The high cost of
owning horses - New Jersey is another "rip off" state. I have to say I
bite the bullet with the farrier because he does a good job & understands
endurance horses but I pay $105 and supply the shoes ($35 for a trim) every 5 -
6 weeks.
Question:
What's the going rate for "rough board" ? I've had my horses at the
same place for 12 yrs. Originally $100/mo/horse then went to $125.
There are 2 pastures (the total place is 5 acres) and barn with 12x12 box
stalls. Location is great since I only have to cross the road to be in the
State park. I do everything, fix fences, mow, seed, repair barn, shovel
snow, trim trees, etc. There are 2 other boarders & 2 horses at the
barn. Basically we co-op for feeding but I'm the one that makes sure they
are all wormed, vetted, fly spayed, hooves trimmed. Don't get me wrong,
they're nice people & we work well together & they cover for me when I'm
off to rides and I trust them. Can't say that of some of the others that
have come & gone. In the 12 yrs. I've put up with 2 wackos
(thieves & neglectors). After them, I developed a "rough board
agreement" for the owner that basically said, abide by the rules or your
out.
Now, just as I'm
thinking I should get a youngster (my 2 are 20 yrs each), the owner tells me
his bills are going up& he's thinking of raising the board!
(venting here).
