Cheeky barsteward or AIBU?

I'd reply, not by text, quoting that clause in the contract which they've signed.

They're getting all that for £10 a week? Bloody hell! I'd bite your hand off for a deal like that ?

I'd meet with them, show the the clause, wait until they agree they've been unreasonable with their text then tell them to naff off anyway.

Cheeky barsteward in my books. You are giving them a fantastic deal. Considering how much it would cost them to have an hours lesson for their kid at a riding stable I think they are bloody lucky. If they had something planned you could see the point but it sounds like they are trying to get the upper hand.

Id tell them you are having YOUR pony on that day

Gerat help or not, they are onto a good thing here and they probably know that. I think they are taking the pee somewhat with that reply and would do as PL says.There will be plenty more people ready to snap your hand off for what is effectively almost a 50% share in a pony for a tenner a week- don't let them hold you to ransom.

I'd not text him, I'd call him and say that as per your contract, you will be taking YOUR pony on that day to the show you intend to go to.

I'd also point out that you've bent over backwards to be flexible for his daughter but that you expect the good will you've shown them to work both ways and that if he causes problems, you will reconsider the arrangement.

He really sounds like a cnut to be honest.

I'd reply along the lines of - "sorry, should have worded that differently - I will be taking the pony to a show on 13th April, therefore please consider this as notice of intent as per our contract. Please let me know which day you will take in lieu of 13th April"

Bloody hell, that family is getting an amazing deal! I would text the father back and say, sorry, but having already cleared it with him that the 13th was ok, you have now made arrangements and the pony won't be available that day. I would then refer him to the contract he signed and ask him to let you know which day he'd like as an alternative so you can ensure that day is kept free for him. That way you're being polite but firm! Any complaints from him and I would bete mpted to find an alternative pony sharer - and charge them more!

I d just tell them to fuck off full stop. what a cnut

normally i d say ring them but in this case, i think i d be tempted to send a short text "the contract is hereby terminated, effective immediately"

assuming of course there is nothing onerous in your contract about termination, which i guess there isnt, if you wrote it.

To add, you don't live near Cheltenham btw, do you? ?

I'd kill for that kind of arrangement for my son in a year or so's time.

They really really don't know how lucky they are, IMO.

Lol zebra - i was just about to check she wasnt near north wales!

he really sounds like a prat - i would be sorely tempted to terminate the contract - apart from the fact it isnt the little girl's fault her daddy is an idiot

I know about getting a good deal, TBH it wasn't about the money she is a cracking pony who wouldn't be being used to her full potential at the moment with my titchy rider. I've actually got a list of people who would willingly take their place as she is known for being such a great pony and wins *everything* at shows. Not bad for a pony who was given to me for free ?

I've written a letter what do you think?

Dear xxxxx

Thank you for your text message on 20th March 2009 regarding the use of Polly on Monday 13th April. As you have correctly stated your set days, as stated in the contract, does include Monday however can I also remind you off point 8(b) in the aformentioned contract which states 'QUOTE CLAUSE DIRECTLY FROM CONTRACT'

Please take this letter as being 24 days notice of said change in days. Please feel free to choose any other suitable day that week as an alternative.

Many thanks

Wodger_woo

Definitely a cheeky barsteward. Oh they will be using the pony, will they? Can't believe their cheek!

Definitely tell them that you are taking the pony to a show, and if there are any problems then tell them the deal is off. I would do it by phone, no point in trying to compose texts over the course of hours. Get it sorted quickly.

I dont get it. why do you put up with this? if you have a list of other people willing to do it (and thank you for it) why put up with it? get rid of them, youre being walked over.

Actually Nick there is ? its one from the BHS law section. I have to give them 30 days notice.

So send them the letter you planned to, and then say that the letter also is the formal notice of termination under the contract.

TBH, if this is the first "offence" since the new contract, then fair enough, give them a chance. I would send the letter (there is an extra f on the word of, though, can't scroll back up to find it) and take it from there. Any more unpleasantness and I would be sending a further letter as their 30 days' notice.

Thank you everyone. Redhead it is their first offence and as Ive said up until this incident they have been brilliant...poo picking my fields, turning out my other horses so that I can have a lie in etc even though they don't 'have' to.

Nick I totally understand what you are saying and you are echoing what what my husband says on the matter. I know you are right but I can't help but think the little girl, who adores the pony should be punished for the fact her dad has had a knobhead moment. I know, i'm too soft ?

I would add into the text message the fact you have already cleared the date change verbally with him!

Or, as Nick says, tell him to stuff it!

Given the mum and daughter are helpfu, I'd hold off on the termination bit too, but if the father comes back with a similarly arsey reply I'd be reconsidering.

ETA - do you normally just deal with the mum and daugther? Does the father only come into it to be arsey? If so I'd be having a word with his wife and explaining that while you're on good terms with her and her child, that her H's attitude is going to lose them the contract.

Tbh I'd speak to him. He was very rude imo and so I'd tell him you felt a put out by the message and point out the other part of the contract where days may need to be changed, and how flexible you have been for them. I'd also say that you don't want to be made feel like you are having to ask permission to use your own pony and that if that is the way things are going you will have no choice but to terminate the contract and see what his response is. Maybe he just wasn't thinking?

On the whole though I feel they are getting a bloody good deal and would think they should be showing a bit more gratitude than attitude so would be pissed off at them be looking for a way to get rid.

Definitely cheeky of them. I have a sharer for one of my horses and if anything big like shows come up she knows her day will need to change that week. For £10 a week they are getting a bargain! Most half hour lessons cost £15 plus

I'd call or speak in person and let them know the score