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Feb. 28th, 2008 |
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Greetings, Let me start by saying rates are not rising at this time with the exception of one person that I have already talked to about the matter and reason why. However, I want to give you a little history lesson about the stables. I opened here in 1998. I set the rates for boarding at that time and have not raised them since. But I need to let you know what I am facing. Below will be listed the things I use here to care for your horses along with the cost nine years ago and the cost now. We in the industry are facing an unprecedented rise in the cost of grain and hay not to mention fuel, utilities, insurance. So, here goes; 10% sweet feed $4.50 $7.50 Whole oats $5.00 $10.15 Rolled oats $8.75 $17.75 9% sweet feed $4.25 $6.75 Hay (square bales) $2.00 $3.50 and up Hay Round bales $20.00 $35.00 and up Beet Pulp $8.00 $11.00 Salt blocks $4.20 $6.20 This is just the everyday things. It does not take into account the seeding of fields, fertilizer, equipment, electric and water. As I have always said, no one arrested me and made me take on this business. I love what I do and always will. I think my family and I are good at what we do and it shows in the way your animals look and feel. We want to continue to run the business we have and not run you off. With that in mind, we are offering the following services for pay in an effort to keep us afloat in a changing market. Basic grooming (brushing, picking hooves, removing knots from tails and manes, check and treat for thrush) $5.00 per session. Bathing (in warmer months), clipping if you want it and they are receptive to it. $10.00 Exercise (lunge line work in round pen or walking around the property) $25.00 per hour Ground Training (leading, respect, handling feet, haltering) $25.00 per hour. Even older "trained" horses need a brush up on their manners. Especially if they are not handled daily. Fly control (the time is coming sooner then you think.) $20.00 per month for weekly treatments; this includes the fly spray. New rates for new boards are $175.00 monthly for turn out board and $275.00 for full board. Your rates stay the same at $150.00 for turnout and $250.00 for full board. We are hoping that by offering these services, we can avoid having to raise your monthly board. Rate changes are the last thing we want to do and hope these services keeps us from having to increase them. I mentioned thrush above in the grooming section. It is something you all need to be watching for. These horses have been standing in wet or moist ground since October of last year. The conditions are perfect for the development of thrush, a fungal infection. While picking their hooves, look for a black smelly (and I mean smelly) substance. If you find it, let me know. There are several products on the market for control. Now, keep in mind, a horse's hoof is pretty smelly to begin with but the fungus really rots. That is all from here. Hope all is well with you and yours and you are looking forward to the riding season coming soon. Happy Trails, Richard, Jennifer and Matt
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