Today's post is contributed by Helen McDonald.
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We really do love being at Massie Lodge. We have had some good soaking rain that has brought on good summer pickings for the horses; there really isn’t much to complain about. We barely tolerate the fact that ADSL, TVN are really never going to happen here, however, in saying that man did make it to the moon, so perhaps there is hope that one day, one of these little technological break-throughs will come to Massie Lodge - hopefully in our lifetime! There is even hope that one day Sky Racing and TVN will sort out their problems and Saturday racing will be a full afternoon’s entertainment and The Globe Derby broadcast as a fill in will be a thing of the past. Hmm.

One thing that has raised its ugly head to us recently which I believe is the scourge of the thoroughbred industry is “Non Payers”.

Now please, don’t get me wrong if people are genuine and upfront with their problems, then you don’t mind trying to work through the issues. However, when people are lying, using stalling tactics and being evasive that’s when it really presents itself as a problem. You are just trying to earn an income, (you know, put food on the table, or in the horses feed bowls), whilst they are trying to take advantage of you for reasons best known to themselves.

And then there are the others who have difficulties prioritising what or who need to get paid first. When they decide that paying off their super hotted up, 2005 version car is more important than a 3-month-old debt (which happens to be your income!), you know that there is trouble ahead.

It really is an ongoing important issue and one that has raised its ugly head to us in very recent times.

How does a small concern combat such a large issue? You would hope that the people involved in this industry know what sort of responsibility it is to own a thoroughbred be it a weanling, yearling, mare, in-training or retired horse. While the majority of people that we have come across in our time here at Massie Lodge are responsible owners, there is that niggling minority who feel that it is their right to withhold your income from you for all sorts of reasons best known to themselves.

Owners need to know what their budget limits are. Buying a horse, while very exciting is the cheap part of the deal! There is nothing like buying a wonderful yearling from the January sales and then embarking on what you are hoping is a great and exciting adventure. It can be! However, on the turn of a coin it can also be a nightmare that turns into a large, money spending exercise.

Most horses are remote from their owners – perhaps a lot of owners feel that they are not a committed part of their horse’s life? Perhaps its up to the spelling and agistment establishments to make the owners feel part of their horses life by regular correspondence, photos, encouraged visits etc? Perhaps there should be more “Client Relationship Managers” at establishments to make sure that owners and horses stay connected (and not just by the wallet!).

Is that the answer to non-payers? I don’t know. Perhaps more involvement will keep them motivated enough to keep paying their accounts?

Maybe education is the answer?

Perhaps there should be more owner education workshops where owners can experience not only the upside but also the downside to owning a horse before they actually make the commitment. Perhaps would be owners should visit establishments before their purchase and find out what needs to be done to look after a thoroughbred spelling, rehabilitating etc?

Commitment. It all comes down to commitment - that’s what owning a thoroughbred is in a nutshell.

I know that our agisters here at Massie Lodge will be sending their owners their very own special Christmas E-card (yes with tinsel and all the trappings!). Now, wouldn’t you like to be a fly on the wall when we dress them up in their Christmas outfits and take their picture?

lol

Helen McDonald

www.massielodge.com

www.gallopers.com.au