Mucking a stall? a vent..

[Texan By The Grace Of God]

I'm sorry but since when is mucking your horses stall 'disgraceful'. I'm really frustrated with people who feel they are too good to freaking take care of a horse. Last winter up until this summer I was a groom for some amazing people and horses. And I had an amazing time, it was hard work but the knowledge I gained was priceless. I am apalled by the looks I get from people when I tell them that I mucked stalls and Im also a little offended. Yeah I mucked stalls but I also got to ride some of the top horses in the country AND make some of the best two legged and four legged friends. I understand having grooms and not having the time to do your own work, thats not what this is about. Yeah its nice having full care and having to do nothing because believe me I had it alot during my junior years, but I NEVER looked down on someone for doing the dirty work. I just really don't understand this mentality. Why would you turn up your nose at an opprotunity just because you had to spend an hour mucking a couple stalls? Am I honestly less of a 'show rider' because I chose to go to WEF and groom ,even though I could afford to send my own horses there to show? Can you tell im really pissed?


So here's my question, If you could have an all expense paid trip to wellington for the entire winter and ride some great horses/ knock boots with the big names, would you turn it down because you have to ;gasp; muck a couple stalls every day?


O and thanks for listening to my vent!

[CFiona]

So here's my question, If you could have an all expense paid trip to wellington for the entire winter and ride some great horses/ knock boots with the big names, would you turn it down because you have to ;gasp; muck a couple stalls every day?

No.

[amastrike]

Anyone who is too good to take care of her horse isn't good enough to ride it.

[way2trvld2]

gab im so sorry that someone had the audacity to say anything like that to you!

[AffirmedHope]

I agree. i work at a barn where they had some awesome horses come through. I mucked stalls, swept, and groomed. I loved doing it, I saw horses of amazing caliber and met some great people while doing it. Hell I would go to WEF just to be a groom, it would be amazing to see the behind the scenes stuff of all that and get to watch the amazing riders and classes that go on during the show.

[goeslikestink]

you can win awards for being a good groom well you can in uk
the british equesterian federation run one

[GrantanaKC]

Right there with you! I spent a summer as a working student for a top show/sales barn. I remember very clearly a few times when all of MY chores were done (mostly riding and cleaning up horses for sales), and some of the guys whose job it was to muck weren't around, I decided to get started on some of the stalls. It never occured to me that I wasn't "supposed" to do that, since that was something I did daily at my own house and barn. Everyone LAUGHED at me and asked what I was doing! I really couldn't understand it, I saw a job that needed to be done, and I was done with my job, so I did it...

The HORSES don't care who is cleaning their stalls, why should we get upset about it? There are worse things you could have to do, like care for a colicky horse late at night or carry water buckets when the hose is frozen (that was ALWAYS my job!), but I do all of those things gladly for my horse because of how much he does for me. It's all part of being an equestrian.

I will admit that now my horse is in a barn where I do not have to pick out stalls, and C does it soo often that even if I WANTED to, I'd have a job finding a spare manure to pick up! But every time I go home to see Mom, nothing else gets done until the barn chores get done. :yes:

[make x it x so]

I know what you mean. When I first started mucking for my trainer on weekends, I hated it, but now I've actually come to sort of enjoy it. There's something about a hard day's labor...(I muck stalls/paddocks and do the barn chores at her 6-horse barn just about every Saturday). I never actually see the money from this (I'm 17 and the money comes directly off of the board, it's my way of contributing for my parents), but it makes me feel more like I deserve my horse.
And wow, I'd LOVE to have an expense paid trip to Wellington to ride with some BNTs and muck some stalls. I'd do it just to go SEE Wellington even if there was nothing for me to ride!

[copper1]

I go into a complete "zone" when I do stalls-great thinking and musing time! Great upper body workout as well!

[Ghazzu]

I'm always supicious of anyone who finds something wrong with honest labor of any type.

Hell, I still muck stalls...

[S1969]

The HORSES don't care who is cleaning their stalls, why should we get upset about it?

Actually, I think they DO care. They need to be taken care of by someone who isn't annoyed or offended to have to do the job. Personally I think you learn a LOT about horses when you're not riding them, especially about their overall health - physical AND mental. Which, is pretty important, IMO.

So ridiculous. Sorry people are such idiot.

[EventFan]

I have to agree with you! I think it should be mandatory that EVERY horse person spend time mucking stalls for someone else. It teaches you alot more than shoveling poo....and I also get into a "zone" and enjoy it. I pay board for my daughter's two horses, and when the BO sees me scooping she always fusses. What she doesn't realize is that it's for ME as much as the horses, it gives me pleasure to take care of the horses. It's good therapy too!

[LD1129]

I find mucking relaxing too. I clear my mind and just zone out. I really dont mind doing it, I can think of worse jobs. I work at my boarding barn on Sundays for some training rides and I have really been enjoying the extra exercise.

When we go away to shows I actually *gasp* do everything from unpacking the trailer-water buckets-mucking and everything in between! :eek: Yes mucking/horse care should be mandatory for all owners/riders :yes:

[gg4918]

Like its been said, riding isnt just about, well, riding.
My horses are on full board but I wont hesitate to groom them, muck their stalls, or give them baths It all helps you build a relationship with the horse.
The only reason that theyre on full board is because I simply dont have the time between my highly demanding school schedule/homework, applying to college, school clubs, volunteer work, and other activities. I LIKE the labor! Gets me ready for bikini season!

[shawneeAcres]

I run a barn and teach and I muck stalls EVERYDAY at my barn. Just cannot afford to hire someone to do it around here! I muck at shows as well, we don't have "grooms", the kidds muck their stalls when they show, or their parents do, and I muck my own. It called being a horseman (or woman)!

[Summit Springs Farm]

No, its a great workout and I'd rather spend time cleaning the barn than my house!:)

[Dakotawyatt]

I teach for a living, and haven't mucked in years. Well, just got a horse, wanted him living somewhere I could actually RIDE, and have buddies, but couldn't really afford. Fortunately, they needed help, so I'm back to doing anything and everything I can to help and work off board. Today, that's stalls! I don't mind doing it, and don't feel it's beneath me at all. I love every second I'm with a horse, whether I'm training at a show, cleaning school tack, pulling a schoolie's mane, grooming my own boy, or cleaning stalls. I feel so fortunate to be able to do what I do.

[Gwendolyn]

I TOTALLY understand where you are coming from. I went to WEF last year to groom. It is nothing like grooming in my area (Sarasota, FL). It is truly amazing what you get to do and see there. I got to take my stallion (I didn't own him, but he was one of the horses I groomed) over to Chris Kappler's farm 10-20 times to be schooled, and got to watch my boss lesson on him with Chris. I also worked for someone that kept their horses at Scott Stewart's barn, and personally groomed some of Candice King's horses! Not trying to name drop, but just wanted to say that you really DO get to meet and watch the BNTs. I'd muck stalls ANY day to get that opportunity!

Any TRUE horseman really appreciates grooms and what they do. Everyone of the BNRs and BNTs that I met was extremely polite and thanked me for grooming/setting fences/whatever.

I would love to be able to go back to WEF again! That was one of the best experiences I've ever had!

Do you mind me asking who you worked for?

[hideyourheart03]

Shoot, when I went to Ocala for 5 weeks as a working student, I (along with the other girl) did 10 stals 2x a day... and I came home with a SIX-PACK! There is NO better way to get abs than mucking stalls! hahaha

I worked for a BNT this summer and did stalls when some of the boys had days off. I didn't mind, it was actually fun for me to talk to the other girls or listen to music. I felt that for that amazing of an opportunity, I couldn't just be doing "fun" stuff! And their big time ammy even did her own horses stalls on the days her groom had off. It is below no one to pick stalls!

[gloriginger]

I actually really like stall cleaning. There is something very satisfying to me when the stalls are all clean, with fresh shavings and clean water and hay neatly in the corner and the barn isle is swept.

I also really love those moments when the horse comes in and rolls in the shavings in glee as if to say "thank you for making my bed so nice and comfy."

I find it very satisfying- but I do have a four to five stall limit, anything over that is just too much work and I start to resent it.

[Horseymama]

To me there's nothing like getting up really early on a chilly morning with the sun just starting to peak out over the horizon and wandering down to the barn with a hot cup o' coffee to be greeted by nickers and whinnies. I love the smell of the hay as I toss it over their doors and the happy munching sounds as they eat their breakfast. I even like the rolling sound the stall doors make as I open them and park the wheel barrel to start with the first stall.

I like knowing how each horse is feeling by how they left their stall. It is important that whoever is cleaning stalls knows enough to tell if a horse is feeling out-of-sorts or not. I can't tell you how many times I have discovered diarrhea, a totally messed-up stall, no poop, hoof marks on the wall, etc. Even though most of the time we have a stall-cleaner, I make sure they know these things. It's a very important job!

[hrsgirl07]

This past summer at the only overnight show I went to (barn had 11 horses at it) I volunteered to get up extra early each day to go help take care of the horses (feeding, mucking, watering ect.). We don't have grooms and to me it is more than worth putting in the extra effort to help my trainer who has done so much for me and would normally do all the barn work at the show before everyone started to show up for the day (she is wonder- woman i swear).

Now that I am back at school (in college) I work at the barn here and really enjoy stall mucking time, it's not as relaxed as at home (we have almost 60 stalls to do) but it helps me spend more time with the horses and helps me afford my own.

To me everyone should at some point muck stalls, it makes you appresiate having someone else do it for you that much more!

[caffeinated]

I love mucking stalls.

Sometimes I really hate that my work, etc, keeps me so busy, or I'd do it more. It's relaxing, good exercise, and deeply satisfying. I can't ever imagine turning down a good opportunity because I had to do a little grunt work.

Hell, for me, the grunt work is almost the reward. Back in college I spent every weekend doing the barn work, mucking, hay, water, etc. I loved it.

I keep wanting to do it now, but life keeps getting in the way. Boo!

[findeight]

OP, maybe you are reading a little too much into this and definiately projecting this attitude over the majority based on your experience in one situation.

I have met many top riders and Olympians, some more casually then others...but they all have mucked-some even recently when the need arose due to an injury.

Everybody mucks at some point. Most move on and up but hardly look down their noses.

[MLP]

I'm sorry but since when is mucking your horses stall 'disgraceful'. I'm really frustrated with people who feel they are too good to freaking take care of a horse. Last winter up until this summer I was a groom for some amazing people and horses. And I had an amazing time, it was hard work but the knowledge I gained was priceless. I am apalled by the looks I get from people when I tell them that I mucked stalls and Im also a little offended. Yeah I mucked stalls but I also got to ride some of the top horses in the country AND make some of the best two legged and four legged friends. I understand having grooms and not having the time to do your own work, thats not what this is about. Yeah its nice having full care and having to do nothing because believe me I had it alot during my junior years, but I NEVER looked down on someone for doing the dirty work. I just really don't understand this mentality. Why would you turn up your nose at an opprotunity just because you had to spend an hour mucking a couple stalls? Am I honestly less of a 'show rider' because I chose to go to WEF and groom ,even though I could afford to send my own horses there to show? Can you tell im really pissed?


So here's my question, If you could have an all expense paid trip to wellington for the entire winter and ride some great horses/ knock boots with the big names, would you turn it down because you have to ;gasp; muck a couple stalls every day?


O and thanks for listening to my vent!

Are you joking, take the offer, mucking stalls is good for your character and every horse person should be willing to take care of their horse - including mucking stalls. Have fun in Wellington!

[2bayboys]

I keep my horses at home and I muck every day. Besides the "zoned out" relaxation it gives me, I get compliments all the time about my toned arms, shoulders, and abs, and I NEVER go the gym.

No shame in getting your hands dirty.

[StockyCrosses]

If you can't clean a stall, get out of the barn. Cleaning stalls is a part of riding, I don't care what dicipline you ride. I think the best owners/riders are also the ones picking out poop.

I'll proudly say it:

I pick poop for a living :)

[sporthorsefilly]

Absolutely agree with going into the zone and enjoying the exercise! Also agree that anyone who doesn't want to clean a stall, brush or wash or trim up a horse has no business riding.

I've been doing my own stalls for 1/2 a century. It is my relaxation after 8 hours of working. I own the barn, they are my horses, and I know the stalls are cleaned the way I want them!!

The next time someone looks at you...tell them they ought to try it and be a real horseman.

I've met some super horsemen in my life and everyone of them mucked stalls at one time.

[WW_Queen]

I remember a couple of years ago, I was laid off my desk job. I had unemployment, but thanks to my horse the vet bills were piling up. I ended up working at his barn, 39 stalls with one other girl for about 6 months. I have always done barns so it was no big deal.

Finally I landed my current job, and back to the office it went. Every single time I went up to the barn to see my horse and his stall wasn't done, I would simply pick up the pitchfork and do it myself.

I remember one of the new girl's faces the first time I did it....she was like "WOW you don't have to do that!" and I explained it was NBD, I like participating in my horse's care. :) She was so thankful, and I knew exactly what it was like to be frozen cold/sweltering hot, sore muscles, wheelbarrow has 1 flat tire....even 1 less stall was a wonderful thing. :)

The other borders would just look at me doing it...nobody ever said anything, but neither did they take my lead as well. *shrug* I'd say many people who own/board horses, it wouldn't be helpful to muck the stall...they'd probably strip it and refill with fresh shavings, wasting the BO's supplies anyways.

A person who looks down on someone who mucks stalls can't possibly know much about horses.....they must not have gotten the memo that their own four-legged angel sh*ts crap and not butterflies. :rolleyes:

[Tiger Horse]

I do my mare's stall and pick up her paddock - every night - even though I don't have to. I also clean and refill her water buckets. It's just part of my normal routine and to me, it's a privilege - she takes such good care of me, it's the very least I can do for her . . .

[Texan By The Grace Of God]

OP, maybe you are reading a little too much into this and definiately projecting this attitude over the majority based on your experience in one situation.

I have met many top riders and Olympians, some more casually then others...but they all have mucked-some even recently when the need arose due to an injury.

Everybody mucks at some point. Most move on and up but hardly look down their noses.

The trainers that I worked for and the clients were amazing. The little pony kid I groomed for actually liked picking stalls and I had to beg her to stop! It wasn't the 'upper level' people I was really refering to but mostly just friends I have met on the circuit acted strange when I told them what I did last winter. I understand that most of the top riders have gotten their hands dirty at one point I was just speaking about my friends and associates. None of which are really all that famous =)


I was mostly just venting about the lack of motivation and snobbish attitudes I had encountered. And I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets in a 'zone' mucking stalls. I love it! and I especially love when the four legged beasties follow you around the stall for some attention!

[kellyb]

Just let it go. Of all the things you could be upset about...this is so trivial it's not even worth your effort to be angry. :)

[JamieFL]

I use to have my own barn and mucked all the stalls myself, now that I'm boarding I really miss it! It gave me a lot of peace and "thinking time". I can't wait to get my own barn again! :)

I'd take mucking stalls any day over this desk job I have!

[AppendixQHLover]

With my Day job it takes eons to see a end result. Cleaning stalls - instant gratification.

IF I had the opportunity to go to Wellington and have expenses paid. I would do stalls also. My momma didn't raise a snob. Besides, I turn on my IPOD and get into my music while cleaning.

[Carol Ames]

I've done some of my best "problem solving/ thinking:winkgrin: " has ben while mucking ; and for feeling the satisfaction of a job well done; At the end of the day there is nothing like seeing "your horses"" tucked into" into clean stalls with hay , clean water buckets,feed tubs and groomed or blanketed for the night;;) It always left me with a feeling of having been :yes:useful; and made better the life;) of another, regardless of the number of legs:lol:

[Rooney]

I try to take care of my own as much as possible and just laugh at the pitying looks I get when I clean my horses' stalls or take them to the ring myself.

If it weren't for my stupid desk job that allows me to afford the horses, I would be at every show slaving away for them full-time. :)

[Carol Ames]

When I was teaching at Lake Erie College one night they had Howard Lewis that year ("Horseman of the year by the AHSA givea talk to the students; ; and he said to the students You will never get off the end of a pitchfork"which , of course,they did not want to hear r:no: "

[Long Spot]

The folks who'd turn their noses up at you for an honest days work are not folks you want as your friends anyway. That sort of works makes you a well rounded horse person, not just a rider. Every last person I respect as a horseman has done their time in the trenches of the less than elegant horse work. And many still do, just because they want to or can.

Just laugh to yourself that you are in fact, better than the folks who think they are better than you.

[Carol Ames]

GO to Wellington:yes:! you will be part of the "inner circle :winkgrin:" what ever that is:lol:

[Carol Ames]

the only way I could learn to rides was , by mucking stalls:yes: ;my parents had NO intention of paying money to have me take lessons:no: if, i wanted to I had to pay for it myself:yes:. besides , it meant i could be around the horses:yes:!

[Texan By The Grace Of God]

GO to Wellington:yes:! you will be part of the "inner circle :winkgrin:" what ever that is:lol:

I went and worked last year and left my horses at home. I LOVED every second of it and this year I'm going back to work and I will be bringing my horse! Saddle time with a BNT isn't free (or cheap!) but I think people would be amazed at how willing they are to help you as long as you are willing to help yourself!

[Carol Ames]

i have experienced much :yes:the same thing; having worked or tried to work for several several millionaires Old:mad: money);the fact that I would put on my work clothes, , work boots, jeans and gloves, come down to the barn , pickup a pitchfork , and start :yes:mucking , while appreciated :yes:by the "barn crew " was definitely 'unprofessional :no:"; in the owners' eyes, and, I was told by them that doing so, lowered me in the eyes of the owner, i certainly did experience that. and, at one barn my working student, the only one I ever :winkgrin: had experienced it,:o:mad: too;

[cloudyandcallie]

Apparently there's some people who think it is beneath them to muck stalls.

I grew up cleaning my own stalls before school each day for my entire schooling.

So now that I've been boarding for almost 8 yrs, I've seen that BOs and their employees all actually seem to think it is beneath them too!

At some barns I've paid full board for 2 horses plus extras, and ended up cleaning my own stalls. My first boarding barn and my present barn are the exceptions to this.

I've actually had BOs and employees tell me they don't like to clean stalls and only do it when they know the boarders are coming out to see their horses.

So having cleaned stalls since childhood, I think it is a good thing and don't look down on anyone who does it.
Altho' I've been mistaken for a barn employee at several barns, since I was always having to help out "sick" BOs for free.

So tell people you are a "horse scatologist" and let them figure it out.:winkgrin:

[twinkle]

I really enjoy mucking stalls. It's great exercise and I have done something to make the horse's life happier. But WHY---they are out all day but when they come in THEN they have to poop in the nice clean stall,,,sigh,,

[Trevelyan96]

I've always mucked, and I think it's an essential 'horsemanship' skill. Even before I had horses of my own, I mucked where I took lessons just to help out. When I was leasing, if I showed up at the barn and the stall needed mucking, I did it. I have no patience for riders who think its beneath them. I've seen boarders pitch a hissy fit if their stalls weren't perfect every time they showed up at the barn, but they'd never dream of picking up a rake because 'that's what I'm paying for.' But I'd rather do it myself and have a good relationship with the BO and staff. It's called being a grownup.

[CraziiPonii]

My trainer has always made us do everthing- including mucking stalls. I believe that you learn more by just being around horses. Being a good rider does not mean you are a good horseman. And I'd rather have my horsemanship skills anyday.

[Biscotti]

I've always mucked, and I think it's an essential 'horsemanship' skill. Even before I had horses of my own, I mucked where I took lessons just to help out. When I was leasing, if I showed up at the barn and the stall needed mucking, I did it. I have no patience for riders who think its beneath them. I've seen boarders pitch a hissy fit if their stalls weren't perfect every time they showed up at the barn, but they'd never dream of picking up a rake because 'that's what I'm paying for.' But I'd rather do it myself and have a good relationship with the BO and staff. It's called being a grownup.

I don't agree with this. It's one thing to think picking is "beneath" you, but if I pay for board and stall cleaning is included, I expect my stall to be cleaned and of course I will take it up with the management or grooms if it isn't being done. And if that's the case then no, I won't do it myself. I will protest until I get my money's worth of board.

[ellebeaux]

So here's my question, If you could have an all expense paid trip to wellington for the entire winter and ride some great horses/ knock boots with the big names, would you turn it down because you have to ;gasp; muck a couple stalls every day?


O and thanks for listening to my vent!

Am I the only person who thinks that to "knock boots" with someone means to have sex with with them? LOL

Have fun in Wellington!

[Biscotti]

Am I the only person who thinks that to "knock boots" with someone means to have sex with with them? LOL

Have fun in Wellington!

HAHAHA, that is what knock boots means. I think the OP meant rub elbows, maybe? Freudian slip ;)

[bornfreenowexpensive]

personally....I dislike mucking stalls. But I will do it, can do it and can do it well....and did it for years. One of the best compliments that I got was when a horse pro who had only known me socially (and knew I worked a desk job now) saw me ride. He said...damn girl, you ride like a $hit shoveller not a lawyer!

He meant it as a compliment;)

But even today, I will still pick up a pitch fork and scoop things up when needed! And even if I don't muck my horse's stalls on a regular basis....I make sure know how their stall typically is (both by looking at it and talking with the people that muck them regularly)....that is basic horse care 101.

But that attitude you have run into isn't new....it was around when I was a groom...and I'm not surprised it still is around.

[dwblover]

I honestly prefer taking care of my horses myself. I used to always have my horses full boarded when I was young. Then I moved and started to do self-care. I much prefer doing everything myself. I like doing my stalls "my way", and knowing that they are eating exactly what they should, getting exactly what supplements I want them to get, etc. It actually drives me nuts now when I go away for a holiday and have someone watch them. I come back and feel like I have to do a complete makeover at the barn. People who try to belittle others have some obvious self-esteem issues. The next time someone says something you should laugh loudly in their face like they are the funniest thing you have ever seen!:winkgrin:

[JGHIRETIRE]

I used to come home from work and do my stalls. After the long drive, I could shovel and witch about all the awful drivers on the road. I was in a much better mood when I went in the house. Not to mention that I was actually physically fit. Nowdays I don't mind at all doing it. Just physically - not very fit for it.

[Texan By The Grace Of God]

HAHAHA, that is what knock boots means. I think the OP meant rub elbows, maybe? Freudian slip ;)

Oh my!!

[Platinum Equestrian]

As an owner, I actually like mucking stalls out. It is great for relaxation.

I admire anyone who is willing to pay their dues, whether it's mucking stalls or doing another job deemed "below" some. Hopefully you were treated as part of the team and were given the respect you deserve by those you worked for!

[TheOrangeOne]

I ride with a BNT. He does stalls. I saw that and knew I found a good place. :yes:

[Mardi]

And that's mucking out my own horses' stalls.

There's a hierarchy at many barns in southern California: the grooms (Hispanic) will not clean stalls, nor clean up the manure in the wash racks. If there's manure in the grooming cross ties, then yes, the grooms will scoop it up. But clean stalls ? Never.

The guys who do clean the stalls are considered lower on the totem poll by the grooms.

A long time worker at a big barn told me this a few years ago. It still seems to be true where I ride.

[CarrieK]

Well, with the hourly help, I can see why they respect--or defend--the division of labor. If you're being paid to clean stalls then that's what you do; if you do additional work, you better be getting paid for it, or someone's taking advantage of you.

Now, with riders...well, the folks who are above cleaning stalls are probably above posting on this forum....

[Platinum Equestrian]

I ride with a BNT. He does stalls. I saw that and knew I found a good place. :yes:

EXACTLY!

[Dune]

There's a hierarchy at many barns in southern California: the grooms (Hispanic) will not clean stalls, nor clean up the manure in the wash racks. If there's manure in the grooming cross ties, then yes, the grooms will scoop it up. But clean stalls ? Never.

The guys who do clean the stalls are considered lower on the totem poll by the grooms.

A long time worker at a big barn told me this a few years ago. It still seems to be true where I ride.

This is still true at most of the "big" barns. :yes::rolleyes: You should've seen the looks I got when (gasp!) I tacked up my horses every day. :eek: The clients couldn't tell whether I was "like them" or if I "just worked there"...you could actually see them trying to decide if they should talk to me or not. :lol:

[LivviesMom]

So here's my question, If you could have an all expense paid trip to wellington for the entire winter and ride some great horses/ knock boots with the big names, would you turn it down because you have to ;gasp; muck a couple stalls every day?


O and thanks for listening to my vent!

HELL NO!.. Hinestly.. I have my mare in training and I actually help them out doing stalls from time to time lol. I enjoy it. I pay for her to be there but I'll help out too. I know its appreciated and they have helped me out in return.

The experiance seems to have been very good for you. I'd judt take pride in the fact that you seem to be a well rounded horseperson.. those who turn their noses up at getting a little dirty or doing stalls are not in most cases.

I take pride in the fact that I could handle anything and care for my horse solely on my own. From mucking to wrapping to medicating. Its all part of it.

[jaslyn1701]

I don't own a horse. But I take lessons at a full board barn that has help 6 days a week - on the 7th the help gets to rest. My trainer does stalls, every Sunday. Her husband is in the military and about 3 years ago started getting sent various places for various lengths of time. So, the "barn chicks" got together and helped do stalls on Sundays. While many have moved on due to life changes, I have not missed a Sunday in all that time unless we are showing (but I do stalls there too). I have gotten a lot out of doing stalls - I have handled every horse in the barn doing turnout to the point that I am comfortable with each and every one. They all know me - I also feed on Sunday mornings - there is nothing like walking up to the barn and seeing all the relieved faces looking at me cause the food lady is here. And, as others have said, it's a great time to zone out and think as well as an upper body workout.

[Sing Mia Song]

I never learned so much about my horses as I did when I cleaned their stalls. What are their habits? Do they heap everything in the corner (thank you, Kara) or churn the stall into a mess on a regular basis (Mabel, you are a pig)? And if I walked into Kara's stall and saw the bedding churned up, or walked into Mabel's stall and saw no poop ground into the shavings, I knew when to panic.

[arab_roots]

Normally I have a hard time concentrating on things.:lol: (kinda of an understatment) But when I much stalls i get a sense of peace. There is nothing better then see and smelling a clean barn knowing that you were the one that got it that way. Its a zen garden for true horse people!!!! Plus I love to time myself and see if i can beat my previous time. lol

[00Jumper]

I have to say, if I were going to go to WEF it would be as a groom or a body clipper . . . Too much pressure as a rider! I'm a B/C circuit gal, can't handle that fancy A show business. :lol: But I did have a chance this summer to groom for my trainer at one show and a another trainer at a show the week after, and not only did I love it, I felt like it really helped me solidify my beliefs as a horsewoman! I'm much more comfortable with a pitchfork in hand, cleaning stalls, than I am on a fancy horse cantering around a ring trying to win a class. :lol: Not to say that's not fun either, but really I'm just not that kind of rider.

Everytime I express to my mother my lifelong dream of owning a small farm with just my horses, she says something like "But think of the work! You have to feed and muck every day!" and I'm just like "Well DUH why do you think I want a farm in the first place?!" :D I think after this summer she's starting to understand the extent of my illness hahaha. She has ridden since she was 9 so it's not a non-horsey parent disconnect, but she has always ridden in full care facilities. And I don't think less of anyone with that mindset - different strokes for different folks. ;)

[Rienzi]

OMG! I can hardly believe all you clean stalls! (insert horrified icon here) And I suppose you (gasp) clean all that nasty, nasty stuff from the bottom of the horses' FEET, too! Don't you know where that CAME FROM?! (FOUR horrified icons, and a fainting icon.) I don't think I should be eating my lunch while reading this. I shouldn't even speak to you Little People! (Nose in the air icon)

[Flash44]

I find mucking a stall with gloves, a pitchfork and a wheelbarrow much less gross than wiping a baby's butt with a wet towelette. And geldings don't pee on you while you are doing the stall.

[IsolaBella09]

I find mucking a stall with gloves, a pitchfork and a wheelbarrow much less gross than wiping a baby's butt with a wet towelette. And geldings don't pee on you while you are doing the stall.

HAHA! Thank you for reminding me of one of the reasons why I do not want kids again, Flash.:lol:

[Carol Ames]

I'll bet they also hold their own horses :lol::confused: at shows!:eek: oh right; it's the "lowering of standards:no::sadsmile: GM rants :lol:about




MG! I can hardly believe all you clean stalls! (insert horrified icon here) And I suppose you (gasp) clean all that nasty, nasty stuff from the bottom of the horses' FEET, too! Don't you know where that CAME FROM?! (FOUR horrified icons, and a fainting icon.) I don't think I should be eating my lunch while reading this. I shouldn't even speak to you Little People! (Nose in the air icon) http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/images/buttons/quote.gif (http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=3621616)

[Andrew]

Anyone who is too good to take care of her horse isn't good enough to ride it.

and isn't a complete horseperson.....

the old saying, "you have to eat a pound of dirt before you die", well you have to muck at least 1,000 to be a complete horseperson!!!

[karenrrafuse]

I think being at a show should be a reflection of who you are as an equestrian, not just a rider. Taking proper care of your horse is part of that. I muckstalls so I can monitor my horse, spend time with her, and make sure shes happy. Anybody who scoffs at that is losing out on important horsemanship skills.