Being a horse groom/exerciser!

Question

I want to make some money being a groom for other riders who dont have time, or don't want to tack up etc. I am unsure of what a good fee is... I want more than $10 per horse but i think $30 is too much is $15 -20 per horse a good fee??

Also i want to exercise peoples horses if they are on vaca, or just have no time to get over to the barn...

Should i charge by time, like $25-30 for 1/2 hr and $40-45 for an hr

or should i charge on what i do like w/t/c is $25

some low jumping is another $10 - $35 total

a lot of jumping and higher to really work the horse is $45 total

Am i asking too high?? Would you pay this?

Answer 1

It really depends on where you are and how many horses you do. I was paid 100 dollars every two weeks to take care of 5 horses, I was suppose to keep them in shape, and keep them well trained but when I took care of one horse for a different place I was paid 20 dollars an hour to work her horse. As for weather or not I would pay that, no. But I work my horse a lot and typically don't leave him long. I don't think your asking to high though, it really depends on location. Grooming you should be able to get 15-20 per horse if you bathe them, which can cause problems but just a groom I think 15-20 is high. Location is the key

Answer 2

You do know that a horse isn't a reptile, right?

Answer 3

Unless you are a professional trainer - you will not get $35 - $45 for working with a horse.  Depending on where you are located - I wouldn’t expect to get paid for exercising someone's horse.  With the economy the way it is people are offering their horses for lease or even free leases but not the other way around and looking for someone to pay to ride their horses.  

As far as grooming goes - I would look into posting a flyer at the local feed store.  For an all day show I would expect to get paid between $20-$30 per horse for grooming - which includes unloading, unwrapping, tacking up, holding horse in between classes, cooling out, bathing, taking out braids, re-wrapping, offering water, loading back up, and basically being there if the horse/rider needs anything.  

For grooming at a stable – as in grooming and tacking the horse up for someone – don’t expect to get paid more than $5 per horse.

In all honestly – if you are looking to make money you won’t make much this way. Unless you are talking about a large show barn – your better off offering your services as a barn hand cleaning stalls and such.  A stall cleaner in our area is paid about $2 - $3 a stall.