How to Manage a Horse Stable

A horse stable might be a home for the horses who reside in it, but it is primarily a business. If you hope to continue providing food, shelter and other amenities to your clients, a horse stable must be run with the attention and focus that you would bring to any commercial enterprise.

Things You'll Need

• Folders or binders for records
• Telephone
• Stable workers

Instructions

1. Maintain meticulous records of all horses who live in your horse stable, regardless of how long they stay. A binder or folder dedicated to each animal should contain copies of the latest Coggins test, receipts from veterinary visits, schedules for the farrier and any other relevant information.

2. Hire dependable workers for the horse stable. You will need people who can clean stalls, feed the animals and perform routine maintenance around the farm. If you try to do it all yourself, you'll find that you are spread too thin and your business will likely crumble.

3. Tend to your most important tasks first each day. Make sure that grain is ready for morning and evening feedings, check each horse to ensure no injuries or illnesses are present and plan the rest of your day. Remember that health and safety are top priorities in any equestrian business.

4. Maintain regular contact with all of your clients. Call them if they haven't been out to the horse stable recently, and make sure you talk to them about any financial or equine matters immediately. If you make yourself available to clients, you'll have far fewer problems.

5. Fix broken fences, stalls, arena railings and water devices immediately. These things are essential to the running of a successful horse stable, and should be kept in solid working order.

6. Add to your list of amenities on a regular basis. You might not be able to afford to do everything at once, but keep a list of the things you would like to add in the future, such as a dressage arena or a hot walker. This will ensure that your clients continue to benefit from your services.

7. Post a list of horse stable rules on the tack room door or in another visible place. This way, all of your clients are aware of the rules and cannot claim ignorance if they break them.

8. Respond pro-actively to any situation that endangers a person or a horse. If a client is placing others in harm's way, you might need to suggest that they find somewhere else to board their horse. It is important to consider the good of everyone at your stable.

9. Return phone calls as quickly as you can. Time is frequently of the essence in the equestrian industry.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be hesitant about firing an employee who doesn't do his job or who puts horses and people in harm's way.