|
|
Post by b on Sept 1, 2009 15:04:01 GMT -2
I am thinking of taking in a retired horse or two. It would be mostly unstabled, but being brought in if the weather is horrible. Two meals a day. Groomed daily. 15 acres of grazing. And, needless to say, unlimited Herbal Horse supplements. ;-)
Do you think there is a market for this? What would be a fair monthly price? Anyone interested?
|
|
|
|
Post by L.M.D. on Sept 1, 2009 15:56:50 GMT -2
*raises hand* I would be, Beryl... I think you've met Dana (she used to be stabled with Trace awhile back)! I'm looking into more of a retirement setting for Dana... who turned 17yrs old last week - doesnt act a day over 3 ;D Keep us posted
|
|
|
|
Post by saxon on Sept 1, 2009 16:06:56 GMT -2
b, I think that there is a market for it, but it's a difficult one to target. Most people regard 'retirement livery' as a cheap alternative for a horse that they no longer ride, but do not want to put down. The problem is that older horses often require more care than younger ones, by way of rugging, trimming / shoeing, supplements and general maintenance.
If you have good grazing, and the horse is a good doer, then it is easier, but if not, you wind up putting in more and more of your own resources with very little return.
By way of example, I had a TB stabled with me for almost a month. He was a retired racer, only 5, but the owners didn't want to euthenase him and he was broken down so could not work. They wanted him kept at full livery for R1000 per month! There was no way I could afford to do that, so I offered to keep him at R1500 per month, which would include:
- 3 meals daily of the same food as my horses get;
- semi live-out - he would go into the paddock during the day, but at night he stayed in the garden, where he had access to my carport for shelter (with bedding, and a round bale);
- he was blanketed as needed but, because he lived out, was only groomed properly once a week, although his feet were picked out daily and he was given a cursory brush once a day (to check for injuries, and keep the majority of the dirt off of him);
The owners weren't prepared to pay that "because there is a place in Natal which would take him for R900 per month". Didn't matter that it meant he'd be chucked out in a field and he had to make do.
Unfortunately, I can't watch them NOT do well, so I wound up giving him additional lucerne and supplements, and would have shod him for the cost of a trim, because they didn't want him shod and he wouldn't have coped without front shoes. So, I'd have lost money on it.
If you're going to do it, choose your clients carefully. I was very lucky that the retired horses I had with me came with wonderful owners, who genuinely cared about their horses' wellbeing, and who didn't mind what it cost to make sure their older horses were cared for. Older horses are incredibly rewarding, and I came to love all my liveries as if they were my own. Of course, the other downside is that you do have to say goodbye to them at some point, and each and every one broke my heart. I still think of Dunnie and Didz every day, as much as I think of Toc. They were a part of our family.
|
|
|
|
Post by L.M.D. on Sept 1, 2009 18:54:11 GMT -2
You're 100% correct, Sax... Where Dun is at the moment is a wonderful establishment, and Dawn looks after her superbly - but she is now 17years old and I have to take that into account going forward... The yard she is at is a working Livery Yard, not a retirement establishment for older horses.
Its harder with me based here as I cant be there to help out in any way - I am simply a 'cash-cow'! I've come to terms with the fact that I will make provisions for Dun until she chooses to cross the Rainbow Bridge - I'm just keeping my eyes/ears to the ground from here-on-in to find a place where I know her needs will be taken into account.
If you can find the right clients, Beryl, there will definitely be a market
|
|
|
|
Post by b on Sept 3, 2009 7:34:10 GMT -2
Hmmm. Okay, I am thinking. Will let you know, LMD, what I decide. Thanks for the advice, Sax.
|
|
|
|
Post by Reality on Sept 3, 2009 8:04:58 GMT -2
We have 4 retired boys on the farm and with the extras they need every month, they usually work out more expensive but the owners love them to bits and are happy to pay.
Rare and special people, I think!
|
|
