I'm afraid I insulted some people mini looking :o(

[Katiean]

Some people just think they can walk in and put their kids on with out asking. If you are busy then say so. If they don't like it thats tough. Your horses are not for their enjoyment. I really do not think they were going to buy any.

 

[Little Indian Acres]

I'm with you Michelle. I ALWAYS call even close family and friends before just stopping in - you just never know what they are doing and they may not want company at that time. It is really just common courtesy. IMO only of course.

I totally agree!

 

[dannigirl]

I have a sign on the front of my barn that says "This barn is for the security and comfort of my horses--if you don't like that, please go away" To me, security is not having people drop in and doing as they please. You were polite. They were wrong to be offended. That is how I see it.

Angie

 

[ChrystalPaths]

MaryAnn..you couldn't be rude. You did as you thought best. Bri is a wonderful mini ambassador and I am sure she introduced the ladies perfectly BUT you did have an obligation. You stated it, with a smile, right off and then kept working. Any person could feel and see you were indeed on a schedule. Being where I am I used to get many drop ins and like Larry I loved it BUT if I had things I needed to do or places to go they got the fifty cent tour instead of the grand. With my card in hand I would say "gotta run, Here I hope you'll come back when I have more time and we'll have a good time then". A good person would smile say thanks we'll be back. They weren't shopping just looking for a time filler. You did just fine. MA rude?

Never happen.

 

[Magic]

I'm with you Michelle. I ALWAYS call even close family and friends before just stopping in - you just never know what they are doing and they may not want company at that time. It is really just common courtesy. IMO only of course.

Me too!!

I'm not fond of "drop-ins" but I am polite when it happens and will show people around, but also will let people know if I have appointments and need to cut things short. I also hand out business cards and encourage people to call me to for a good time to come back. MOST people understand that a horse farm is not like a store where one can drop in at any old time! Those that don't, well... I haven't had to deal with *too* many of them.

 

[Leeana]

Has anyone noticed when these people "drop in" ..its always when your just not ready. Most of the time visitors stop by that i am not expecting, its always in the morning when im feeding, right after i rolled out of bed in my jammies and look like something died on my head or its at the end of the day when im covered in sweat, dirt and only know what else. The only thing beautiful in my barn is the horses

 

[txminipinto]

And this is the main reason why I refuse to put a farm sign up! Rusty has a habit of disappearing when we have vistors (I swear he's hopeing they try and abduct me!) and fortunately, our neighbors and their friends have been good about not dropping by unannounced. I did have one strange guy drop by when I was packing for a horse show. It was a little weird because Rusty was late getting home and the dogs were in the house (and of course no cell phone). He finally did leave but it was little nerve wracking since I was obviously packing to leave and I don't like people knowing my home schedule.

 

[gvpalominominis]

There have been several times this has happened to me. People just stop by... they looked up our address and decided to just come have a look. (We are off the main road and do not post signs) A couple pointers... I first tell them I really appreciate their interest and would LOVE to show them the horses.... but unfortunately, I'm unable to do so that day. I explain that I want to allow them time to visit the horses and that isn't possible right now. I give them a business card and ask that they either make an appointment to come back or call me to do so. Regardless of who stops in... the first question out of my mouth to any visitor is "Where have you been before coming here?". If they've come from home and have no other horses, no problem. But if they've come from another farm or especially a 'county fair', show, rodeo etc.... they must come to visit with a change of clothes, disinfect their shoes and wash their hands before they ever see the inside of my barn, pastures or interact with my babies.

Picking up someone else's germs could run right through a barn of youngsters.... meaning sick horses, vet bills, meds and a general pain in the you know where. I don't care if it hurts their feelings or insults them. If they are an animal lover, they will understand and if they are really interested... they'll come back. : )

I would do the same courtesy for any other farm I visited.

 

[Witts Mini Horse Ranch]

This subject is one of my biggest pet peeves, I am working on painting my own sign right now. With Farm name, phone #, website and putting shown by appointment. I have shut the gate at the entrance to our place and people will open and come on in, finally put a lock on it. I've had people shown up while I was trimming feet, obivious that I was busy and stand there talking for an hour. I am never dressed for unexpected vistors, since I am always working outside cleaning stalls, paddocks. I love showing people my horses and talking horses BUT by appointment, even if they are not buying just intersted...they usually leave wanting one

 

[Matt73]

I'm afraid I can't give any suggestions as I can't stand it when people just drop in. Coming from a large city, if anyone came to my house unannounced I never answered the door (usually a solicitor). I think it's kind of rude. I could be busy with so many different things. I know it's a country thing, but I don't think I'll ever get over the whole "drop-in" thing.