What's fair with regards to replacing rubber matting in a stable

[TeaByTheSeaside]

I'm at a yard that's part livery. In my stable are rubber mats. The mats were several years old when I arrived (the anti slip knobbly top was worn away in a lot of places but there were no holes. )

I've been there for two years. She gave him a ridiculously thin bed and left him in too long. He's a box walker and has worn the mats away. (The mats are broken and full of holes).

I'm leaving at the end of the month and she wants me to replace them.

I don't mind contributing but I paid a lot of money to be there and wear and tear should be included - especially after being there for two years, always paying on time and never being a problem.

On the other hand, if he wasn't a box walker, they would probably be ok still.

So what is reasonable in this situation?

I'd probably be prepared to make a contribution towards new matting but wouldn't feel it reasonable to be asked to pay in full. What's in your contract?

I'd have also spoken to the yard owner at the beginning of my time there if I'd have thought my horses bedding was too thin and that they'd been left in for too long. Perhaps you did? Sorry - this sounds patronising, not meant that way at all.

Yes I did. It didn't make any difference. That's why I'm going.

How much contribution would be fair? Half?

I would try and buy some second hand ones to replace them so it is like for like. My friend just sold 4 decent mats for £20 each so you might be able to find something similar.

I wouldn't pay anything. You are essentially paying towards brand new, good quality mats. Something your horse wasn't provided with when you arrived.

Thanks. I don't feel like paying anything. I think she's taking the piss. And buying 5 second hand ones at £20 is still £100. I don't think so!

I used to do diy livery at my yard. People reversed trailers into newly planted trees on the drive, knocked down a drainpipe, horses chewed chunks out of doors, and many other things. I never charged anyone, that's part and parcel of having a yard. Mats don't cost a lot. She's being a bit mean.

Thanks Honey. I agree with you.

I don't think you're obliged to pay and presumably she has no means to make you. if he has absolutely trashed them though I would consider buying second hand and replacing like for like. My horse has been on rubber mats for years and hasn't trashed them. He also has a fairly thin bed, because that's kind of the point of the mats. I see you've already ruled out paying anything though so not really sure why you're asking the question!

I'd offer half as the the matting was wasn't new when you moved in but it does sound like your horse has caused excessive wear and tear.