If you didn't have to work. If all of your bills were paid? You had a house, a car, a truck, your horses all paid for with no help on your part. Your bills are paid but you would like a bit more income, you need a flexible schedule and you want to do something you love. What would you do?
Would you consider purchasing this place? They are asking $269,000, it would be 30 miles from your house. It would not only provide you a dream place to have your horses and the facility to train but also make a small income( I inquired and they said it makes $7-9,000 over expenses). Would you imagine doing it or would you actually consider going for it?
I can't help but think about it. But it is also such a risk in any investment like that even one that is already functioning and generating an income though it be a small one. Would you dream of turning it into an eventing facility that are few and far between around the area?
Would you consider it turining your hobby into a job? Or a job getting to do something you love? If your husband was supportive and the only thing standing in your way is your own reservations and fears of failing big time?
What would you do?
Not your average OTTB given another chance at a new life and a mostly average busy Mom who never gave up on her dream to ride again. An unlikely pair at an unlikely time, learning to event and loving life!
I don't have any personal experience with actually owing a boarding facility, but I've listened to BOs and horse pros talk about what they do and here are a few things that pop into mind:
ReplyDeleteWhen you do your hobby full time, it becomes a job and isn't really as much fun any more (this from my jumping instructor).
There isn't much flexibility. It's hard to hire good, knowledgeable help, and someone doesn't show up for their job, you get to pick up the slack. Most BOs I know are the only ones out there taking care of the horses on Christmas, because everyone else has off. It's also really hard to schedule vacations or time with your family, because if a horse is colicing and the owner isn't available, guess who gets to wait with the horse until the vet arrives?
Boarders are a PAIN IN THE BUTT. You are in charge of everyone's schnookie-wookums and by golly, if he doesn't get his sheet (not the blankie, the SHEET) at 50 degrees exactly, and make sure he has 2 flakes of alfalfa extra, and don't forget his 17 supplements and speshul mix of 3 types of feed, you're going to piss off the owner. Plus there's the barn drama. I really do NOT miss the barn drama, not even a little.
Also, I assume that the money this place makes (7-9K) is PER YEAR, not per month. If that's the case, let's say you work an average of 40 hours per week, 50 weeks per year. In reality, I'm guessing it would be more like 50-60 hours per week spent on running things. But at 40 hours per week, you're being paid $4.50/hour. And don't forget the amount of money you'd be spending on gas, driving to and from.
To ME, it would not be worth it. But my life is not yours, so please take my perspective with a grain of salt. You should do what feels right to you! :)
$7-9 thousand a YEAR? Uhhhh no. Boarding is such a pain in the butt.
ReplyDeleteI think if it was me and it was something that I really want to then i would go for it, I think I'd talk to my family and see what they think but also think really about where i want to go and what i want to do, if in your heart it is what you do then I think that you should do that. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree that boarders can be a pain in the butt but you might also get a lot of it, and might enjoy it. :)
"Boarders are a PAIN IN THE BUTT. You are in charge of everyone's schnookie-wookums and by golly, if he doesn't get his sheet (not the blankie, the SHEET) at 50 degrees exactly, and make sure he has 2 flakes of alfalfa extra, and don't forget his 17 supplements and speshul mix of 3 types of feed, you're going to piss off the owner. Plus there's the barn drama. I really do NOT miss the barn drama, not even a little."
ReplyDeleteThis part bears repeating. I have scrimped to manage without boarder income since last September because my time and peace of mind are worth (way) more than a few thousand dollars a year.
It becomes especially complicated if you are not on premises already.
Not trying not to be supportive - just passing on my experience.
Wow, that place is for sale for that little? Seems unreal.
ReplyDeleteaye I have no advice... sorry! It's a hard decision but I am sure you will do whats best for you and your family :)
ReplyDeleteI would be sorely tempted, but as others have mentioned, I don't think I'd like to run a boarding facility. Too much drama. I imagine it's probably worse than running a day care! Maybe a training facility?
DeleteAs far as turning your hobby, something you love, into your job, I wouldn't do it. I have worked at several stables in a variety of capacities, and by the time I put in a day of work, I didn't have the desire, or the energy, to ride my own horses. I love my horse, riding, training, all of the above, but if I had to do it as my job as well, I think it would quickly turn from enjoyable hobby to a job. I go to work so I can continue to enjoy my hobby. :)
Personally, if it was me then I would do it. It's always been my dream to train horses as a full time job so if I was in a position to do it where I knew I could still support myself (and my family) by doing it, I would probably jump at it. That said, I second what other people have said about running a boarding facility and that it's hard work with little pay, so... keep us posted! :)
ReplyDeleteI'd check county records to make sure their claims are legit. But the more I see Pro Training and Being a BO seem like the biggest PITA.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who works in the horse business, I will say I like my job. I like taking care of horses, I like dealing with (most) clients (most of the time). The hours are long, the work is hard, the money isn't worth it. You have to do it because you love it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm using love in the gritty, do-or-die, I decided to do this sort of way. It's not rainbows and butterflies. It's not rational. It's hard, physical labor in the elements with no time off and no breaks.
If it's what you want to do, it can be worth. Just be very, very sure.
Agree with SprinklerBandit - my daughter is finding out early on how life is going to be if she continues to pursue her dream job by living, eating, breathing it 24/7. It is far from glamourous...but you already know that!
ReplyDeleteno, I've worked in a boarding barn for three years. It was terrible. it was always our dream to have a boarding place but not now, I would never board anyone's horse, even a friend. My dream is what you have!
ReplyDeleteWell...you can make decent money and have time to ride and show if you do it RIGHT. And by that I mean you have to do it a certain way. I know how it can work, I have a few friends who make over $50,000 a year and don't do stalls and teach any lessons themselves. If you want tips email me. You have to be prepared to never leave your home again though!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could do it.... I've had bad experiences trying to turn my much loved hobbies (obsessions) into paying jobs.... let me just say I never rode my own horses, didn't make much money after expenses and it didn't last long lol. I much rather enjoy my time with my horse and work somewhere that when I go home for the day my time is mine to do with however or whatever I want to do. :) Just my humble opinion!
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