 631	Ohhhhh...I like the idea of a bonus if I actually accomplish something, but still money to cover my time and diesel. Truth be told, if our financial situation was better, I'd do this for free. I love babies! I spent a good part of my free time this summer playing with Friesan/Paint cross babies. Love 'em! __________________

11-08-2009, 09:34 PM
Mav2007 Started Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 2,877	Trainers around here charge about 30 per hour, but usually those are the ones with some sort of credentials and they are training the horse and the person. I know one trainer who trained a horse for a person who wanted to then sell the horse. The deal they worked out was that she got paid X amount to train and she made a percentage of the sale when the horse sold. I guess if I was you, I'd agree on an hourly wage, keep track of the time spent and then get paid at the end of each month/week, etc. __________________

11-09-2009, 09:44 AM
tuffsmom Kid Safe Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Nebraska Posts: 6,000	If you do show as long as you accept money for anything horse related, you will be classed as a professional. Word does leak out. __________________ www.skarabians.com

11-09-2009, 07:36 PM
Red Wolf Newborn Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tryon, North Carolina Posts: 4	In my neck of the woods (Tryon, NC), comes to about $400-600 for starting a horse under saddle (plus board if the horse is kept at one's farm). Simple exercise rides are $35, and 'diagnostic sessions' (to evaluate a horse) run upwards of $40-$90 depending upon the issues and disciplines. I generally offer a monthly program (for training sessions for horse, riding lessons, etc.,,,) for 2-3 sessions per week at $350/month for general work. I generally like to deal with horses that everyone has given up on (you know, the horses that confound every trainer that comes along...). I've had people who ask me to correct behavioral problems and such and offer them a program to work on the issues they have with a given horse or to start a horse, etc.,,,. If I can solve the problem in less than the contract time, I charge them appropriately less (this is the best advertising you can get - you ask a reasonable price and the final bill comes out to less than quoted). __________________ Remember these two things and you will always be safe: Never leave your mount involuntarily and always pass on the same side of the the tree as your horse.

11-09-2009, 08:18 PM
Horselady44 Started Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 2,550	Heres my 2 cent...of course...this is JMO tuffsmom def has a point here...you may want to reconsider if you show It depends on how long you work the weanling a day(I wouldnt work more than 1 hour with a baby in a day) They need time to grow and enjoy being a baby IMO. But, they def need to learn respect,catching,leading, and feet work...along with desensatizing So, I would charge by the hour...probably $20-25 beings you are not a 'known' trainer and are not certified. And then charge for gas as well __________________ A happy horse equals a happy rider!

11-09-2009, 09:29 PM
SheZAAM! Yearling Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: . Posts: 631	Thanks for the top on being classified professional. I only show local and don't ever plan to do anything else. $20-25/hour??? I was thinking $10 or $200 for a month! __________________

11-10-2009, 06:09 AM
Dustygirl Weanling Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Carolina Posts: 251	I'm somewhat in the same position. Currently unemployed and tons of time on my hands with the "kids". My farrier approached me a couple of months ago about doing some basic ground work and handling on one of his fillies (no saddle work). He's covered up with his regular job, training his cutting colts in the evenings and farrier work on the weekends, so this little lady needed some attention/work. Of course I was happy to do it! A couple of weeks ago, he lost the lease on his pasture and needed a place to put her. He asked to keep her at my barn in exchange for free farrier work on my 4 horses! Sweet enough deal for me! I'd say, if you're comfortable with the $10/hour or $200/month rate, then stick with that! Start on the cheap side and word will definitely get out. Around here, there are a lot of people that have picked up horses for next to nothing (thanks to the economy), know nothing about starting the basics and want someone else to get the ball rolling, so if it's something you truly enjoy, why not make it profitable for yourself? Just make sure you and the owner have a clear understanding of what's expected of you and with a good evaluation of the horse, you'll have an idea of how far you'll be able to go within a month's time. That way the owner doesn't feel like they've not gotten their money's worth and you don't feel pressured to meet a goal in less time, which ultimately the horse will pay the price if you rush (especially babies) and backfire on you. Good luck with it and enjoy! __________________ Most humans never shut up long enough to realize that animals do speak....with their souls!

11-10-2009, 03:31 PM
michlar Yearling Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: saskatchewan Posts: 833	Here is my two cents...ask them to cover your gas to get there and get home and then charge for what you are doing separately. THat is more than fair, if a trainer has to travel to you they always charge mileage and meals. We pay $700 a month which includes all the care and board as well. I just thought of something...the trainer at our barn, whom I would never use, rides as an amateur...guess she really shouldn't be? __________________ The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears. ~Arabian Proverb Happy to follow Dutchess to the end of the world and back!

11-10-2009, 08:58 PM
SheZAAM! Yearling Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: . Posts: 631	I decided not to do it. I went back today and played with the filly in her pen. I nearly got my head taken off! I quickly realized that I don't know enough, nor would I get paid enough to make it worth the risk. I don't know if it's an arab thing, but the Friesan/Paint babies I've played with are MUCH nicer and more trained. __________________

11-10-2009, 10:44 PM
Horselady44 Started Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 2,550	Im glad she didnt take your head off! It really does take some know how and experience. Arabs are flighty sensitve horses...as with paints they are really mellow normally...same with Friesan/drafts. They tend to be more laid back.(of course...not ALL of them) Leave it to someone who has the experience and know how would be your best bet anyway...you can get hurt pretty darn fast It is easy money...but if you get hurt it will all be put towards hospital bills Glad you didnt get hurt! __________________ A happy horse equals a happy rider!