Conference noted::equitation

    Gareth,
    
    You are certainly getting a good deal compared to us folks here
    in the Northeastern United States.  Around where I live, in the
    state of New Hampshire, the average monthly rate for Full Board
    is $250 - 300.   Many times, this is without an indoor riding 
    facility.  Stables that do have indoor rings, an instructor on-site,
    and stable help during the day may be as high as $500.  Usually
    the inhabitants of these stables are horses whose owners have the
    time, money, expensive mount, and excellent riding skills to show
    their horses and win.  Hence, they might be referred to as "Show stables".
                                   
    Vet and farrier costs are not included, and at the regular "non-show"
    stables, any type of exercise (besides turnout), grooming, and
    sometimes blanketing (i.e., rugs) in winter costs extra.
    Also, this rate, as far as I have known, does not include any lessons
    at either the show or non-show stables. However, negotiations between
    the horse owner and the owner/instructor of the stable can differ
    between individuals.  It can be alot like "Let's Make a
    Deal"....depending on where you go.
    
    Sorry, don't have much information on working board....
    
    -Sue Prestidge at this account ONLY UNTIL JUNE 30.

    Gareth, it sounds like you have lovely place to keep and ride your
    horse!
    
    I keep my horse at a small, private boarding stable in Northeastern
    Massachusetts and pay $320 per month which includes stall-cleaning, 1/2
    day turn-out, 3 feedings, worming, and an indoor riding arena. I have
    some trails to hack on (although development is taking over) and some
    hay fields to ride around.
    
    Linda

    Hello Gareth and all!  I am quickly coming to the conclusion that
    I have a great deal....I live and work in San Francisco and board
    my Morgan mare down the coast about 20 miles, where there are miles
    trails along the ocean and surrounding hills.  My board is $175
    per month and includes a box stall with a large corral.  Unfortunately,
    there's no lighted arena, but at these prices, who's complaining?
    I clean the corral etc. myself, otherwise it would be an additional
    $45 per month. There are no additional "frills" (i.e. lessons etc.)
    but for my needs, this facility is perfect.  As a point of comparison,
    the board along the Peninsula (Palo Alto, Los Altos etc.) is at
    a minimum $300 per month.  As you can see, I'm staying put!
    
    best regards!

    Gareth,
    
    That sounds an incredibly good deal!!
    
    I own a 14.1 Highland pony, who lives out most of the year (the
    only time he comes in part-time is when the grass is growing too
    quickly, in May and September).
    
    I have just moved him to a hospital (yes, a hospital!) near where
    I live.  They provide him with grazing and a stable for nothing,
    in return for my allowing him to do an hour or so's Riding for the
    Disabled work every week day (they don't use him at weekends). 
    All I pay for is feed (he doesn't need a lot!), bedding, shoeing
    and of course vet's bills.  He is brushed off etc during the week,
    but I do him myself at weekends, and I also do quite a lot of other
    work, picking up droppings from the field, feeding the other RDA
    ponies, playing with the donkey (yes, most of this is voluntary!),
    etc. ...
    
    Previously, he lived at a good stables near us.  There, he was out
    at grass, and I paid �10 a week working livery, + VAT.  This meant I could
    only ride afternoons at weekends; they could use Robbie 2 hours
    a day, 5 days a week.  If I had lessons, they were �5.  Lessons
    for non-livery owners were �7/8.  Working livery did not include
    tack cleaning, etc., and when I rode, I had to get my own horse
    ready, including bringing him in from the field and so on.
                                                         
    Full livery at this yard was �50 a week, again plus VAT, and I believe
    that is pretty standard for this area.
    
    Would be interested to hear what others pay, and how much of the
    work they do themselves ....
    
    Helen 

    Question: Whats VAT?
    

    
    I knew us English speaking people would confuse someone!!!
    
    VAT = Value Added Tax which has been with us in Europe for some
    time. Basically its a tax on having money!!! At present here in the
    UK it is 15%. Most products and services are subject to it. It was
    first introduced on what were termed luxury items but the word luxury
    includes most things. Food and childrens clothes are about
    the only VAT free items which I can think of. In southern Ireland
    the system is completely crazy with different rates of VAT for
    different items and it is the responsiblity of the storekeepers to
    do the TAX return to the government. A classic example of stupidity
    which a wholesale warehouse customer of DEC's told me of is regarding
    CANDLES.
    
    	Because Ireland is a devout Catholic country, Alter CANDLES are
    ZERO rated, white household candles ie. ones used when power is
    cut are 10% vat, and birthday candles which you must agree are a
    real luxury are 35%. I'll leave you to make up your own minds on
    Irish politics.
    
    	I suppose it would relate to your state tax?????
    
    
    
    		Regards Gareth

    Luckily, there is no state or sales tax in New Hampshire, but there are
    in most other states.  We do get hit in other ways:  meal taxes
    at restaurants, toll booths on major highways, and high property
    taxes for those of us who own our own home, land, etc.!
                                        
    I lived in Fleet (near Reading) for almost a year, and I was amazed
    at the tax system in the UK, but I guess every tax system seems
    crazy if you didn't grow up with it....
    
    -Sue Prestidge
    _At_this_node_til_June_30.