Mastering the Reins: Key Principles for Horse Barn Management
Whether you’re an experienced rider or new to the industry, understanding how to effectively manage a horse barn is essential to the well-being of both horses and riders. From managing the health of the horses to scheduling lessons and clinics, there are a number of factors to consider when running your own barn. Here, we will discuss the different aspects of horse barn management and share some insights into how to manage it successfully.
Essential Aspects of Horse Barn Management
Managing the boarding of horses requires meticulous attention to detail, as well as a deep understanding of care for these horses. From coordinating feeding schedules to monitoring health issues, boarding involves many areas of care. Staff will generally need to start feedings, muck out stalls, and groom horses. It also requires consistent communication with your boarders regarding the care of their horses. A lot of boarders will want updates on how their horse is doing. In addition, they will most likely be visiting the barn on a frequent basis for their horse (did you know that the average horse owner spends an average of 22 hours a week with their horses?). Monitoring the horse’s health and providing any necessities for boarding horses is essential for successfully managing a horse barn.
Scheduling And Billing At Your Horse Barn
Managing lessons, camps, and clinics demands a balance of organization and expertise. Not only does your staff need to coordinate instructor schedules, but they also need to ensure that their riders are paired with a horse that fits their needs. A horse and rider are typically matched based on experience as well as the rider’s height and weight. Additionally, you must coordinate billing the riders after scheduling. A lot of barns tend to offer discounts for riders who also board at the facility. Some barns also choose to base pricing on the experience of the instructor. Then, more experienced instructors get paid more. Scheduling and billing these lessons, camps, and clinics can be an essential way to add revenue for a barn.
A majority of barns do not have WIFI. This means that software that works only on a desktop computer can be a hassle. Staff will not have access to it while at the facility itself. Therefore, the barn owners and instructors need to utilize phone-based management software. A mobile app will have the same functionality but will be far easier to use than a desktop-based system. This can make it far easier to coordinate schedules and horse management.
For More Information
Effective horse barn management is vital to the health and safety of both riders and horses. By successfully managing everything outlined above, you can create a thriving barn. Looking for more insights into how to create a flourishing barn or equestrian center? Book a free 15-minute consultation with our experts.
