Barn Manager Support/Resources

[Wonders12]

In my job, I straddle the horse world and the professional world (in education). All of my co-workers have professional organizations that they are a part of. Even our equestrian organizations are attempting to provide more resources for riders and instructors, but still nothing for barn managers.

Is this fixable? Is there a need? Can it be filled?

I’m currently mentoring a new barn manager, and I love it. She has easy access to knowledge that took me a long time to learn. On the other hand, I’m having some challenges in my current position that I would love help with or at least a knowledgable sounding board for. Most of the time, barn managers are either learning on their own or being coached by trainers or owners who may not truly understand the job.

I know COTH is an incredible resource, but threads can often get clogged up with people who also don’t truly understand the job.

Thoughts?

[horses34]

I am not sure if something already exists but sounds like you are thinking of a type of professional membership based association. Am I correct? It would be very helpful I am sure

[541hunter]

Pro Equine Grooms obviously isn’t geared towards barn managers per se, but a lot of their resources might be helpful for BMs IMO.

[ladyj79]

I used to get a…magazine? That was specifically aimed at barn managers/owners in Maryland but I can’t for the life of me remember whether it was from the Maryland department of ag or??? It has like write in question and answer section, various articles, and I did read it when it came, but it wasn’t a particularly useful guide for me personally. Which I guess is kind of obvious since I don’t remember the name.

As off topic as coth might get on any particular topic, it probably is one of the best sounding boards available.

You could also try starting your own Facebook group on the subject. I just joined one for rider nutrition which I like, so I think there probably is a place for the type of group you envision. Although I expect it will be not unlike coth and attract people who aren’t necessarily barn managers or owners.

[dotneko]

To be blunt about it, the successful BOs are unwilling to give away their ‘trade secrets’. Why would I want my competitor to know where I get my sawdust or hay at a discount so that they can turn around and undercut my prices?
I guess my point is the market is small and not really into sharing.
Happy to help someone with some problems - footing, fencing, medical etc.
other problems are OK for other barns to have, that is what drives business to me.

[Amwrider]

Stable Management magazine.

They used to do a paper copy
but now it is online.

[ladyj79]

[QUOTE=Amwrider;9041497]
Stable Management magazine.

They used to do a paper copy
but now it is online.[/QUOTE]

I am sure that was it

Regarding not giving away trade secrets, this is not untrue, but for me it’s the same reason i dont recommend trainers/breeders/farriers to people I don’t know, because invariably the people asking for help or advice end up doing something crazy. And then I’m no longer living in the state and getting calls from my shavings guy that so and so isn’t paying their bills or answering the phone.

So it’s probably harder to get help at the beginning because you are an unknown quantity and then by the time you have trialed by fire your way through a few years and built a system and contacts, you also don’t want to pass on a ton of information to strangers.