What To Know Before Taking a Job as a Working Student
July 14, 2023| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

Working student positions can be wonderful opportunities for young riders to get a taste of the equestrian industry. This type of job can often differ in expectations, duties, and benefits so it is necessary to understand all of the details before agreeing to the position. Continue reading for a few crucial points to understand and discuss before taking on a position as a working student.

Type of Barn

It is important to think about the type of barn you would like to work for when you start the working student job search. Farms of all levels and disciplines often offer working student opportunities. While some people may want to work for a top hunter barn that travels to shows every week, others may prefer working at a facility with a busy lesson program or pony camp. If you are unsure about what type of farm you would like to work for it may be best to talk to several to get a feel for what seems most beneficial for you.

Responsibilities and Training Opportunities

Similar to any job, it is necessary to be clear on what your job duties will be before accepting a position. Since some working student jobs require prior experience and others do not, be sure you can handle all of the tasks your employer expects you to complete.

Although working student positions often include training, you need to be honest about your level of experience. If you are talking to a trainer about a working student position and the tasks seem beyond your abilities, make sure you are upfront about what you are capable of doing. Do not agree to do jobs that you are not able to successfully complete. Employers are often open to teaching working students, but it is important to have the discussion ahead of time.

Riding Opportunities

Some working student jobs offer riding opportunities while others do not. Be sure you are clear about whether or not riding will be part of the job, especially if this is important to you.

Payment

Working student jobs are not always paid positions, and it is important to know that upfront. This is often dependent on the employer, level of experience, type of position, and length of time. Another important topic to discuss is housing if it is something you would need. The employer may provide housing if it is a longer-term situation such as a job during an entire winter circuit. Some barns may offer a small stipend and more riding opportunities as payment. This is an important factor to know ahead of time so you can plan accordingly.

Travel

If you take a job at a show barn it is necessary to ask about their travel schedule and if you will be expected to go. This is especially important to ask about if you are still in school or have other responsibilities. Make sure you will have housing and travel expenses covered if you are expected to attend horse shows.

Working student positions can give young riders a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a barn. Make sure the farm is the right fit for you so that you can get as much out of the experience as possible.

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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Heat Stress: Know the Signs and How To Help
July 6, 2023| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

By Glenye Oakford

BarnManager is the Official Barn Management Software of US Equestrian.

Summer’s sultry weather can be more than uncomfortable for your horse or pony; it can be dangerous. It’s important to know the symptoms of heat stress and how to respond to them.

Horses that don’t sweat enough or who are engaged in a lot of physical exertion — like three-day eventers, polo ponies, or horses in sports that involve a fair amount of galloping — are most obviously at risk of overheating in hot, humid conditions, says Dr. Laura Werner, a surgeon at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, KY. Werner specializes in equine emergency services and also has worked as a Fédération Equestre Internationale Veterinary Delegate at three-day eventing competitions in the United States.

But your horse or pony doesn’t have to be an Olympic-level competitor to be at risk in summer conditions, Werner notes.

“Horses can get overheated if both heat and humidity are high, and with the physical exertion that we ask them to do, that can happen pretty easily, just as it does with people,” said Werner. “Certainly, if the heat is in the high 80s and the humidity is about the same, it’s pretty easy for horses to get overheated quickly.”

Things To Consider

One thing to consider is whether the animal is accustomed to the particular climate.

“Some horses are more acclimated to warmer temperatures or higher humidity than others,” explained Werner. “Horses that are imported from Europe, for example, might not be used to heat and high humidity straight away. Just like with a person, it might take them a little bit to acclimate.”

Continue reading on US Equestrian.

Did you know? Users can keep track of horses’ vital signs with BarnManager’s list feature.

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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BarnManager Horse Health Series: Your Equine Chiropractic Questions Answered
June 29, 2023| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

Most horse owners say they take better care of their equine partners than themselves. While many maintenance treatments and products could be considered a luxury, veterinary chiropractic adjustments do not fall into that category. Palm Beach Equine Clinic’s Dr. Ryan Lukens is a certified Veterinary Medical Manipulation Practitioner from the Chi Institute in Ocala, FL, and recommends all horses can benefit from regular chiropractic adjustments.

From minis to draft horses and pasture pets to top sport mounts, the parasympathetic stimulation triggered by chiropractic adjustments improves multiple facets of health for any equine. Therefore, veterinary chiropractic adjustments improve more than just athletic performance, and for sport horses, Dr. Lukens considers them a necessity.

According to Dr. Lukens, the benefits of veterinary chiropractic adjustments include:

  • Relief of pain and soreness
  • Increase in range of motion
  • Reversal of muscle atrophy through increased frequency of nerve activation
  • Increase in speed and accuracy of athletic movement
  • Adjustments can help calm the “fight or flight” response

Dr. Lukens outlines the “must know” details for any sport horse owner:

  1. Major Adjustment Points

There are 205 bones that comprise the skeleton of a horse, however, the equine chiropractor does not just adjust the skeleton. It is important to improve motion at segmented levels that involve bones and the supporting soft tissue structures and nerves. “Motion palpation” is used to test moving segments. If a segment is not moving freely in the appropriate directional planes, the equine chiropractor can perform an adjustment to correct the restriction of this movement.

Photo courtesy of Palm Beach Equine Clinic

Major adjustment points include the:

  • Mandible and tongue
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
  • Poll and cervical vertebrae
  • Withers and sternum
  • Front and hind limbs
  • Thoracic and lumbar vertebrae
  • Pelvis/sacrum

  1. Every Horse Is Different

Veterinary chiropractic adjustments can be different for each horse and are often based on their discipline. The most common adjustments for various performance horses include:

Dressage: Balance is essential for dressage. The major points of balance affected by veterinary chiropractic work are the TMJ, hyoid, sternum, and cervical facets. Other common adjustments affected by lateral work include the shoulders, elbows, and pelvis.

Hunter/Jumper: Hunters and jumpers typically benefit from vertebral adjustments of the lumbar and upper cervical regions, ribs, sternum, front distal limbs, and the shoulders.

Eventing: Most eventing horses benefit from adjustments to the pelvis, all cervical vertebrae, TMJ, ribs, and the shoulders.

Western Disciplines: Reiners benefit from adjustments to their right shoulder, lower cervical facets, withers, and pelvis. Barrel racers benefit from shoulder, sacroiliac, and hip joint adjustments.

  1. Tips for Before and After an Adjustment

It is important that dental and farrier work is not overdue before veterinary chiropractic adjustments. Sharp dental points can cause adjustments to hold for shorter periods of time, especially in the poll, TMJ, and cervical vertebrae. In addition, if a horse is currently not shod well or has recently pulled a shoe, the adjustments of their limbs, back, pelvis, and sacrum may not provide long-lasting benefits.

Horses can be ridden and have a normal day before an appointment. They should not be ridden for the remainder of the day after an adjustment, but they can be turned out to pasture. Horses can be ridden as normal the following day, and it is a good idea to follow up with the veterinarian about how they felt.

  1. Solving Common Issues

Several common issues are often solved by a veterinary chiropractic adjustment. For jumpers, changes in jumping style (i.e. landing away from a front limb, only jumping off of a certain lead) and performance (hitting more rails than normal) could indicate a lack of range of motion that can often be corrected through a proper adjustment or series of adjustments.

For dressage horses, a change in balance could result in head tilting, not working through the back, lifting the lower cervical curve, or the hind limbs not following the path of the front limbs. That balance can often be reestablished with an adjustment.

In the western disciplines, a decrease in acceleration and turning can be indicative of the need for adjustments.

  1. Choosing Your Equine Chiropractor

A veterinarian trained in chiropractic adjustments is the safest choice for the horse. A veterinarian’s extensive knowledge of anatomy and understanding of when not to adjust a horse is an important part of ensuring the horse’s safety and well-being. If done improperly, adjustments can have adverse effects.

For a more in-depth explanation of equine chiropractic adjustments, click HERE to read the full article from Palm Beach Equine Clinic.

NOTE: These guidelines are only suggestions, and you should always follow the specific instructions from your veterinarian.  

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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BarnManager Q&A With: Katherine Esterline
June 23, 2023| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

BarnManager Q&A With: Katherine Esterline

Katherine Esterline, groom for Anna Marek of Marek Dressage based out of Ocala, FL

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

I always have sugar cubes. Anna’s trainer Anne Gribbons likes to give a lot of rewards during her lessons. I make sure to keep a good supply in my bag for training times and warm-up at competitions. The second item is a wet rag. Lots of sugar leads to a lot of foam and a mess! I use a wet rag to wipe the horse clean of foam and sand before they go in the show ring. It’s also very handy when the reins get slippery and covered in sweat. The third thing I keep in my bag is an instant ice pack. In Wellington, FL, it can get very hot during competitions. The ice pack helps me stay cool while standing by the warm-up arena, and it keeps my rider’s water bottle cold. 

What’s something you learned early in your career that has stuck with you?

I learned early on that a good curry comb is your best friend.

Photo courtesy of Katherine Esterline

Who inspires you the most in the industry and why?

My mom helped me find a passion for horses at a young age. She trained and managed a boarding farm in Michigan. She was the one who gave me my first lessons. She now manages the care of Anna’s training horses at Crownview Dressage. She works extremely hard. I never see her take a day off. 

What is your best tip for staying organized during a busy show day?

I make a plan using the notes app on my phone the night before with the times my rider will mount and show. Anna tends to show two to three times a day plus additional schooling sessions. Having everything written down is essential. Setting timers for lunch and other special tasks is also very helpful.

What is one horse show you have never been to but would love to attend?

I really want to go to Aachen. I’d love to go even just as a spectator … one day! 

Mares, geldings, or stallions? Why?

I love geldings, but earning the friendship of a mare is truly the best. 

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

The new foals on the farm look like they’re having the most fun playing around in the field. I’d love to be them!

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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How To Revamp Your Tack Room With BarnManager
June 9, 2023| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

Tack rooms are important areas of every barn for several reasons. They are not only where equipment is stored, but are often places where clients and employees spend time. Since people tend to congregate in areas like tack rooms, why not make them organized and comfortable spots to hang out? Continue reading for a few fun ways to restyle your tack room from BarnManager.

Purge Unused Items

The first step in any redecorating, remodeling, or organizing project is to clear out unused items. Even if you recently got rid of old equipment and supplies, chances are good that more things have started to pile up. Once you have thrown out all the unneeded things, focus on organizing and storing the equipment that needs to stay. Doing this task regularly in every area that accumulates clutter over time will go a long way toward keeping your barn looking tidy and welcoming.

Pick a Style

Once you have gotten rid of all the unnecessary items in your tack room, start thinking about a style or theme to follow during the makeover. Although this sounds complicated, it can be something as simple as picking a predominant color or two. Choosing a theme will give you a vision and help with decision-making during the revamping process.

Repaint Wooden Furniture

Repainting or staining wooden trunks, saddle racks, tables, or desks is an easy way to give your tack room a fresh, updated look. Buying new furniture may not be an option so retouching those wooden pieces is a more affordable way to go. Recruit some barnmates to help since painting projects can be time-consuming.

Look for Used Items

Adding a table, chairs, or cabinet to your tack room can make the area more comfortable and functional. If you are thinking about adding new furniture or replacing something, consider going to a tag sale or looking for used pieces online. Even if the items need a fresh coat of paint, they are still less expensive than buying new. Double-check measurements to avoid accidentally buying something that does not fit in the space.

Decorate

Once all the furniture is organized you can start decorating the room. Consider adding an area rug or carpet to make the space more welcoming. Make sure the carpet is easy to clean. Pick a darker color that will hide dirt or footing. Another way to decorate your tack room is to hang up ribbons. Depending on the size of the space and what you have hanging on the walls already, the ribbons could be displayed around the whole room or just in one area. Photos can also help decorate the walls. Print out your favorite shots from horse shows or around the barn and invest in nice frames. Lastly, consider purchasing a vase and flowers, real or fake, to brighten the room.

You do not have to be an interior designer to do a tack room makeover. If you make a plan ahead of time and find a few friends to help, it does not need to be overwhelming. Remember to keep it simple, have fun, and soon enough everyone will enjoy the benefit of a comfortable place to hang out in the barn!

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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BarnManager Q&A With: Kerri Short
May 18, 2023| | in category BarnManager Q&A, Uncategorized No comments yet

BarnManager Q&A With: Kerri Short

Kerri Short, manager and groom for Anna Marek of Marek Dressage based out of Ocala, FL, and Dunnellon, FL

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

The first thing I always make sure I have in my ring bag is a towel for wiping off boots, horse slobber, or anything else. I also keep silver spray just in case there are any last-minute nicks or scrapes. The third thing is sugar cubes for the good ponies! There are a lot of other things that are always in my ring bag but those are my top three.

What’s something you learned early in your career that has stuck with you?

Early in my career I learned that happy, healthy, shiny horses are due to good feed, grooming, and management.

Who inspires you the most in the industry and why?

Photo courtesy of Kerri Short

I would say there is no one person in particular who inspires me. Anyone who has made the horse industry, grooming in particular, their livelihood is inspirational. It can be a tough life, so I admire a lot of professionals and grooms that continue to always do a nice job and care for their horses. The love the equine industry “lifers” have for the horses is pretty awesome.

What is your best tip for staying organized during a busy show day?

A white board! It is so important to write down all the times, schedules, and other important information about what needs to happen during the day. A white board is perfect for this because you can write down a lot of notes and easily make any changes.

What is one horse show you have never been to but would love to attend?

When I was an event groom, I always wanted to go to Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials. In the dressage world, any of the team shows, like the Olympics, Pan American Games, or World Championships, are high on my list.

Mares, geldings, or stallions? Why?

I think a good horse is a good horse!

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

I would probably a short Cob horse. I would definitely hate flies and want all the fly gear!

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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Ways To Maintain Your Horse’s Fitness Outside of the Arena
May 12, 2023| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

Although riding your horse in the arena is a great way to maintain fitness and practice for the show ring it can become redundant. Some horses become ring sour from constantly doing the same work in one location day in and day out. Continue reading for BarnManager’s favorite activities for keeping horses fit outside of the arena.

Hill Work

If you live in an area with hills, taking your horse up and down the inclines is a great way to not only maintain but also improve your horse’s fitness. Depending on the how steep the hills are, you can walk, trot, or even canter your horse in both directions. Hill work can be tough for horses, like it is for humans, so make sure to start slowly. Remember to pay attention to the ground itself, which could be slippery after rain, especially on grass. Adding hill work to your routine a couple times a week will give your horse a mental break from the arena while also exercising different muscles to stay fit.

Trail Riding

Trail riding is a wonderful change of scenery for horses and riders that need a break from the ring. It is also a fun activity to do with your friends. Trail rides can include navigating inclines, stepping over logs, and walking across streams, all of which are great experiences for your horse. Even if you stay at a walk riding out on trails can help maintain your horse’s fitness and improve their stamina, while also giving them the mental exercise of exploring new environments.

Field Work

If your farm has a field that gets checked for holes and rocks making it safe to ride in, exercising your horse out in the open space can be a great way to vary their work routine. Even if you do exercises that are similar to those you would do in the arena, they are more challenging because you are in a new setting and on a different type of footing. After you and your horse gain confidence, galloping in an open field is a truly memorable experience.

Treadmill

Although not all farms have a treadmill, they are a great way to keep your horse fit without riding. They are also a useful tool when turnout is not an option due to inclement weather conditions. Treadmills allow you to control both the speed and incline for your horse, so they are an easy way to add light hill work into their routine. Some barns even have water treadmills, which provide the added benefit of low-impact and high-resistance training.

Walker

Similar to a treadmill, walkers are a good way to maintain your horse’s fitness in between riding sessions. Although they do not have an incline option, you can adjust the speed in order to fine tune your horse’s workout. Like a treadmill, using a walker is another safe way to get your horse out of its stall when turnout is not an option.

Like all athletes, sport horses need to be fit and ready to compete, both physically and mentally. Although it is still important to ride and practice in an arena, consider mixing up your horse’s exercise routine with different ways to keep them in top condition.

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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What To Know Before Taking a Job as a Barn Manager or Groom
May 4, 2023| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

Job hunting in the equestrian industry can be hard. Positions with the same title can have vastly different expectations, responsibilities, and benefits. Before accepting a position as a groom or barn manager make sure you understand the details about what you will be asked to do. Keep reading for BarnManager’s key questions to ask during a job interview. 

Job Responsibilities

The biggest question to ask when considering a job or during the interview is finding out what your responsibilities will be. For example, get clear on whether the role is specifically grooming, barn managing, or doing a combination of several things. Find out ahead of time if office work will be involved, such as ordering hay, making hotel reservations, or submitting entries so you understand more about what your days and weeks on the job will involve. The more questions you ask about the employer’s expectations for the role and what it takes to be successful in it, the more you will know whether or not it is a good fit for you.

Size and Business Model

Another factor to think about when considering a job is the number of employees and horses at the facility on average. Also ask how many people do certain jobs, including the role you are interested in performing. This information will help you understand how much teamwork or sharing of responsibilities is expected and how busy everyone is throughout a typical day. Find out about the barn’s business model as well. Sales operations run very differently than boarding faciltiies, and competition-focused or discipline-specific stables have different expectations than pleasure, trail, or big lesson barns.

Riding Opportunities

Photo by Jump Media

While some people want riding opportunities as part of their employment, others do not. Either way, it is a good idea to ask if it will be required or if it is an option. Some farms offer occasional flatting opportunities to staff members while others expect staff to ride several horses a day. Get clear on this important topic during the interview so everyone involved is on the same page ahead of time.

Show or Travel Schedule

If you are applying for a position at a show barn, make sure you know the annual competition schedule. Even if the job calls for you to stay home, understanding how often the barn’s horses, customer, and staff are on the road is crucial. Additionally, whether the position is based at home or goes to shows, it’s also useful to have an idea about how many staff members and horses stay or go during the various show seasons and for how long. For example, you may not want to accept a position where you would be left at home in charge of caring for half of the the barn’s horses if most of the other employees are away at the shows.

Days Off

This question is extremely important to ask for any job in the equestrian industry. Days off are not always guaranteed every week, especially at show barns, so having an understanding of what is expected ahead of time is essential to being happy with the position if you decide to accept an offer.

Staff Turnover

Although this one can be tricky to ask directly, do your best to learn about the workplace culture at the barn. Ask about longtime staff members and try to get an idea about how long other employees have been working there, including those who have held the position they are looking to fill. A job or an organization with high turnover could mean that workloads are unreasonable or employees are not treated well.

Job hunting is challenging so make sure to gather as much information as you can about a role you are interested in to help make an educated decision about whether or not it is a good fit for you.

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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BarnManager Horse Health Series: Understanding Equine Ulcers
April 20, 2023| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

Equine ulcers are a common concern for horse owners. In order to effectively treat and prevent equine ulcers, it is important for owners, managers, riders, and grooms to understand the types, symptoms, and causes. Keep reading to find out more about equine ulcers courtesy of Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, FL.

What are equine ulcers?

Equine ulcers are sores that form on the stomach lining of a horse. They can be broken down into three categories: gastric ulcer disease of the squamous mucosa, gastric ulceration of the glandular mucosa, and colon ulcers of the right dorsal colon.

Equine gastric ulcer disease of the squamous mucosa refers to ulcers found on the stomach’s inner lining and are mainly caused by exposure to stomach acid. This type of ulcer is often seen in performance horses due to exercise and abdominal pressure.

Gastric ulceration of the glandular mucosa is often found on the stomach lining around the pyloric region closer to the intestines. Ulcers found here are typically caused by stress.

Similarly, the last type of equine ulcer, which is found in the colon, is also mainly due to stress.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of equine ulcers often do not present the same way in every horse. The signs can also range from mild to severe. A few major symptoms to look for are poor appetite, attitude changes, decreased performance, poor body condition, and weight loss.

How do veterinarians diagnose equine ulcers?

Photo courtesy of Palm Beach Equine Clinic

There are a variety of diagnostic tools that veterinarians use for equine ulcers. One option is a Succeed test which is a fecal test that helps indicate the presence of ulcers. Another option is to perform a gastroscopy to see the stomach where both forms of gastric ulcers are found. Ultrasound is the primary diagnostic tool to look for thickening of the right dorsal colon wall indicating ulceration in the colon. Basic bloodwork to determine total albumin, a protein made by the liver, also helps indicate more severe cases of colon ulcers.

How are equine ulcers treated?

Since each type of equine ulcer has a different underlying cause, the treatment is different. Omeprazole paste is a common treatment option for equine ulcers. Veterinarians may use this in conjunction with other medications depending on the type of ulcer. For horses that have ulcers of the squamous mucosa it is common to add a dose of sucralfate before meals to the horse’s treatment plan. If the horse has ulcers in the glandular and pyloric region of the stomach, misoprostol and prostaglandin analog is used. For ulcers of the right dorsal colon, sucralfate is used as a coating agent while misoprostol is used as a treatment.

How can they be prevented?

In addition to medication, lifestyle changes can also help horses recover from equine ulcers and prevent them from reoccurring. Providing a more stress-free environment or allowing the horse to have downtime after competition can help. Also, turnout and giving your horse grazing time are extremely important for horses that are prone to ulcers.

Ulcers are a common problem in performance horses due to stress and constant exercise. Understanding the basics of ulcers will make it easier for you to quickly identify them and help prevent them for a happier, healthier horse. For a more in-depth explanation of equine ulcers, click HERE to read the full article from Palm Beach Equine Clinic.

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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