Perhaps, you could speak to the vet, and let the vet set the limits, for other boarders. That way you would stay on good terms with them.
hmm, id have to disagree, i think people can learn a great deal watching vets help horses, and its ok for them to ask questions and observe.
If they're asking the vet questions, then I would nicely ask them to pay for part of the vet bill. After all he's there for your horse and you're paying for his time.
If the boarders are just watching and learning, it should be OK, but if they are asking question about their own horse, then the vet should say, something like..."I will glad set up a time, to come and see your horse.... The first boarder is paying for the vet visit, and if she would let the other boarders know, ahead of time, perhaps the vet, could do a couple horses at the same visit, and all the boarder, can help pay for the vet's visit.
I have done this before with a boarder. She usually tells me when her vet (also a horse chiropractor) comes to see her horse. I am naturally curious so I asked the boarder ahead of time if I can watch her vet work on her horse. Maybe if you tell the curious boarders your vet is coming ahead of time and they are curious you can set some ground rules for the next time. I don't ask many questions of her vet, unless it has to do with her horse. I'm not the one paying the vet bill.
Do vets charge by the visit or by the hour? If by the hour, then I'd say you have every right to politely ask the others to leave...but if it were me, I'd try to say something like..."If you don't mind, my ADD is kicking in, and I'm having a difficult time concentrating on what the vet is saying with all these extra people around. This is important, so would you mind excusing us, so I don't misunderstand or forget anything the vet is saying? thank you."
Just tell ask them if they would like to split the barn call fee and see how quickly they walk away. Sometimes you have to be direct with people because they just don't get it. If they get mad that's too bad it's your horse and your money not theirs and I'm sure that if it was them they would have no problem with telling you.
schedule it early enough when no one is at the barn....if it is important enough to not want socializing ....say so...do it in a way that you don't offend....take the horse to an area that you can shot the door...a clean stall....the shower rack and just say it....people are curious....say it is private time...I have no problem with speaking up....I don't like to baby sit in the arena...so if you don't like me telling your child what the rules are...pick another time or deal with it....
I own and operate a stable n like everything else you provide leadership n manage. When the get is booked to see clients horses I generally have them write their questions down that way they can focus on what they need answers too. I do not allow clients who have not booked the vet to interrupt. If at the end they'd like to ask the vet for advice then can ask the attending vet if he has time. An emgerency situation would take priority n again we'd manage. If the client is not able to be there again having their questions written down allows me to ask n obtain the answers.
The vet is on your time and your dollar. The others need to schedule him just like you did. It will take a combined effort between you and the vet to stop them from taking your time and money.