Need advice struggling with new part time stable job

[sharkbaithoohah]

Hello if this is in the wrong section please let me know where to move it.

I just started a job a few weeks ago working Sunday mornings as a stable hand. There are three of us in charge of blanketing, booting, turning out, preparing grain, feeding hay, watering, sweeping and mucking 24 horse stalls and 12 paddocks. My training consisted of one day of shadowing before I was left on my own. Now I just feel so overwhelmed by the job.

My main issues are I am extremely slow. I am extremely unfamiliar in blanketing/boots so it takes me soo long to accomplish these tasks. I also have never had to care for so many horses so am not efficient at mucking stalls yet. Depending on how messy the stall is it can take me over 25 minutes to just do one. I also feel so lost in what exactly I am supposed to do. I spend at lot of time trying to find someone to ask a question about a task.
Also I struggling with communicating with the horses which doesn’t help. It has been over 5 years since I have been around them and I just don’t remember all the do’s and dont’s. Almost all of the horses are boarded and I don’t know what cues the horses know and what is allowed. For example I was trying to adjust a blanket on one horse but he kept pinning his ears and swinging his head toward me (this was in the pasture). I did take a horsemanship lesson before the job as a refresher but I didn’t like the gals techniques so have not continued with the lessons.

Growing up we had three horses that I helped care for but that was over 10 years ago. Most of the time we had them in pastures so we didn’t do a lot of the daily tasks that I am in charge of now. I am starting to think I am over my head with this job. I mainly got it so I could be around horses but I am realizing now that I am around manure more then anything.

[SnortyPants]

I made an account as a lurker because this resonated with me as someone who has worked as a stablehand. For me, I was 15, boundless energy, trading my labor for board and lessons. Good deal, right? However, if I was coming into working as an adult with little experience in barn management, I’d find any other way to work with horses than trade Sunday mornings for manual labor.

This work is rarely worth the money unless you’re trading for board/training and are very quick and experienced, Mucking stalls is a developed skill, every barn is different in terms of tools and bedding types and stall flooring etc. There’s absolutely no way you can get through that many stalls at 25 mins each, you’ll probably get better with practice but it sounds like you’re being pressured to perform to unreasonable levels. Same thing with blankets and booting, it takes many years to get to the point where you’ve seen a wide enough spectrum that it’s secobd nature to swap straps and buckles around. And you are working with many unknown horses, it just sounds dangerous and unpleasant to me.

And feeding that many?! Mixing up feed contents and amounts can literally have deadly consequences for a horse.

I board and I know I wouldn’t want my horses handled by someone new who is also rushed and unsure. You’re not being trained properly and this is a disservice to everyone.

If if I was in your position I’d ask around if there were a couple sweet horses I could groom and love on for free. A couple weeks of making friends and maybe you can work up to an owner who would let you lunge and maybe ride if that’s your final goal. Many rescues will let you come in and just groom and hang with the horses.

If you don’t absolutely need the piddling sum I’m sure you’re being paid (I’d rather pick up a couple shifts waiting tables) there are better ways to get your horse fix!

[alibi_18]

You need to talk with the barn manager.

Maybe you could separate the work between you 3 and concentrate on less tasks but do them correctly at first.

Maybe you could separate the horses and take care of fewer yourself.

In this type of job, there is no real time for the « natural horsemanship whisperer », you need to know what you are doing. 1 day or 2 of shadowing should have suffice.

• Cleaning 1 stall should take (usually) max 15minutes (unless really dirty and then, you just remove everything)

Maybe this job is, indeed, too much for you at this point in your learning.

Also, the pay goes with the expectation. Is your wage reflect your skills or their expectations?

I know I was able to ask for much higher wages, but it came with the skills.

Good luck.

[Scribbler]

Yes this sounds like OP is in over her head and doesn’t have a foundation to grow from.

Some barns are set up conveniently and others multiply your work by the layout.

IMHO it is not safe for a novice to be changing the blanket of a strange horse at liberty. I would do it on my own horse but not on a strange horse

My guess is OP doesn’t have the knowledge base to know when she is putting herself at risk or being asked to do so. I can see a nasty wreck taking place soon enough.

I would suggest quitting. Barn work pay is poor to begin with and if you can’t be both fast and safe it’s a very bad deal.

That said I cannot imagine how it takes 25 minutes to clean one stall!

And yes to the observation you are around manure more than horses.

If you want to be around horses find a better paying part time job and pay for a riding lesson.

[Magicboy]

I don’t think I would ever try to put a blanket on or off the horse liberty, especially horse I did not know. That is an accident waiting to happen
I’m sorry this job is arranged in this way, but it doesn’t sound like a very good match for you at this point

[furlong47]

Is it possible for the three of you to divide the tasks in a way that allows you to learn and not take as long by taking on mainly the less skilled tasks (like sweeping, feeding hay, and watering) and then doing a few stalls/boots/blankets? Over time you would then move toward a more even division of tasks as you learn. Obviously this depends on what your boss allows and what the other workers would agree to do.

One day of shadowing would be enough for an experienced horseperson to do this job, but not someone who is unfamiliar with many of the tasks.

Otherwise, if I were you I’d consider getting some other part time job (retail, food, whatever) and using that money to take lessons or trail rides. Once you’re in at a barn for a little while and they know you a bit, ask if the instructor can help you learn to do these other horsemanship tasks.

Also, you may want to look for volunteer opportunities (horse rescues, therapeutic riding, etc) that would allow you to work around horses and learn skills without the same type of pressure as a job.

[sharkbaithoohah]

@SnortyPants

I made an account as a lurker because this resonated with me as someone who has worked as a stablehand. For me, I was 15, boundless energy, trading my labor for board and lessons. Good deal, right? However, if I was coming into working as an adult with little experience in barn management, I’d find any other way to work with horses than trade Sunday mornings for manual labor.

This work is rarely worth the money unless you’re trading for board/training and are very quick and experienced, Mucking stalls is a developed skill, every barn is different in terms of tools and bedding types and stall flooring etc. There’s absolutely no way you can get through that many stalls at 25 mins each, you’ll probably get better with practice but it sounds like you’re being pressured to perform to unreasonable levels. Same thing with blankets and booting, it takes many years to get to the point where you’ve seen a wide enough spectrum that it’s secobd nature to swap straps and buckles around. And you are working with many unknown horses, it just sounds dangerous and unpleasant to me.

And feeding that many?! Mixing up feed contents and amounts can literally have deadly consequences for a horse.

I board and I know I wouldn’t want my horses handled by someone new who is also rushed and unsure. You’re not being trained properly and this is a disservice to everyone.

If if I was in your position I’d ask around if there were a couple sweet horses I could groom and love on for free. A couple weeks of making friends and maybe you can work up to an owner who would let you lunge and maybe ride if that’s your final goal. Many rescues will let you come in and just groom and hang with the horses.

If you don’t absolutely need the piddling sum I’m sure you’re being paid (I’d rather pick up a couple shifts waiting tables) there are better ways to get your horse fix!

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond! You nailed it right on the head, I really was just wanting time with horses. I already have a full time job in research, I saw this job as an opportunity to be around them again. I did not realize how intensive it would be. Just to note the owner of the stables does verify the grain we prepared before feeding but I understand how disastrous it could be for the horse with improper food. I actually have a coworker whose horses are an hour away but offered to let me spend time with them. I have always enjoyed volunteering with animals so I will look into that as well. Thank you again for your response, it is nice to feel understood!

[sharkbaithoohah]

@alibi_18

You need to talk with the barn manager.

Maybe you could separate the work between you 3 and concentrate on less tasks but do them correctly at first.

Maybe you could separate the horses and take care of fewer yourself.

In this type of job, there is no real time for the « natural horsemanship whisperer », you need to know what you are doing. 1 day or 2 of shadowing should have suffice.

• Cleaning 1 stall should take (usually) max 15minutes (unless really dirty and then, you just remove everything)

Maybe this job is, indeed, too much for you at this point in your learning.

Also, the pay goes with the expectation. Is your wage reflect your skills or their expectations?

I know I was able to ask for much higher wages, but it came with the skills.

Good luck.

That is the thing, I get 11$/hr and I feel terrible because I don’t feel like I help that much. I would prefer getting paid for the 4 hours I am assigned to work and then just stay later to finish my tasks without needing to rush. I think that is a good idea. I could always start mucking stalls and let the more experienced workers handle blanketing, boots etc. Thanks for the idea.

[sharkbaithoohah]

@Magicboy

I don’t think I would ever try to put a blanket on or off the horse liberty, especially horse I did not know. That is an accident waiting to happen
I’m sorry this job is arranged in this way, but it doesn’t sound like a very good match for you at this point

See I was wondering, I will admit half the time I wonder how nothing bad happened because the horses are almost always not happy about the process. I have watched youtube videos trying to learn more

[sharkbaithoohah]

@Scribbler

Yes this sounds like OP is in over her head and doesn’t have a foundation to grow from.

Some barns are set up conveniently and others multiply your work by the layout.

IMHO it is not safe for a novice to be changing the blanket of a strange horse at liberty. I would do it on my own horse but not on a strange horse

My guess is OP doesn’t have the knowledge base to know when she is putting herself at risk or being asked to do so. I can see a nasty wreck taking place soon enough.

I would suggest quitting. Barn work pay is poor to begin with and if you can’t be both fast and safe it’s a very bad deal.

That said I cannot imagine how it takes 25 minutes to clean one stall!

And yes to the observation you are around manure more than horses.

If you want to be around horses find a better paying part time job and pay for a riding lesson.

Thank you for the feedback. I think you are right, I wasn’t wanting to quit but besides knowing to stay close to a horse and make sure it knows you are there I really don’t remember as much as I used too. And I don’t want to put myself or a horse at risk for an accident or screw up any training they have. I thought horses could be like hopping back on a bike, but I am finding that not to be the case. As for the stall that is for the super messy ones that include a run and all the manure is mixed throughout the shavings but still I know I am slow lol. Thank you for the perspective though, I thought this was a normal situation.

[sharkbaithoohah]

@furlong47

Is it possible for the three of you to divide the tasks in a way that allows you to learn and not take as long by taking on mainly the less skilled tasks (like sweeping, feeding hay, and watering) and then doing a few stalls/boots/blankets? Over time you would then move toward a more even division of tasks as you learn. Obviously this depends on what your boss allows and what the other workers would agree to do.

One day of shadowing would be enough for an experienced horseperson to do this job, but not someone who is unfamiliar with many of the tasks.

Otherwise, if I were you I’d consider getting some other part time job (retail, food, whatever) and using that money to take lessons or trail rides. Once you’re in at a barn for a little while and they know you a bit, ask if the instructor can help you learn to do these other horsemanship tasks.

Also, you may want to look for volunteer opportunities (horse rescues, therapeutic riding, etc) that would allow you to work around horses and learn skills without the same type of pressure as a job.

While I am still working here I will ask if this is a possibility. That is a good idea though, I would rather do a task well and right then half job that is just rushed so it is completed. I realized working here that I am envious of not getting to enjoy horses and just clean up after them. I didn’t think you could ask a riding instructor other things like that, great idea! You are correct the job pressure was not the environment I was looking for. If it was only four horse I could gladly handle it, but so many with so many different needs is not what I was prepared for.

[eclipse]

Talk to the barn manager…, 24 horses between 3 people is not a lot (if I’m reading that right) but you are inexperienced! Did they know this when they hired you? For somebody that doesn’t know how to effectively muck a stall, handle horses, prepare feed etc one day of job shadowing is not enough. When we hire someone we train them and we never work alone…ever! We also don’t blanket horses that are outside (although to be fare we don’t do outside board). We have a daily routine that is the same (except if something happens) basically:

person A starts at 6am… feeds breakfast and blankets until 7am
person A then takes 1/2 hr breakfast break until other 2 arrive at 7.30
7.30 … 2 of us turnout horses and the 3rd person brings in the muck wagon and clean shavings wagon and starts the mucking (we luckily just drive through the barn and muck into the spreader)
we muck until barn is finished (around 10,30 (about 35 stalls]] and then take a 20 min break and 3rd person is done for the day
the other 2 of us do the rest of the morning chores (bring in hay for dinner, fill hay nets, fill shavings wagon, anything else) until 12.30 and then we are on lunch until 2pm
at 2pm we start bring horses inside…takes about 1 hour
3pm feed afternoon hay and sweep barn
4pm Person that started at 6 goes home and person that started at 7.30 feeds afternoon grain etc and leaves at 5

issues crop up occasionally and overtime can happen but generally it’s a well oiled machine! Yes it’s hard work but with correct training it’s not rocket science and we never expect someone to work alone… it’s just too dangerous!Remember working with horses isn’t about petting and enjoying them LOL You quickly learn they are big destructive and annoying hahahahahaha

[bitranchy]

Can you afford the time and travel cost to meet your coworker where her horses are one or two days a month? For example, maybe every second Sunday you two could meet at the barn and chat while brushing. Perhaps this could lead into a lease type of situation if she’s got a suitable horse for you to ride. Or maybe there will be one at the barn where she is that you could catch lessons on.

If you’re looking to generate some extra income for a riding lesson fund, find something you’re more comfortable doing. There are often retail stores, cafes, or offices looking for a part time hire to come in on a weekend day. I do agree it sounds like you are overwhelmed at this job and potentially putting yourself in a dangerous position. Have an open chat with the BO about your concerns. They may have a solution for you as far as changing what your responsibilities are, or maybe they’ll find someone else for the gig but will offer you some type of option to come by and still get your horse fix.

[SnortyPants]

@sharkbaithoohah

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond! You nailed it right on the head, I really was just wanting time with horses. I already have a full time job in research, I saw this job as an opportunity to be around them again. I did not realize how intensive it would be. Just to note the owner of the stables does verify the grain we prepared before feeding but I understand how disastrous it could be for the horse with improper food. I actually have a coworker whose horses are an hour away but offered to let me spend time with them. I have always enjoyed volunteering with animals so I will look into that as well. Thank you again for your response, it is nice to feel understood!

Yes you sound smart and if fulltime horse management is not your goal I don’t see any downside to cutting your losses. It’s not like the work becomes more fulfilling over time, esp with winter coming up brrrr!

Well I wish you were at my barn…I’d love to have someone come groom and hang with the mud balls on the days I can’t get there! Keep poking around, you can also post in the looking for horse thread that’s pinned here and see if there’s anything in your area. Most barns have perfectly great horses with people who don’t have enough hours for them than vice versa. Good luck

[Magicboy]

Just don’t get yourself hurt…

[BigMama1]

@sharkbaithoohah

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond! You nailed it right on the head, I really was just wanting time with horses. I already have a full time job in research, I saw this job as an opportunity to be around them again. I did not realize how intensive it would be. Just to note the owner of the stables does verify the grain we prepared before feeding but I understand how disastrous it could be for the horse with improper food. I actually have a coworker whose horses are an hour away but offered to let me spend time with them. I have always enjoyed volunteering with animals so I will look into that as well. Thank you again for your response, it is nice to feel understood!

I see this happen a lot, both with people who come to work part time or who apply for a working student position. So many have only taken weekly lessons or gone on trail rides and maybe volunteered a few hours here and there. They think they are experienced with horses and claim to be when interviewing r applying for jobs, but have NO IDEA how physically demanding caring for horses actually is, how strong, efficient, independent and creative you must be to do it well. Worst of all most of them don’t know what they don’t know; they aren’t aware they aren’t qualified and don’t realize when they are in a dangerous situation.

Kudos to the OP for recognizing she is in over her head. If this kind of work is something you wish to continue, then talk to the BO and let them know you need more supervision and training, and a longer orientation period. If you just want to be around horses, look instead for a volunteer position with a rescue or therapeutic riding centre. But again, make sure they also will provide you with appropriate supervision and training.

[Larksong]

What a sweet person you are OP! I’m laughing a bit as I’ve just built a 12 stall barn and am surprised at how much harder it is to care for my horses now that they aren’t pastured 24/7. Free-range was sooooo much easier! On the other hand, all the beasts seem happier with straw beds and the freedom to come and go as they please in their attached paddocks. The taking them down to pasture and then back up again gives me time to check everyone over, give scritches and treats, and generally be a little more connected. The stall cleaning curve was vertical but small—that part I suspect you might grasp quickly. My first attempt to clean five stalls filled with shavings took four hours! OCD much?! ;-). (Last night we switched some to straw and there will be no going back—SO much easier!)
So my answer is move near me and join the Horse-Ladies Club—all we do is play with horses all day. I won’t make you do blankets, promise!

[furlong47]

@sharkbaithoohah

I didn’t think you could ask a riding instructor other things like that, great idea!

Most instructors/trainers want their students to have good horsemanship and build their horse care skills, not just be good riders. In many cases students are preparing to eventually lease and/or buy their own horse, so they need to learn these things too. If you do decide to go the lesson route, check out your potential barns and pay attention to how the program there is operated. Look for places where students are grooming and tacking their own horses and doing other sorts of hands on activities aside from just riding. (There are some barns that focus on showing and have grooms who do many of the tasks like grooming, tacking up, cooling down horses, etc, and while those can also be fine places to learn to ride, you may not get the experience you are looking for if you want to be hands-on with horses yourself.)

[Scribbler]

When I was 17 a good friend dropped out of high school and went to work at the local race track. She started at 6 am, came home at 3 PM too exhausted to ride her own horse. That was when I decided I would never take on a job caretaking other people’s horses because what I really wanted was to ride my own.

If you ve got a professional job and a little fun money in the budget take lessons at a barn that feels welcomng and relaxed, get to know everyone, maybe work up to a half lease or volunteer to brush or handwalk.

Doing barn work to be around horses is like taking a job picking fruit to be outside in the garden.

[SashaBast]

There are lots of ways to learn and be around horses!

Adult pony club. There are more and more groups popping up. And many do not require you need a horse of your own.

Therapudic riding centers are a great way to be around horses and helping people. They are always in need of volunteers doing all kinds of things; from barn work to office work - all for a great cause!

Same with rescue groups. Do your research to find a reputable one.

I am surprised the folks who hired you did not recognize your horse knowledge. Defiantly talk to them and let them know exactly what you told us. There may be other things you can do there that would be in your experience range.

If you are doing blanket changes, boots and stalls with runs, sounds like a higher end farm. When daily temps start at 20 and then move to the 40s or higher during the day, multi blanket changes are needed. Super common to switch out in paddocks. 12 paddocks for 24 horses is a small number in each paddock.

Keep eps us posted and I’m sure we can all keep brain storming to help you find a situation where you are happy and getting the horse time you want!