ridecamp@endurance.net: Trailering Friends

Trailering Friends

Linda Cowles @ PCB x5624 (linda_cowles@MENTORG.COM)
Wed, 28 Jun 95 17:57:49 -0700

I replied on this in email to one subscriber recently; I thought I'd try
and restate my views. I have had problems with this in the past, and the
more I stew about it, the more I want to say!

Before I had a reliable rig, I traveled to rides and camping with a good
friend. I tried my best to pay the WHOLE gas bill, and helped clean the
rig up after the ride, and went out of my way to make the _favour_ she
was doing for me as pleasant for her as possible. I really appreciated
the chance to go somewhere and not have to worry. I offered to cook,
clean pens, feed the horses, the whole lot. I was always early so that
I didn't hold her up... I really appreciated her help.

I've trailered horses for folks whos horses explode and kick the %#@$#@
out of my trailer, and had no offers to help cover the cost of repairs.
And got objections when I asked. I don't haul for just anybody now.

I had someone once ask me to take them somewhere and then whine because
I had plans that day and wanted to get started early. I did it once.
Now? No way, no how. Was stupid to have done it. Don't need the aggravation.

And then I had someone else try and get me to drive 20 minutes out of my
way to pick them up and take them camping with me, which would have been
okay, untill she said "I know this really isn't any trouble because you
are going anyway..." I wasn't crazy about this person, and 20 minutes
there, 20 to backtrack, plus an hour to load, plus she's always late,
take that times 2 because I have to drop her off after. She obviously
doesn't appreciate this...Hummmm. Nope.

If we are just hauling locally, money is no big deal unless the hauling
is constant. Then I expect to compensate or be compensated. I try to
over-compensate, but it's sometimes hard to figure. I hate it when I'm
doing someone a favour and they get ulcers figuring out to the penny how
much the gas cost. Round it up, please! I try to do that and then pad it
with some extra!

It's expensive to purchase and maintain a rig, and it _IS_ a pain in the
neck to switch stuff around to accomodate somebody else, to take the time
to load them, their horse & gear. The "borrower" should respect that.

It's trouble I go through happily for my friends. They appreciate me, I
appreciate them. It's fun all the way around. If the person riding with
me doesn't appreciate the trouble I'm going through, they can ride with
someone else. Or buy a rig. Or rent a rig.

Sometimes friends, even good friends, will try to take advantage. Do the
friendship a favour and set them straight. Friendships break up over this
type of conflict.

Sorry this is so long. I've been an endurance writer these past few days.

Later - Linda