Cross post - what would your response be to these barn policies?

[SaturdayNightLive]

So hypothetically, lets say that you came across a barn that had very strict policies regarding what was and was not allowed, right down to a very strict dress code. Specifically, all tack and clothing had to meet certain requirements (not brand wise, but color and cleanliness) to be used on the property, even when hacking or schooling. Would this be acceptable to you if the barn was nice enough?

Like, in addition to the nazi-esque dress code, the care was also impeccable. You horse was groomed twice a day, all diets were designed by an equine nutritionist and a vet, all of your vet appointments and farrier appointments were arranged for you, etc...Basically the most extreme of full care facilities.

Would this be a place that you would be interested in boarding at? Or would the dress code be too much to put up with?

[myrna]

Why would it be a problem? If you know the rules before hand,then follow them.

[SaturdayNightLive]

Not a problem, more of a question of marketability. It's for a school business project. :)

[Hampton Bay]

Way too much for me to deal with. If I just want to pop in to feed my horse a carrot, then I want to be able to show up in whatever I am wearing. I also think that having to wear certain colors to ride my horse is just absurd. And if it's hot and I want to wear an appropriate tank top? Yeah...

But then I also don't need anyone to groom my horse for me unless I am out of town.

[horsegirl123]

I would not have a problem with a dress code. I think it keeps everything uniform and professional. It sounds like it is a top notch operation.

[Bogey2]

I don't think I could afford it

[slc2]

I was ok til the part about having to wear certain colors. Unless that's like 'no neon green, no pink', ie, stick to the usual pale colors, black or white or dark blue breeches, I would have to buy clothes. Clothes are expensive. Sounds Legally Blond Beverly Hills. I probably couldn't sufficiently conform.:lol:

It's not unusual for top class barns to have a certain level of expectation that you don't ride around with broken tack and your butt hanging out of your breeches. They don't usually put these expectations in detail into rules. People just sort of look around and realize that's the sort of barn it is, and it is either something they like or despise.

At the same time, I don't want to be a sandwich board advertisement for someone's training business, and if I have to buy 'barn colors' and be a walking billboard.

I sort of don't like to do that, partly because it's too much for me to remember, and partly because I already have to be clothing-alert-and-oriented one time a day for work.

Partly because I know in 2 years, they'll be out of business, fallen out with the owner, or somewhere else, LOL. Partly because I have a whole pile of blankets, coolers, t-shirts and crap from defunct barns, defunct trainers, in the most useless and disgusting color combinations imaginable.

So like, no.

[ShotenStar]

Any dress code beyond 'safe' and 'helmet' would be a deal-breaker for me. My Mommy stopped dressing me fifty years ago, I don't need someone else to do it now.

*star*

[butlerfamilyzoo]

I would have no problem if it were something like, "All must wear polo shirts while riding." As to colors, i dont have an issue.

I'm sorry, i knew one woman who i boarded with that was in a very expensive barn... She had money to burn... But, and no offence to the bigger of us out there... She was rather large, probably 250lbs or more on a 5'2 frame. When she went to ride in the summer... The top was stripped and she would wear a sports bra. It was a given, she always had the arena to herself... But could you imagine walking in there as a potential client and seeing her ride around?

I was also in a barn where one of the 16yr olds would show up in a bikini top, breeches, and rubber muck boots of various colors. While she was one of those idilic size 0s with curves and boobs... Oh how i wanted to murder her... :) I thought it was VERY inapropriate and a bad example for the younger generation at the facility...

So i guess, i would not mind a dress code of sorts, perhaps not to walk onto the facility, if i was on my way home from work and wanted to pop in, i woudlnt want to feel like i had to change... But riding, i have no problems with a dress code, colors being a little odd... (Though at shows i would be happy to wear the farm colors!)

[pintopiaffe]

If the dress code was safety oriented, I could understand. As a certified Instructor I had certain standards to adhere too... i.e. long pants or breeks, boots w/ heel, no sleeveless tops, helmet etc.

Colour? No way. I don't even adhere entirely to my OWN barn colours, because a couple of odd shaded horses look better in something else. It's within the grand *scheme* or theme... but.... <shrugs>

I also care not for uber-full care. Sometimes I'd love someone to do chores at 0230 when I get home at night... but no way I'd let nutritional and vet issues out of my immediate control. Perhaps I've been doing it too long and have been spoiled by fabulous mentors and professionals, perhaps I'm just a snob, but *I* will choose fed, supplements, veterinary care etc.

I can't imagine having someone else groom & tack... even when I ride school horses it's very odd for me to have someone 'help' or do some of the job, and I feel quite guilty.

So no... I'd pass. Then again, as mentioned above, I wouldn't be able to even afford the clothes, not to mention the board. :winkgrin:

[XTAC]

Hmmm..well, I would not mind adhering to a dress code. I usually coordinate and I think that "looking the part" does help me ride better. I would not like anyone else to groom my horse in general, but it would nice to have him cleaned up after a muddy turnout..if I am not around to do it myself. I am used to calling the shots with feed and supplements, so there would have to be some flexibility in that area.

[Carrera]

Around here many show barns have dress code rules like that. You have to buy this blanket in this colour, monogrammed like this... They are successful and have a great reputation, but they also have the coaching to demand the rules.

Personally, I don't have a problem with it.

[Surviving the Dramas]

Yeah, I'd barn there happily, as long as the rules weren't too restrictive. In winter, I want to be able to wrap up nice and warm - so let me!!

As long as the colors thing wasn't a hugely restrictive issue (as someone said, something about No neons would be fine) but always having to wear the barn colors is something I'm not as cool with.

On my average day riding, I wear a polo, breeches (tame colours, navy blue, hunter green, black, beige), long boots, helmet, gloves. I usually start with a vest on, but take it off pretty quick. I teach in what I ride in, breeches, polo, long boots, gloves. My polos are all vaguely the same colours as my breeches, so I'm tame. In summer, we are outdoor, and when it is steaming hot, I do wear appropriate singlets, but would be ok with not wearing them if it were an already known dress standard...

The most essential thing for me would be adequate turnout for the horses, not the dress code. The most important thing for me is how my horse is kept, so if it met the highest standard (and I could afford it) I'll endure almost anything for my horses...

Feed wise: I do my own feeds. No one messes with what I give my horses. If you don't like it, that's a deal breaker. Then again, mine was done by a nutritionist, so shouldn't have any problems there :)

With vets: I still get a certain amount of control. If I 'ok' a vet visit, then hunky dory, off you go and organize it for me, be there if I can't be etc etc.

Then again, the difference between me and other riders is that I see my horses, EVERYDAY, TWICE a day. I ride for 4.5 hours, and have always run my own show...

BUT as Bogey2 said - I don't think I could afford to board at a place like this though!!

[GreekDressageQueen]

I would never board in a place like that - ever. I'm a total control freak and NOBODY touches my horses but me. I have boarded at big barns in the past and I will allow staff to turn my horses out, feed them, clean stalls, but that's it. Even then you will find me every morning at the barn feeding, cleaning, and turning out my own horses anyway.

Thankfully, I find very small private places to board at which is usually just the owner and me and I feed their horses too and help out when the owner goes out of town as part of the boarding deal. I spend 4-5 hours every morning at any barn I am at so it's no problem for me to feed a few extra mouths and pick out a stall or two. I also get to bring my dogs and have total peace and quiet.

As for the dress code - that's b.s. I'm probably considered too fat and too poor to be in a barn like that anyway so I would probably be turned away just on principle.

[lizathenag]

if everything else was fabulous, I would be OK. but I ride in boots and britches anyway.

I took my trailer in for it's yearly tuneup and forgot my riding clothes were in it so I hacked my horse for a few days in jeans and sneakers. my helmet and vest were in the tack room.

I received several comments about how relaxed I looked when in fact I was feeling a bit insecure. . .

[Bayou Roux]

Dress code would not be a deal-breaker for me as long as horse care met my standards. And, like others have posted, I'd frankly appreciate it sometimes. I've seen way too many thongs around the barn...

[pintopiaffe]

I'm probably considered too fat and too poor to be in a barn like that anyway so I would probably be turned away just on principle.

:lol:

:uhoh:

Um, me too... :sigh:

[Sacred_Petra]

Personaly, I'd go nuts at a barn like this (assuming I could even afford it). I would hate having someone else arange my vet and farrier visits since I like to choose what's being done to my horse, as well as when and where. As for the nutritionist, I might consult one once, but in general, I've known my horse longer, and so long as the food is at least decent (which I can't imagine this place serving poor food), I'd rather mess with his food myself.

I don't think anyone has the right to tell me what to wear beyond, "your clothing must be safe." I would consider it a violation of my first ammendment rights, so long as my clothing was neither offensive, or pornographic. Although I don't wear tank tops or neon (although my horse wears neon colors) I do like to express myself through my clothing. Plus, if you're going to tell me what colors I'm allowed to wear to preserve a look for the barn, are you also going to tell me what color I can dye my hair and what color my horse is allowed to be?

I do, however, think it is perfectly acceptable to add in a clause saying "when in a lesson, conservative colors are requested" and "when representing the barn at a function or show, members are asked to wear the barn colors or monogramed apparel.

[Androcles]

Not a problem, more of a question of marketability. It's for a school business project. :)

Marketability, how? It sounds like it's purposely designed to exclude a certain type of person, not 'market' to them. Or is the marketing geared towards the people who feel good about doing that? Why are you being so vague in your description?

[Androcles]

And, like others have posted, I'd frankly appreciate it sometimes. I've seen way too many thongs around the barn...
With your xray vision?

[Bayou Roux]

With your xray vision?

Unfortunately, no...up, out, and over the top of low-rise breeches. Ick.

I mean, I appreciate the "no panty lines" thing with thongs, but keep 'em in your pants. Bra straps inside your shirts, too, dearies.

Good heavens, I'm old!

So of course a dress code appeals to me...

[Knothead]

Two words: Hells no.

[kayandallie]

Not in a million years.

[amastrike]

Marketability, how? It sounds like it's purposely designed to exclude a certain type of person, not 'market' to them. Or is the marketing geared towards the people who feel good about doing that? Why are you being so vague in your description?

I don't think the OP is being vague. It seems to me this is a question of what tradeoffs are people willing to accept--your horse gets amazing care, but you need to sacrifice some autonomy and freedom.

[pintopiaffe]

I mean, I appreciate the "no panty lines" thing with thongs, but keep 'em in your pants. Bra straps inside your shirts, too, dearies.

Good heavens, I'm old!

So of course a dress code appeals to me..See, I'm RIGHT THERE with ya on all things undergarment staying UNDER...

I also think tank tops & such are just asking for road rash--so unless heat is a serious health issue, even a cap sleeve is preferable...

I think Lycra is a privilege, not a right... and low rise ANYTHING should be reserved for those with low rises, or those under 15. :uhoh: :dead:

So on THOSE issues I'd be good with a dresscode.

But no one, NO ONE tells me what colour Puffy the Majik Pinto Pony can wear, nor what colours *I* can wear when we 'dress up' for clinic, lessons etc. Which are ever so much more fun than shows because we CAN wear colours. Though we *are* sparkly enough on our own, so we tend to conservative... with the occasional outburst of PURPLE just because REAL MEN CAN WEAR PURPLE... and look ever-so-smashing in it... :winkgrin: (and this has NOTHING to do with a midlife crisis. :no: :uhoh: )

[atr]

Personally, I prefer to have a more hands-on approach to my horse's care, so I'd rather not have you doing all that stuff for me as a matter of course. So I'd guess I'm not your demographic.

You need to decide if there's enough of your demographic out there in the area you'd want to do this to make it work. If you were in the close environs of New York, it might well work.

However, as you asking for specific and personal responses, here you go...

Dress code? No, thank you. I want to wear what's comforatable, appropriate and what fits and suits me. I'll make my own choices on that. Youthful/inappropriate clothing exuberance can be crushed quite effectively without turning the place into sameville.

Dress code for my horse? No thank you. There's a reason why they make 10 billion different blankets--they are all cut differently. what fits your horse might not fit my horse, and he's not going to be uncomfortable just to please your aesthetic sensibilities. Same with tack.

[AKSalter]

to me a type of barn like this sounds great- I like the idea of a professional looking dress code.

I always try to look as professional as possible when riding/showing- my horse always looks ready to walk into the show ring, even just to hack out. For lessons/riding i always wear a polo or sweater unless its really hot (then i'll wear a tank top) and i always at least make sure my boots and half chaps are somewhat clean and my tack and equipment is always very clean. I also work in my barn, so staying clean proves to be very difficult ;), and while it's a nice barn its not the type of place people wear tall boots and britches all the time so i don't. I would look silly.

I'm also a little overprotective and very possesive over my horse, and he is a super super super sensitive chestnut. So i personally wouldn't be too crazy about the grooming included. I am 110% capable of taking care of my own horse thanks ;). But it seems like a great barn for people in that elite range of clientele. :sigh:

[yaya]

With your xray vision?

You ever heard of a "whale tail"?

[FancyFree]

You ever heard of a "whale tail"?

I'd never heard that expression until I watched "The United States of Tara". T had a whale tail.

I boarded at a place that had a dress and tack code. It didn't bother me because I was always in line with them. You could not ride in the ring unless you were in dressage tack. But I found it pretentious and excessively restrictive. Come on, you can't ride in the ring in your bareback pad? Lame. They were massively persnickity about everything. Many people who boarded there pre-rule makers ended up moving. I now board at a rule free place and I couldn't be happier. But I wouldn't have liked the place that I'm at now when I was in my twenties and competing. I was in a different place then. I would have loved the place you describe because I was very much more OCD. I've since recovered, or my kids have worn it out of me. Some people will love the the regimentation and some people won't.

[Androcles]

See, I'm RIGHT THERE with ya on all things undergarment staying UNDER...

I also think tank tops & such are just asking for road rash--so unless heat is a serious health issue, even a cap sleeve is preferable...

I think Lycra is a privilege, not a right... and low rise ANYTHING should be reserved for those with low rises, or those under 15. :uhoh: :dead:

So on THOSE issues I'd be good with a dresscode.

But no one, NO ONE tells me what colour Puffy the Majik Pinto Pony can wear, nor what colours *I* can wear when we 'dress up' for clinic, lessons etc. Which are ever so much more fun than shows because we CAN wear colours. Though we *are* sparkly enough on our own, so we tend to conservative... with the occasional outburst of[COLOR=DarkOrchid]

I'm with you there - dress code for them, , pas moi.

[Androcles]

You ever heard of a "whale tail"?
obviously not.

[Alagirl]

With your xray vision?


SHOOT, in many cases that is not needed! :no:

[sid]

The care one is paying for (horsekeeping expertise) should not be predicated upon what clothes you wear. It's really kind of creepy.

I'm not even sure why the OP would even pose the question.

[meupatdoes]

I was ok til the part about having to wear certain colors. Unless that's like 'no neon green, no pink', ie, stick to the usual pale colors, black or white or dark blue breeches, I would have to buy clothes. Clothes are expensive.

It really is no more expensive to buy something in a conservative color than in a non-conservative color.

Yesterday I rode in a shirt that cost $6 at Target two years ago.
It was a black polo.

It really wasn't that hard at the time to eschew the $6 shirt emblazoned with, "My Other Ride Is Yo Mama" in favor of the $6 black polo.


So no, I would have no problems with the dress code. All of my saddle pads are white or black anyway, all polo wraps and boots are black (though I am now considering brown polos for my chestnut), I clean my tack on a daily basis anyway...it really would not change my routine at all.

Somebody else grooming/tacking up my horses though?
Not so much.
I have them because I like spending time with them.

[SharonA]

Nah.

I agree with those posters who advocate a dress code insisting on safe and appropriate clothing (nothing showing that Miss Manners would find unsightly). But, I have no problem with a decent tank top (something you can wear a real bra under, without the bra or you hanging out) on a hot day. And, I do think I ride better and it lends the barn a certain air of "serious riding going on here" when people are riding in breeches and there are no jeans and bikini tops.

But, my half-chaps are brown, my paddock boots are black, I don't have tall boots, some of my breeches fit nicely but some are too long and so they're alittle wrinkly on me, I have saddle pads in leopard spots and zebra stripes, and I wear whatever T-shirt is on top of the pile. Once my trainer (who really is very nice) caught sight of me and immediately said to her students who were getting ready for a show, "And remember, tidy hair, ladies. I do not want to see any untidy hair!" :-) And, sometimes I might show up at the barn just to give my horse a bath and hand-graze her, in which case I don't want to have to spend time and effort getting me dressed up first. I would like to be someone who always looks put-together and elegant, but that takes alot of work in my case.

I respect that a barn might want to convey an extremely tailored image and run a tight ship in terms of the horses' health and routine, but I wouldn't be interested in a barn that carries these things to an extreme. I want the care for my horse to be excellent, but I personally don't want the atmosphere to feel quite as narrow as the OP describes.

[kdow]

The care one is paying for (horsekeeping expertise) should not be predicated upon what clothes you wear. It's really kind of creepy.

I'm not even sure why the OP would even pose the question.

This.

I mean, I can see rules about clothing and tack as they effect safety (helmets, suitable shoes or boots, that sort of thing) but an actual written in the rules DRESS CODE? No thanks.

(I could maybe see some kind of informal thing for events - like when the barn is hosting a clinic, making sure everyone knows to have the horse and tack clean and well groomed, and be wearing something tidy and properly fitting, since when you invite a bunch of people to come to the barn your current boarders are functioning in some ways as an advertisement for the kind of facility you run. So someone turning up for a clinic with a BNT in pink sweatpants on a pony masquerading as a wooly mammoth in poorly fitting tack would reflect badly on the perceived standard of care at the barn. But again, I would expect that to be handled informally and tactfully.)

[Chall]

And riding bareback is a good seat/leg/balance exercise, so the dress code doesn't work there. Horses need to have fun, relaxed rides every once in a while. I'd never try bareback in britches, too slick, nor boots. I like the contact of a nice warm barrel under my calf.

[tikidoc]

Two words: Hells no.

Ditto.

[elio]

I would be OK with the dress code if the barn owners were willing to purchase / provide the prescribed shirts etc.:)

[threedogpack]

the barn would not get my money.

[Sabine]

none of this would work for me.
I have my own colors that work for me.
I have my own feeds that have been carefully researched and work for my horses.
I have a super vet and she's my friend.
My shoer is my friend and I don't need anyone in the middle of that.
I like grooming my horses- because I see what is right or wrong or shaky about them.
I like feeding them and cleaning their stalls in between the regular twice a day cleaning - if I happen to ride at that time...
I am not a control-freak but I do feel that the daily touch and feel is hugely important to know what's going on with them and how they are and what training program would work for that day...it's all intuitive and not really something I can put on a chart.
I don't like any color coordinated -ness or regiment on what to wear myself....I consider it utterly stupid and it only exists in this country in H/J barns...

[MagicRoseFarm]

a friend told me of a barn she checked out to board at that was lovely..

then she saw posted in the barn aisle bb a letter to all boarders stating that LOCKERS AND TRUNKS will be inspected on Weekend A or Weekend B, and you must sign up for your inspection.. with a list of what must and MUST NOT be in them.. It mentioned fines for all lockers not in compliance.. and a fee for rescheduling the locker inspection to a diff date

[Alagirl]

well, I do Taekwondo, I wear a uniform there, so I suppose the dresscode wouldn't kill me (I don't like that, but I guess I can step my clothes up a step from going to Walmart! :lol: )

The other 'upscale' amenities would bug me more, I don't need my horse groomed to death, give it food and a mudd pit to roll in...I rake the crud out myself! :winkgrin:

So, no, the place would be a no-go, but not primarily because of dress code, not even 2nd or 3rd.

[yaya]

I would be OK with the dress code if the barn owners were willing to purchase / provide the prescribed shirts etc.:)

Nah, then they'd just jack up the board rates to cover the clothing costs.

You pay for it either way!

[CatOnLap]

It really depends what the rules are.
Safety and taste come to mind. So, clean would be nice.
Appropriate to the task, so no shorts, no tank tops/bikini tops, no low cleavage, no bare bellies, no open shoes. Yes, at most barns I'd appreciate not looking at someone's muffins tops, beerbelly, whaletail or sexualized 13 year old done up like a lap dancer.

Beyond that? Telling what brand or colour I can wear? I was a guest member at some swanky country clubs in the 1960's and 70's that had dress codes like that. eeuuuww. It's just snobbery and control. They don't even demand white on the tennis court and golf course anymore.

[johnnysauntie]

The policies wouldn't bother me one iota - because I wouldn't be boarding there!

[HollysHobbies]

I'm too poor for that kind of barn, I'm sure!

I have no problem with a dress code, if it's presented as part of a "professional atmosphere." I always wear boots (1/2 chaps and boots made to look like dress boots), breeches, belt, and polos to the barn--I guess pony club drilled that into me as part of being a "professional" (although I'm an amateur). I get a lot of comments on my daily turnout, even though my polos are cheapie old navy. That's a personal choice though.

[SaturdayNightLive]

Thanks for the responses so far guys! I knew COTH would come through! :)

To those questioning my motives, however - are you serious? It's just a question, I'm not sure why my motives behind asking it matter. It's not as if I'm going to kidnap you and force you to board at a place like this. Chill out - the CIA isn't coming to get you.

[PaulaM]

But no one, NO ONE tells me what colour Puffy the Majik Pinto Pony can wear, nor what colours *I* can wear when we 'dress up' for clinic, lessons etc. Which are ever so much more fun than shows because we CAN wear colours. Though we *are* sparkly enough on our own, so we tend to conservative... with the occasional outburst of PURPLE just because REAL MEN CAN WEAR PURPLE... and look ever-so-smashing in it... :winkgrin: (and this has NOTHING to do with a midlife crisis. :no: :uhoh: )

I have dressed my geldings in Purple for more than 3 years now. My Freddy looks divine in purple (not pale purple/lilac, but nice deep purple. I also have a purple padded noseband and matching browband. Love it.

I would never board at a place where it was so restrictive. I do defer to my barn owner when it comes to feed, however, supplements are my choice as are vet and farrier. And as for what I wear, again, my decision.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

There are barns that are for the horses. And then there are barns that cater to the riders.

I want my barn to cater to my horse. I expect, especially during the spring, that since he is outside 24/7, he will come in very muddy at times. they roll for a reason, and especially when bugs are out that forms a somewhat protective layer. And I fully expect that, in the process, the dirt will get transferred to me and my clothing.

Sounds to me like this is a barn that would cater to a very select type of rider, as opposed to someone who actually wants to be an integral part of their horses' care. If there's a market, sure, go for it.

I would also have the entire barn heated and enclosed viewing rooms, and get trainers to ride the horses as well. Plus a bar, and possibly something that serves gourmet appetizers.

No peeps allowed!

[Noctis]

I would also have the entire barn heated and enclosed viewing rooms, and get trainers to ride the horses as well. Plus a bar, and possibly something that serves gourmet appetizers.

I dunno Geek...I'd be ok with a bar! :winkgrin::lol:

[esdressage]

I like my barn to offer certain care, but not mandate it.

I agree with rules such as helmets required for jumping, everybody must ride in boots with a heel, attire must be neat and safe, etc. but please don't tell me what color to wear, or that on a 110 degree day (they happen where I live) I can't wear my white tank top.

Hmmm, I am actually looking around for a new place to board my horse and heard of one where they are somewhat strict like this. I'm still going to check it out, but I consider it a definite strike against them. I prefer a bit of freedom in my choices for myself and my horse, and I am loyal to my current instructor and vet, so they'd better not make me use theirs (I think that might be more of a challenge with the instructor than the vet, because barns will likely have their own instructors).

I think it's interesting that so many people immediately assume they couldn't afford a place like this. It really wouldn't cost the barn much (if anything) to have some working students grooming the horses for people, and they probably get incentives from the veterinarians and farriers who they book for their boarders. It's a state of mind that this 'elite' care should cost an arm and a leg, and a lot of people are plenty willing to pay to be elite. Not me… I'll pay for good quality care for my horse, but not to be told what I can and can't wear, within reason!

[LisaW-B]

Well, my first thought was, "Horses don't need to be brushed twice a day!" So I guess that's a barn I wouldn't consider right off the bat, LOL. Plus I like to do my own (not very thorough, LOL) grooming. The dress code? No way. My trainer has a couple of very basic rules -- a boot with a heel, a helmet, no flip-flops to be worn on the property at all, no tank tops. That's it. I'm not even sure if she enforces the tank tops rule. I've never considered wearing one to a lesson, not even on the hottest summer days, so I wouldn't know!

[Trevelyan96]

Too much control for me. Unless the vet was one I personally approved and the treatment and feed was discussed and OK'd first by me, NO WAY! Its nice to see a barn where people are expected to dress neatly and safely, and keep their tack clean, but I'd draw the line at anything beyond requiring a shirt with collar and no skin between chest and knees, LOL.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

I dunno Geek...I'd be ok with a bar! :winkgrin::lol:

OUR type of barn would have coolers and beers in the mini fridge in the feed room.

THEIR type of bar would have a bartender, and 20 year old single malt.

[quietann]

Am basically in agreement with everyone else -- that I don't want a H/J barn style "dress code" for me or for my horse. BO/trainer does prefer tall boots for lessons, so that's what I wear. I am probably the "barn slob" in that I wear T-shirts in the summer, and flannel shirts in the winter, and rarely if ever tuck them in (because it isn't comfortable, and I wear an insulin pump, which has tubing that can get tangled in tucked-in shirts.) For the horse, she's very hard to fit but any Horseware product (Rambo, Rhino or Amigo) in Size 72 fits her well. (Her "gift" for doing well at the show yesterday is a nice new Amigo flysheet!)

Luckily BO isn't too image conscious, because maresy gets fed "cr*ppy" hay which I provide, rather than the very lush grass hay normally provided, to keep her hooves happy. The stuff is very mature and dry, and comes in huge stemmy bales and some people might wonder how BO allows such "cr*p" to be fed.

[Trevelyan96]

OUR type of barn would have coolers and beers in the mini fridge in the feed room.

THEIR type of bar would have a bartender, and 20 year old single malt.

MY barn has a have fridge full of wine and Mike's Hard, although you you have to walk 100 feet to the MAIN building for it. :eek: But my trainer LOVES coming there, LOL, although she's whining for me to get her a golf cart.

[InWhyCee Redux]

Personally, I prefer to have a more hands-on approach to my horse's care, so I'd rather not have you doing all that stuff for me as a matter of course. So I'd guess I'm not your demographic.

You need to decide if there's enough of your demographic out there in the area you'd want to do this to make it work. If you were in the close environs of New York, it might well work.



Living as I do right smack in the middle of NYC, I would bet that that these sort of potential clients (i.e. who would welcome a strict dress code) are safely tucked away in their own private barns in Bedford. ;)

I'm all for safety and common decency (helmets with chin straps, no visible bra straps and whale tales, no sports bras without a shirt over them), and little kids in barn polos are damn cute — but beyond that, Is there a point?

[Noctis]

OUR type of barn would have coolers and beers in the mini fridge in the feed room.

THEIR type of bar would have a bartender, and 20 year old single malt.


Geek, we need the same barn! Mine actually DOES have a beer fridge now lol.

[CatOnLap]

Oh Man doesn't anyone remember the Keg Steakhouse had a restaurant that was attached to the indoor arena at Thunderbird Show Park in Vancouver?

it was great.

I could live with a dress code if it meant I could sip pina coladas and eat steak while watching my horse work out.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

AT our barn, people take turns bringing in water (I don't - I chug so much water I'd be freaking out about the plastic waste, so I bring a huge jug for me), but they also have Mike's hard lemonade, various coolers, various beers (which is how I know Ted likes beer). Not so much in the winter, obviously, but especially in the evenings, after lessons or whatever, some of my barn mates like to have a little tipple. I'd join them if I didn't have the drive back!!

Actually, Bow's mom and grandma bring a huge plastic cup of sweetened ice tea for Bow after their lesson. Bow will not drink it from a bowl or bucket, it must be in the cup. So apparently he is consistent with the dress and behavior code in the proposed barn.

Actually, I'd love to have Aunt Esther weigh in...everyone would need a Hermes saddle pad and saddle, maybe in orange? THEIR barn would have a tent in summer with the drinks served to them...

[Alagirl]

Oh Man doesn't anyone remember the Keg Steakhouse had a restaurant that was attached to the indoor arena at Thunderbird Show Park in Vancouver?

it was great.

I could live with a dress code if it meant I could sip pina coladas and eat steak while watching my horse work out.


LOL, In Germany it's not uncommon to have a little pub restaurant type deal overlooking the indoor. Hmmm, have a nice cold beverage after riding...or even a meal....or family sits and watches while you sweat your bum off! But in at least one situation the steak House did not fly well with the patrons...then again, you can't have the location next to the barn an frown upon customers dressed in barn gear...or the odd crumb of dirt being tracked in.... :rolleyes:

If the barn is big enough, a barn shop would be nice, shirts and stuff and odds and ends...but that would turn out to be a tack store....

[GreekDressageQueen]

I'm still waiting for someone to tell me what the heck a "whale tail" is. :confused:

I will Google.

[Milocalwinnings]

I couldn't deal with a barn like that. I know how much of a pain it is to dress out for shows, I'd hate to have to dress in breeches and nice cloths everytime I wanted to go to the barn!

If I'm not planning on riding, and it's hot out, I'll go to the barn in a tank top, shorts, and flip flops (when handling my horse only, not other horses). If I'm riding, I generally wear a t-shirt, jeans, and half chaps. In lessons I used to ride in breeches and boots/half chaps, then went to jeans because I was coming from school and it was a pain to change into breeches (before I got my license, my mom would drive me and I would change in the car on the way there :lol:).
As far as colors.... well, my horse and I occasionally event and do jumpers, and our colors are purple and bright green:winkgrin:

I like to have fun with my horse, and having do dress nicely, in breeches and good shirts/boots/tack etc... isn't my idea of fun. If I wanted to do that, I'd go to shows more often.

I'll stick with the smallish back-yard type boarding barn that I'm at. A great trainer/BM and BO, a few boarders, and great care. You don't need a fancy shmancy barn, with an oober nice dress code, and immaculate horses/stalls/barn/people to get great care.

[goeslikestink]

So hypothetically, lets say that you came across a barn that had very strict policies regarding what was and was not allowed, right down to a very strict dress code. Specifically, all tack and clothing had to meet certain requirements (not brand wise, but color and cleanliness) to be used on the property, even when hacking or schooling. Would this be acceptable to you if the barn was nice enough?

Like, in addition to the nazi-esque dress code, the care was also impeccable. You horse was groomed twice a day, all diets were designed by an equine nutritionist and a vet, all of your vet appointments and farrier appointments were arranged for you, etc...Basically the most extreme of full care facilities.

Would this be a place that you would be interested in boarding at? Or would the dress code be too much to put up with?

if one was working in the yard as staff then yes its good to all dress the same and have the same policies
but your the client --- your horses needs are as indidvidual as yourself and each horse if kept in full term baord should be accessed to ther needs after al your employing them to tkae care of your horse you are not a member of staff

[Gloria]

That Depends..

Everything regarding to safety rules, I stick to them and expect others to comply.

Everything regarding to cleanliness of my tack/horses, I "try" to comply but hey don't expect me to keep them show ready all the time.

Everything regarding to horses welfare (farriers, nutritions, etc), if I agree with the experts and believe the experts are doing the right things for my horses, hey I'm more than happy to have someone else to worry about the details for me.

Everything else, like the colors of the dress? I am no longer a school girl so don't expect me to wear uniform just to ride my horses. Now if the barn wants to have a uniform color at the show, that is a different...

[Ibex]

Oh Man doesn't anyone remember the Keg Steakhouse had a restaurant that was attached to the indoor arena at Thunderbird Show Park in Vancouver?

it was great.

I could live with a dress code if it meant I could sip pina coladas and eat steak while watching my horse work out.


Seriously?!?!? On the current site?? The best we do at the current barn is beer or passing the mint schnappes for the hot chocolate in the winter. And mocking the kids not-quite-old-enough to drink... (usually their parents are having special hot chocolate and leading the tormenting :lol: )



I'm still waiting for someone to tell me what the heck a "whale tail" is. :confused:

I will Google.

Top of a thong coming out the top of pants.

[Equibrit]

I'd keep walking. Their rules do not demonstrate the kind of thinking I admire.

[Tamara in TN]

Would this be a place that you would be interested in boarding at? Or would the dress code be too much to put up with?

what a very interesting question....I think that doing so would give a nice uniformity to a barn, almost like a "team spirit"...and being clean is being clean....so I reckon I could play along...

best

[Tiligsmom]

Not my kind of barn...

The dress code wouldn't bother me because I'm already very conservative in my dress. BUT... all of the other micro managing of my horse would not work for me. I'm a control freak and need to have the influence/flexibility to do what I think is best for my beastie!

[tikidoc]

I get dirty when I go to the barn, so my barn clothes are typically T-shirts that have been stained by the damn red clay we have here. So many of my shirts are laundered but stained. If that was not allowed I would be buying new stuff every week. I ride in breeches and tall boots because that is what is comfortable for me, not because I am told to.

Would you be expected to bring a change of clothes so that if you get dirty cleaning the horse, you can still wear clean clothes to ride, or do the grooms do all the work, so you never get dirty? I enjoy grooming my horses. I think the time I have spent grooming my recent rescue has gone a long ways towards gaining his trust - I would not want someone else to be doing that job for me.

I agree with a rule for helmets and heeled boots. I would not have a problem with a no spaghetti strap tank top rule, but considering my barn owner wears them all summer, I doubt that will happen. Whatever, I don't wear them. I would not like to be told to not wear my conservative tanks in 90+ degree weather. Safety issues, fine but don't tell me what to wear and don't tell me what colors I can put on my horse.

As far as the feed, I would love to have access to an equine nutritionist for advise, but what my horse eats is ultimately my call. I was talking to my barn owner about this thread when we went on a hack this afternoon and she made a very good point. She wants educated boarders who have input into their horses' care. We have several kids in the barn and she wants them to develop into thinking, knowledgable horsewomen. With someone else making all the decisions for you, that will not happen. Can you tell our barn has a big Pony Club influence?

Sounds like these people are control freaks. I do not like to be controlled. I will certainly not pay good money to be controlled. And the barn that does INSPECTIONS of the boarder's lockers and trunks? That is insane. Absolutely insane. An invasion of privacy. I would not tolerate people going through my stuff.

[hammondcrazy@yahoo.com]

So hypothetically, lets say that you came across a barn that had very strict policies regarding what was and was not allowed, right down to a very strict dress code. Specifically, all tack and clothing had to meet certain requirements (not brand wise, but color and cleanliness) to be used on the property, even when hacking or schooling. Would this be acceptable to you if the barn was nice enough?

Like, in addition to the nazi-esque dress code, the care was also impeccable. You horse was groomed twice a day, all diets were designed by an equine nutritionist and a vet, all of your vet appointments and farrier appointments were arranged for you, etc...Basically the most extreme of full care facilities.

Would this be a place that you would be interested in boarding at? Or would the dress code be too much to put up with?

I would agree IF the care of the horse came first. With a barn like that I wouldn't worry all the time about my horse. IF I could afford a barn like that which would be very expensive means I can afford a very talented horse,, So yes I could agree with dress code. Most of my instructors expected that their students wear breeches boots and most required helmets. In Rome do as the Romans do as they say. Mike.

[Dressage Art]

I use to board in the barn like that. The care was the best that I've seen and it was very clean. Stall walls were washed with soap regularly as well as the horse blankets that had any poop stains on them. Bathroom had marble tops vanities and a couple of showers. That was very good, since I could ride at the morning, take a shower and then head to work. Classical/light jazz music was always playing and it was so soothing after the hustling of the work day. I loved the peace and unity of that barn time. So to get a green trunk with green blankets weren't a big deal breaker for me.

I am no longer with corporate world so I have different needs: now I long for the serenity on the trails = I have to have trails now... so I make other sacrifices to be at the barn that has superb trails access: for example porta-potties YUK!!!

[Spyromaniac]

I don't think I would like a barn like that. I am not too into other people handling my horse and making decisions about him to that extent - he is MY horse, I get to decide when to shoe him, which shoes to use, what vet to use, what he eats, etc. Of course I will take advice from those who are more knowledgeable, but the ultimate decision lies with me. I also wouldn't be huge on the dress code - safety and neatness are one thing, but colour and style choice being completely regulated seems too extreme. I would rather care for my horse myself (otherwise, why bother having a horse??) and wear what I want (within reason).