Horse Show Highlights From 2021
December 29, 2021| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

After a year of limited horse showing in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, equestrians were excited to get back in the show ring in 2021. Learn about some favorite 2021 horse show memories from grooms, trainers, and managers.

Linda Birk

Groom for Margie Goldstein-Engle, based in Wellington, FL

Linda Birk and Cesna. Photo by Alden Corrigan Media

What was your favorite memory of 2021?

It’s so difficult for me to pick one favorite horse show memory because there are so many to choose from! If I had to highlight one, it would probably be the last show of the year for us, the Fort Worth International CSI4*-W at Split Rock Jumping Tour in Fort Worth, Texas. We brought Royce and Dicas, Margie’s two main horses. Both boys jumped incredibly throughout the week. Margie got sick before the show, so I rode them up to and during the show. It was a huge relief when they jumped well after I’d kept them going. Royce placed second in the 1.50m qualifier with only three competing in the jump-off. He had the fastest time but an unlucky rail on the second-to-last fence. Dicas jumped in the World Cup Grand Prix, and as usual he gave it all he has and was double clear to end fourth. I always expect the horses to jump well, but that week was extra special due to the circumstances with Margie. They really jumped their hearts out.

What are you most looking forward to in 2022?

I am looking forward to making lots more memories in 2022. WEF 2022 will be here before we know it. I hope we will qualify for the World Cup Final in Leipzig, Germany. We have one more qualifier in Ocala coming up in March, so fingers crossed!

Krista Goosens

Assistant Trainer and Manager for Brianne Goutal LLC and The Propp Family, based in Wellington, FL, and Long Island, NY

Krista Goosens talking with Stella Propp at the in-gate. Photo by Kind Media

What was your favorite memory of 2021?

My favorite horse show memory from 2021 was definitely Stella Propp and Heaven’s Dream earning Grand Junior Hunter Champion at the National Horse Show. We leased this horse in January 2021 for Stella to show during her last junior year. It took us a little while to get the hang of things with him, but over the year he just kept getting better and better. We hit our stride with him during the summer, but when indoors started we struggled a bit to pull it all together. The National was Stella’s last show with “Dreamy” and her last show as a junior rider. I think our entire team (Dreamy included) really dug deep and pulled out all the stops for our final show, and it really paid off. The most rewarding part of this job is seeing my kids and horses succeed, so winning such a major title at such a prestigious show meant the world to me.

 

What are you most looking forward to in 2022?

I am looking forward to a great 2022 with the Brianne Goutal LLC team, and I am excited to see how our clients and horses progress this year.

Payton Wendler

Groom and Manager, most recently for Millar Brooke Farm based in Wellington, FL, and Lexington, KY

Payton Wendler preparing for the show ring. Photo courtesy of Payton Wendler

What was your favorite memory of 2021?

I have a lot of great memories from the 2021 show season! One of my favorite horse show memories was during the time I worked for Jonathon Millar and Kelly Soleau-Millar at Millar Brooke Farm. I had the opportunity to show a young horse that I was lucky enough to help develop. I had been out of the show ring for a couple of years, so it was great to be back in the ring on a horse I really enjoyed working with.

What are you most looking forward to in 2022?

I am looking forward to getting back in the show ring again! I am also excited to continue to help keep my horses happy, healthy, and performing at their best.

BarnManager would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy 2022. Make sure to look out for the new BarnManager Pro coming out in January!

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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Six Household Items To Use at the Barn This Winter
December 23, 2021| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

Riding or working in a barn during cold winter weather is never an easy task. Read about some of BarnManager’s favorite winter hacks using products you can find in your own home.

1. Crockpot

A crockpot or slow cooker is very helpful to have at the barn when the temperatures are below freezing. They do a great job of keeping water warm for grooming or cleaning tack if you do not have access to hot water. You can also dip your horse’s bit into the crockpot before putting the bridle on to make it more comfortable for your horse.

2. Hairdryer

Even if your horse is clipped, they can often get sweaty after a ride. You always want to make sure your horse is dry before putting their blanket on, which sometimes can take a while. Bring your hairdryer from home to speed up the process. If you do a combination of blow-drying and toweling, your horse will be dry in no time.

 

3. Rubbing Alcohol

This winter hack is also for quickly drying your horse’s coat after a ride so they do not catch a chill. Put rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle, apply it to your horse’s coat, and then towel off the area. Alcohol evaporates quickly and also takes the water with it so your horse will dry off a lot faster. By the time you finish cleaning your tack, your horse will be dry and ready for their blanket.

4. Cooking Spray

If you live in an area where it snows a lot, you might want to bring some cooking spray to the barn. Horses often have balls of snow and ice form on the bottoms of their feet when they are turned out in the snow, which can make walking uncomfortable. Apply cooking spray to your horse’s feet after picking them out to prevent the ice balls from forming.

5. Vacuum

Since giving a bath during the winter is often not an option, getting your horse clean can be a difficult task, especially if you are trying to get ready for a horse show. Some barns have horse vacuums to help, but if your barn does not you can always use your vacuum from home. This hack may not be for every horse, but if your mount is brave enough then you can run a vacuum over them using the brush attachment to get rid of dirt and hair.

6. Dryer Sheets

Accidentally shocking your horse because of static electricity during the winter is never a pleasant experience. Before you put the blanket back on your horse, rub them and the liner of their blanket with a dryer sheet to get rid of static electricity. You can also rub it through their mane and tail to prevent any shocking.

Start searching your house for some of these useful items to bring to the barn for an easier and more enjoyable winter experience.

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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The BarnManager Q&A With: Kiira M. Lizza, Manager at Grafton Ridge
December 16, 2021| | in category BarnManager Q&A, Uncategorized No comments yet

The BarnManager Q&A With:

Kiira M. Lizza, Manager at Grafton Ridge, located in South Salem, NY, and Wellington, FL

What are three things that are always in your ring bag?

Kiira: A towel, hoof oil, and extra earplugs.

What is the most helpful habit that you practice at the barn?

Kiira: At Grafton Ridge, we practice a gold standard of horse care habits. I like to say we practice FEI-level care at a national level. Coming from an FEI background having worked for both Anne Kursinski and Leslie Howard, I love different therapies and am always looking for extra things we can do for the horses to help them feel their best. I am also big on proper turnout time and rest for the horses. They work very hard for us, and we like to make sure they have some downtime in the paddock after showing. All of our horses, no matter if they do the leadline or the upper-level jumpers, get some type of therapy on a daily basis. This could be the laser, the UltrOZ™, magnetic blanket, TheraPlate, etc. We’re very passionate about horse care and making sure the horses are healthy, fit, and most importantly, happy!

How do you foster a great team environment in your business?

Kiira: A great team environment is something we pride ourselves on at Grafton Ridge. Michael Delfiandra and Vanessa Roman have built an incredibly organized, systemized, and positive work environment that is truly the best show barn I have ever worked in. We hold weekly team meetings, encourage open communication, and celebrate the small wins. These practices have fostered a trusting team that allows us to depend on one another and find joy in the day-to-day hustle and bustle of a busy show barn. A large part of the curriculum in my MBA studies at Warwick Business School in England was focused on self-introspection and how to develop high-performing teams. I like to bring what I learned during my MBA and put it into practice in the barn.

Kiira Lizza competing in the hunters.

What’s your best tip or hack for grooming and horse care? Where did you learn it?

Kiira: I am a big fan of currying! Currying is a great way to not only loosen dirt and hair off your horse, but also gives the muscles a nice massage and gives the groom an opportunity to look over every inch of the horse. I am also big on baby powder on the legs. I am crazy about the legs being dry after baths, clipping, etc., to prevent scratches. For horse care in general, you have to let them be horses. Proper turnout time, good nutrition, and an excellent vet and farrier are the foundation of great horse care.

What is your favorite equestrian competition and why?

Kiira: This is tough! I love Lake Placid in New York but am also a big fan of the Middleburg Classic in Virginia. Both these shows have great hospitality, beautiful facilities and jumps, and are in a great location for non-horse show activities.

If you were a horse, what would you be and why?

Kiira: I’d like to think I’d be an amateur’s upper-level jumper. This way I could be someone’s forever horse and receive all the pampering I need to do my job well.

 

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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DIY Holiday Horse Treats
December 9, 2021| | in category Uncategorized 1 comment

One of the best parts about the holiday season is making Christmas cookies, so why not make them for your horse as well? Check out some of BarnManager’s favorite equine holiday treat recipes that your horse is guaranteed to love. Hang a stocking on your horse’s stall and fill it with these easy-to-make homemade cookies.

Peppermint Horse Kisses

From Corro

Ingredients:

  • 1 ¼ cups steel-cut oats
  • ¾ cups molasses
  • ½ cup flour
  • ½ cup flax seed
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ cup apple pieces
  • 12 hard peppermint candies

Peppermint Horse Kisses. Photo from Corro.

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350° (F).
  2. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
  3. Combine molasses and oats in a mixing bowl.
  4. Add the remaining ingredients, except for the peppermint candies.
  5. Fill muffin tins half full.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes.
  7. Take out of the oven and press the peppermint candies into the tops of the cookies.
  8. Let cool before feeding to your favorite horses.

Click here to open a printable recipe card!

Mistletoe Muffins

From Mid-Rivers Equine Centre

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups oats
  • 2 tablespoons of honey
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1 shredded apple
  • 3 tablespoons of flour
  • 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
  • ½ cup crushed peppermint
  • 1 small box of raisins
  • Green and red icing
  • Sprinkles
  • 48 miniature cupcake liners

Mistletoe Muffins. Photo from Mid-Rivers Equine Centre.

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375° (F).
  2. Mix oats, water, and honey in a bowl.
  3. Microwave for two minutes.
  4. Add shredded apple, brown sugar, crushed peppermints, flour, and raisins.
  5. Place back in the microwave for two more minutes.
  6. Put mixture into cupcake liners on cookie sheet. Use two liners per muffin for support.
  7. Put in the oven for 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Note: The muffins do not rise.
  8. Let the muffins cool and then decorate them with icing and sprinkles.

 Click here to open a printable recipe card!

Peanut Butter Apple DIY Horse Treats

From Corro

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 apple
  • ¾ cup peanut butter
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons of milk (optional)
  • Sprinkles (optional)

Peanut Butter Apple DIY Horse Treats. Photo from Corro.

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325° (F).
  2. Grate the apple and squeeze out excess moisture.
  3. Mix dry ingredients.
  4. Add the apple and peanut butter.
  5. Slowly add enough of the water to form a manageable dough.
  6. If the dough becomes too sticky, then add additional flour.
  7. Form into desired shapes and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
  8. You may glaze or frost with icing made by mixing 1 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk.
  9. Top with sprinkles for added decoration.

Click here to open a printable recipe card!

Test out these recipes and give your horse something special for the holidays. Not only are these treats great gifts for your horse, but you can also give them to your barn friends, trainers, managers, and grooms.

If you’re not in the mood to make your own horse treats, you can always shop for them at Corro. They have all your favorite horse treats ready to go. Use code BARNMANAGER10 for 10% off your first order!

 

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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Eight Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Equestrian Friends
December 2, 2021| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

Eight Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Equestrian Friends

Wondering what types of gifts your equestrian friends will enjoy the most this holiday season? Read below for our list of this year’s most wanted presents.

1. Belts

Equestrians can never have too many belts. There are so many styles, colors, and materials to choose from when seeking the perfect fit for your friend. You can opt for classic leather for the show ring or a colorful, stretchy-material style for schooling days at home. Both traditional and online tack shops carry lots of options, and some offer personalization with their horse’s name. You could even get a matching one for yourself!

2. Horse Treats

Every horse owner enjoys receiving a bag of treats give to their favorite mount. This is an easy gift to pair with a card and maybe a chocolate treat for your friend. Go a step further and make homemade horse cookies yourself and put them in a decorative container with a bow.

3. Socks

Socks are a great stocking-stuffer gift, especially for your friends who stay north during the winter. Having frozen feet while riding is never fun, so a few good pairs of warm socks for cold days at the barn are always appreciated. You can also add a set of toe warmers for those extra cold days. For friends who do not have deal with freezing temperatures, there are boot socks that come in lots of fun colors and patterns.

4. Gloves

Multiple pairs of gloves are a necessity during the busy show season and cold winter months. They often get lost or worn out, so it’s always handy to have extra pairs around. If your friend is staying up north this winter, considering buying them a pair of winter riding gloves. Nothing is worse than not being able to feel your hands while you’re tacking up your horse or riding. You can throw in a set of hand warmers with this gift as well.

5. Personalized Gifts

There are several websites that allow you to personalize products with pictures, which is perfect for any horse-obsessed owner. Gather a couple photos of your friend with their horse and customize coffee mugs, phone cases, pillows, water bottles, and more. Choose a different picture for each item and maybe even include a photo of you and your friend.

6. Photography Session

Equestrians love photo shoots with their favorite equine partner. Although photography sessions can be expensive, photographers often offer lower-priced options. You could even go behind the camera yourself and capture those special moments for your friend if you have the equipment – these days, even iPhones can take amazing photos with proper editing.

7. Magazine Subscription

Allow your friends to stay up to date on their favorite equestrian interests and disciplines with a magazine subscription. Find out if they are interested in lifestyle or sport and treat them to a print or online subscription that they can enjoy throughout the year.

8. Gift Card

Some friends are very difficult to shop for, which is why a gift card to their favorite tack shop is a perfect present. You can give this present in a festive way by putting it in a holiday-themed card or coffee mug.

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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The BarnManager Q&A With: Caroline McLeese, rider and assistant trainer at Double H Farm
November 23, 2021| | in category BarnManager Q&A, Uncategorized No comments yet

The BarnManager Q&A With:

Caroline McLeese, rider and assistant trainer at Double H Farm, located in Ridgefield, CT and Wellington, FL

What are three things that are always in your ring bag?

Caroline: An assortment of spurs, a towel, and mints.

What is the most helpful habit that you practice at the barn?

Caroline: I like to do a lap around the barn at the end of the day once everyone leaves just to be sure the horses are settled in, all the small details are taken care of, and everything is ready for the following day. 

How do you foster a great team environment in your business?

Caroline: At Double H, everyone – grooms, managers, and myself – takes a team approach to caring for the horses. Even though my main role is to help ride and train, I still help clean stalls, turn out, and take horses to the ring for other riders. I really enjoy helping in the barn whenever I have time, and I find it helps me form better relationships with the horses and my coworkers.

What’s your best tip or hack for grooming and horse care? Where did you learn it?

Caroline: My favorite hack for clipping is to wash the horse’s legs thoroughly and then clip them while they are still wet. The clipper blades don’t heat up this way and it keeps the horses much more comfortable! This is especially helpful for horses that move around while you’re trying to clip their legs. I learned this trick from Margo Thomas, Laura Kraut’s groom.

What is your favorite equestrian competition and why?

Caroline: Spruce Meadows! It’s an incredible venue and truly amazing to watch such a high concentration of five-star horses and riders for weeks at a time. I’ve missed going the past few years, and I’m really looking forward to returning next summer.

If you were a horse, what would you be and why?

Caroline: I think I would be a 1.45m speed horse who is quiet when not showing. I really like to go fast but it’s not something most people would guess about me!

Photo by Four Oaks Creative

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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Make the Most of Your Pumpkins – Seasonal Sustainability Tips
November 18, 2021| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

Make the Most of Your Pumpkins – Seasonal Sustainability Tips

Written by BarnManager partner Green Is the New Blue

Pumpkins are a fall favorite, appearing on the porches of homes across the country from the start of fall to Thanksgiving. In addition to their decorative purpose, pumpkins are a healthy ingredient in many recipes and make a great snack for a variety of animals.

Unfortunately, there’s a dark side to the Halloween craze. An estimated 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkin are discarded into U.S. landfills each year, accounting for 65% of pumpkins produced. Decomposing waste trapped in landfills produces methane gas, contributing to climate change.

Thankfully there are many other ways to make the most of your pumpkins or sustainably dispose of them.

‘Tis the Season for Pumpkin Spice

With Thanksgiving coming up, there are so many amazing recipes for you to make the most of your Halloween pumpkins. Besides the stalk, almost every part of the pumpkin is edible, and they are a great source of vitamins, containing little fat or calories. Bake the seeds or skin for a crunchy snack, boil and strain the guts for a soup broth, or use the flesh to create a puree for pies, lattes, or ice cream.

A Tasty Treat for Our Furry Friends

Did you know that orange pumpkins, including the seeds, are also safe for horses to eat? If you plan to feed it raw, make sure to cut it into small pieces to avoid choking. It is recommended to feed no more than one cup per day. Even better, there are plenty of recipes to bake your own dog and horse treats. Jar your treats and store them for a tasty pumpkin treat any time throughout the year.

Pumpkin spice may or may not be your favorite seasonal treat, but it sure is appreciated by farm animals and wildlife. If you have pumpkins you don’t want to cook, reach out to a local animal sanctuary to see if they are interested in donations. Pumpkin is an enticing snack for pigs, goats, sheep, and many species of birds like chicken and ducks. As always, do not feed farm animals without permission from the owner for the animal’s health and safety.

Compost Your Pumpkin

The next best option is to compost your pumpkin. Make sure to remove the seeds, or your compost pile may become a pumpkin patch next season. Whole pumpkins can take a long time to compost, so break it into a few pieces before tossing it in.

The Last Resort – Disposal

If you cannot do any of the above, or simply do not have time, we understand you need a simple way to dispose of your pumpkin. Please do not dispose of your pumpkin in a landfill. Instead, dispose of a pumpkin in the same manner that yard debris is dealt with in your municipality. For more information about how to dispose of yard debris, contact your local Department of Public Works.

 

Green Is the New Blue would like to wish everyone a wonderful season heading into Thanksgiving. We are so thankful for all who follow us and help us strive for a Sustainable Sport.

 

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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Five Tips To Combat Horse Show Nerves
November 11, 2021| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

Five Tips To Combat Horse Show Nerves

Horse show nerves can be one of the biggest challenges to cope with while competing.  Even some of the most well-known and successful riders admit they get nervous before big events.  While nerves can actually help some people perform at their best, they can have a negative effect on others.  Here are some tips to help you combat those anxious feelings.

1. Visualize

Think about what a good performance would feel like.  If you are jumping, for example, start by learning your course, then visualize yourself successfully completing it. Imagine riding the track from the moment you enter the ring all the way to the last fence. If your horse drifts to the right or has a tough lead change, visualize where you see the problem arising and how you will fix it. Think about small details like where you want to make your turn to a diagonal fence or how you may need to ride forward in the first line. Going over your ride step by step several times in your head will help you feel much more familiar with the course when you step into the ring.

2. Focus on Factors You Can Control

Horse showing involves dealing with many factors that you cannot control. Worrying about the weather or if a loud noise might spook your horse are not productive thoughts. Stressing about factors beyond your control will not make them less likely to happen. If you cannot get these thoughts out of your head, come up with a plan or ideas of what to do if these situations do occur instead of just dwelling on them. For example, if you think that your horse may spook at a person on the far end of the ring, plan to be aware of that and ready to focus their attention back to you.

Calm your nerves by focusing on the things you do have control over. Take time to make sure both you and your horse are ready for the ring and look and feel your best. Little things like getting a good night’s sleep, eating a healthy breakfast, checking all your tack, and packing your ring bag ahead of time can all help you feel more at ease. Additionally, try to get to the show early enough to learn your course, watch if possible, and make a plan with your trainer so that you feel more confident.

3. Remember To Breathe

Once you have gone over your course and are confident in your plan, take time to unwind. Think about your breathing and keeping your body calm. Remembering to breathe, especially while on course, will help your body and mind stay relaxed. When your body stays relaxed, your horse will not pick up on any tension from you. At the in-gate, take a couple of deep breaths to calm yourself down before you step into the ring. Also, pick places around the course where you will remind yourself to take a moment to regroup and breathe.

4. Discuss Your Nerves

Nervousness is not something you should hide. Talking through your worries and nerves with your friends, a trainer, or a psychologist can help lessen your stress. Try to pinpoint the one feeling, situation, or fear that is making you nervous so that you can then address it. Also, it is important to let your trainer know you are struggling with anxious feelings so they are aware and can better help you at the ring. By opening up about your worries, you may also learn more about how other people cope with their nerves going into the show ring.

5. Give Yourself a Break

Being nervous before a competition is completely normal and part of the horse show experience for many people. Try not to beat yourself up for getting nervous before competing. Accept your worries instead of overthinking them and letting your stress get the best of you. Focus on ways to manage your nervous feelings so you can enjoy your horse show experience instead of only worrying about it.

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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The BarnManager Q&A With: Molly Allen, assistant trainer for Rachel Kennedy at ESP Farm
November 4, 2021| | in category BarnManager Q&A, Uncategorized No comments yet

The BarnManager Q&A With:

Molly Allen, assistant trainer for Rachel Kennedy at ESP Farm, located in Brookeville, MD

What are three things that are always in your ring bag?

Molly: I always carry boot polish, an extra pair of gloves, and the good luck charms that were braided into Celtic Fire’s mane on the day we were 10th in the 2021 USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

What is the most helpful habit that you practice at the barn?

Molly: Consistency! Whether young and green or already seasoned, I find that all horses thrive in a training routine that is consistent, but not stale or repetitive, in order to reach their full potential. Horses, like human athletes, need routines that are appropriate for their current level, and the consistency to help them reach the goals we set for them. And patience, lots of patience!

How do you foster a great team environment in your business?

Molly: At ESP Farm, we always aim to create a positive environment for our team. I try to have an upbeat attitude and lead by example. I prioritize objectives, delegate tasks, and have an organized schedule each day. I find that this helps most days run smoothly and with low stress.

What is your favorite equestrian competition and why?

Molly: My all-time, no-questions-asked, favorite show experience was the GCT in Chantilly, France. At the time I was grooming for Legacy Stables, and 2021 Olympic Gold Medalist Ben Maher was our rider. It was an unbelievable experience; from the horse show facility, to the history of the town, everything was amazing.

What is your best tip or hack for grooming or horse care? And where did you learn it?

Molly: Here’s a tip you can use in that panic-stricken moment when you discover that your horse has a fat leg. To decide what to do if you’re in a situation where you can’t reach your vet, check the leg for scrapes and knicks. If the leg is free of abrasions, then it’s probably best to apply poultice to the area underneath a standing wrap. If you see that there is an abrasion that may have caused the swelling, then you can go ahead and sweat the leg with Furazone underneath cotton or plastic wrap and a standing wrap. My mom taught me that tip!

If you were a horse, what would you be and why?

Molly: A 2’6” low adult circuit champion. A 10 mover and jumper just thriving in a new career move. It’s the best life by far, with all the treats and pets!

 

Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography

 

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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