any tips on keeping a balanced happy boarding barn?

[slpeders]

I get to see different kinds of places when I go to massage horses and got to wondering if there are any good tips for having a nice mix of folks at a boarding barn that make it a happy place to be for all?
Some places clearly have a 'program' and you are either 'in' or 'out'. Some have NO program. Is there a balance to be struck or is it whatever works for the BO?
After all the boarding horror threads I've read on here, sometimes I wonder if it's even POSSIBLE to have a happy boarding barn without us/them situations....

[Lori B]

At the barn where I board, boarders who, shall we say, detracted substantially from domestic tranquility, have in the past been asked to leave. The BO & BM don't put up with it. People follow the rules, are respectful of others, clean up after themselves, don't take stuff, and life is good. There is a wait list for stalls. Anyone who might have dramatic tendencies knows, in the back of their mind, that if they were to really piss off the BO or another boarder for something dumb, that they could be shopping for another place to keep their horse.

I think that when BO / BM have a reputation for not tolerating nonsense, less nonsense happens.

[Sdhaurmsmom]

I find that regardless of discipline or mix of disciplines, the thing that makes barns harmonious is Posted Rules.

When expectations are explicit and clear, things tend to go well.

[stryder]

I find that regardless of discipline or mix of disciplines, the thing that makes barns harmonious is Posted Rules.

When expectations are explicit and clear, things tend to go well.

And quick, fair enforcement of them.
My BO is a no-nonsense business woman who generally minds her own business and doesn't meddle. She is a very knowledgeable and experienced horsewoman and will offer advice when asked. She's quick to say, "Clean that up." or "don't do that" if people start to get a little off track, even to her own daughter, the BM.

Keeping boundaries clear goes a very long way toward ensuring harmony.

[Rhonda]

When someone new comes in my boss always tells them he always wants to smile when he sees their car pull in the driveway. I like that philosophy. :yes:

We've been very lucky with our boarders, all go out of their way to help each other and support each other. I can only remember one person being asked to leave and that was many years ago. Drama and bad attitudes are just not tolerated and if someone has an issue we expect them to act like adults and figure out a solution. So far so good.

[LisaB]

I've been in 3 successful boarding barns.
One I was at for 12 years and basically I was the only active boarder. And she screens big time on who she allows in. She is also a good judge of character. She also communicated really well her way of doing things. Quite of few of them were very old fashioned and cumbersome. I informed of new easier ways but she didn't want to do it any other way. I was fine with it because I just wanted to make life easier for her.
Another was a dressage barn with my trainer on premises. And it was only that trainer's students there. She was the gate keeper on who was allowed in. So it was all dq's who had a great sense of humor. We had some really nit-picky rules like we had to clean our tack after every ride. But again, didn't mind and should be doing it anyway.
Another was owned and run by trainer. Talk about particular! Her barn, her rules and learned a lot about thorough care of a horse. She had to kick a few people out, particularly young riders. They came through recommendations but some just were too immature and too spoiled and she would have none of it. She wasn't there to cater. You work hard, you play hard.

[LegoMyMego]

Yes.
Kick out all the boarders and keep the barn for yourself.

With horse people around there will ALWAYS be drama. If you don't have a problem with the other boarders, then there will be a problem with the BO, and if you don't have a problem with the BO, there will be a problem with the BM or the barn help. It never ends.

The reason there is so much drama is that every horse person thinks that they are right, you are wrong, end of discussion.

It gets really, really old and takes the joy out of spending time with your horses.

Hence the reason why my horses now live at home...and its just me...NO BOARDERS! I love to be able to say "No" when people ask me if I board!

[DieBlaueReiterin]

it seems to me thru my yrs of experience that to have a successful barn you need to either have a) no barn trainer/anyone can bring in their own trainer OR b) one barn trainer and everyone rides w/him/her. otherwise there's just going to be problems. :no: can you tell i'm going thru a really hard time of barn drama right now~

[Sparky Boy]

Make sure everyone is the same discipline. Mixing them in the same barn often causes problems.

Get rid of negtive people/trouble makers right away. It spreads fast.

[Lori B]

Boarding doesn't have to be so hellish, and it makes me sad when others spoil it for those of us who are never going to buy their own place. Don't give up on all of us, please.

My barn is one of those where anyone can bring any trainer, and the only requirement is adherence to safety rules, hours, picking up after yourself, and signed releases.

[Arizona DQ]

I board at a small barn where the BO is also a trainer. BUT we are not required to train with her and she has no problem if we use someone else or in addition to her.... The rules are pretty simple, be courteous, clean up after yourself AND safety for horse and rider! I LOVE going to my barn and even spend time just sitting there in the evening or early morning to enjoy the quiet. Anyone who is a drama queen or does not fit in is asked to leave. I am alawys amazed when I read about all the board drama and then go back to my barn and hug my BO/trainer :D So the answer is YES, there are barns out there where is is nice and enjoyable...

[mvp]

1) Create a clear set of rules and expectations that apply to all-- from trainers to once-a-week lesson students.

2) Make sure the BO/BM communicates directly with boarders-- all of them--. I think much drama get started by boarders comparing notes or questioning barn policies among themselves. As I long-time boarder, I have learned that nothing works except speaking directly to the person in charge of feeding, blanketing, bedding, footing, whatever. If I want to bitch, I can seek out other boarders but that's ultimately unsatisfying. If I want a change, I can see the person in charge.

3) A corrolary to 2: The BO/BM needs to be accessible and equally so to all.

[MoonWitch]

I agree & disagree with some of these suggestions. I like to feel that we have a very harmonious barn full of people from all walks/all disciplines with one thing in common - no DRAMA!!

I am upfront with people about what I provide and what I don't. If someone wants to board and immediate has a list of "do you's" - I don't. I never worry about filling empty stalls and I screen those who want to come.

I have one rule - be happy. If you're not, don't expect the barn to turn upside down to become what you want it to be - find a barn that suits you instead. Everyone will thank you for it in the long run!

[Miss Motivation]

Every barn has its own personality, and I believe that people seek their level.

At our place, we have a great group of people that like to be together, horse around, fiddle with their horses, and just enjoy the place. As the BO, I have a mental model of a sanctuary: a place where people want to be to escape from all the hassles of 'real life.' Everything we do is geared towards creating that feel... and so far, it's working.

We have had a couple folks who just don't fit. Either they need more snob appeal, too show-obsessed to enjoy the more relaxed horsitude here, or they 'don't get' our clearly written (board contract and stable rules) and pleasantly enforced rules. They odd fits have moved on and we seem to stay on friendly terms in our very snug neighborhood that has quite a number of farms.

Bottom line is, I have had horses a long time, always a couple at home and something off here or there in training. So, wide exposure to horsekeeping, although I have learned a tremendous amount since we bought our 50 head place. When I go for a stroll around our place, I would board here.

It's clean, priced reasonably, and we offer a lot of small amenities that most boarding stables in our area don't even think of: water cooler, grazing areas, newsletter of activities, blanket laundry scheduling, hooks everywhere you'd ever want to hang something, warm water wash racks, lights for those who come after work, lots of parking, CLEAN restrooms, continuously upgrading and maintaining the place, great arenas that get watered twice a day if needed... there's just a good feng shui or zen feeling to the place... but it's conscious on our part to make it that way.

There is no best barn, no best trainer... but if potential boarders and BO's are honest and do their homework on each other, then most of the time, the right people end up at the right barn.

[Woodland]

I have run boarding barns for nearly 30 years. I have developed a policy of never having an open stall for someone who just happens along. WHY? Well they are coming from somewhere with some reason and they are dissatisfied already. They are either the problem, part of the problem or running from a problem. They have to #1 Schedule an appointment to view my facility. #2 Sit down and tell me about themselves, their horse and their needs. IF they show up sans appointment and expect me to drop everything and accommodate them I know they are too high maintenance so they will never get in here.

Harmony starts by careful screening. Letting a new person and horse in changes the balance. I am well aware that new people effect my precious boarders and they are entitled to their comfort!

Harmony is retained by a few simple unbreakable rules.

Harmony is retained by providing a standard of care as set forth in writing and meeting that standard.

Harmony remains when everyone's expectations are met. INCLUDING Mine!

Dis Harmony means immediate action is required. Direct and to the point! NO GOSSIP is tolerated at my stables EVER!

I am in the stables constantly and consistently. I hear every thing. I do everything. When I get a bad apple I address it. If the standard is not met they must board elsewhere.

The major pet peeves of missing/borrowed stuff I do the following.#1 I Provide fly spray - use it that is what it is there for. There is shampoo, conditioner, show sheen and detangler in the wash stall use it . NEVER EVER borrow another boarders if you do you must leave(unless you have permission). #2 Equipment. My schooling stuff is there for you to use. You must replace it if you break it and put it back where you found it when you are done with it.

That has mitigated the "So & So took my stuff" problem - I never have that happen any more - not for years.

My boarders live in harmony here. I expect it I deliver it. They are 80' feet from my home without harmony I would go crazy! If I ever have a boarder show up that makes me want to go inside or get a pit in my stomach I ask them to leave - i know it is not going well for them either.

[luvs2ride79]

The best boarding place I was at management wise was VERY laid back. There was no program, all trainers were welcome, boarders could bring in any professional they wanted, and the number of boarders was limited to what the arena and management could handle. You also had to be approved, which meant the BO had to LIKE YOU, lol. If you rubbed him the wrong way, he was suddenly "full" and had no openings ;).

There was also no communal tack room. We each had our own "area" in a covered "mini-barn" outside each paddock. The barn was only used for layups or injuries. Only adults or supervised kids were allowed to board, no teenagers on their own.

[JSwan]

After all the boarding horror threads I've read on here, sometimes I wonder if it's even POSSIBLE to have a happy boarding barn without us/them situations....

Prozac.

:winkgrin:

[slpeders]

:D :D
Great feedback so far -- thanks everyone. I kind of wondered for a moment if Miss Motivation was my BO! That's her "mental model" too -- this should be your happy place. Sadly, some folks define happiness as "I do what I want and YOU do what I want."
One of the biggest issues is with a trainer feeling proprietary about the place and making decisions, giving directives, etc, as if she was the BO. Is it possible to structure the environment so no one person can take control? maybe by restricting the hours for lessons/number of lessons or something?

[Lori B]

The way to keep a trainer from taking over is to tell them, as the BM, that taking over is not their role. Trying to do it roundabout, via rules, I don't think would work.

[Go Fish]

Trainer can't date the customers...boy have I seen thing go South in a hurry when that happens! :yes:

[stryder]

:D :D

One of the biggest issues is with a trainer feeling proprietary about the place and making decisions, giving directives, etc, as if she was the BO. Is it possible to structure the environment so no one person can take control? maybe by restricting the hours for lessons/number of lessons or something?

This is what I love about my BO. Should anyone try to creep into control, the BO would move her back just as efficiently as she would get a horse off her foot or out of her personal space. It's handled. Not in a mean way, but instantly. The "restricting hours/lessons or something" way is too subtle and, in my view, isn't going to fix the problem.

[slc2]

any tips on keeping a balanced happy boarding barn?

shoot all the women. :lol:

[Kaluna]

Well that is rather distasteful, slc2. How odd that you would feel compelled to write that.

In my experience, there are several important "dos" and "don'ts" when it comes to running and maintaining a harmonious boarding barn.

From the management perspective:

DO list what is expected from the boarders in the form of a contract. Be especially clear about policies such as blanketing, supplements, vaccines, etc. But do not go overboard and work with boarders. Keeping good boarders pays off in spades in the long run.

DO post rules of the barn if you feel compelled but DON'T go overboard. Problems arise when owners/managers attempt to micromanage behavior. Alternatively, keep your boarders in the loop by talking or emailing them.

DO meet your boarders before you accept them. Try to weed out the obvious problems.

DO treat boarders with respect and insist that others do so, too. Most horse owners are professional adults who come to the barn to escape stress and ride their horse. The owner/staff sets the example for the barn and boarders do follow it.

DO allow a mix of rider disciplines. They often learn alot from each other, compete less with each other, and don't all want to use the same resources at the same time.

DO remember that boarders are paying for a service. BOs who believe that boarders are a hassle should not take boarders.

DO be flexible. Work with good boarders.

DO allow boarders to work with different trainers if possible unless you are a trainer running a training business. Not all boarders click with all trainers. Happy boarders make very good boarders.

DON'T be a rule-monger or point out every little indiscretion. People sometimes forget to do things because they have something like family or job, on their minds. Treat adults like the professional adults that most boarders are.

DON'T treat boarders like they know little about their riding or their horses. Many BOs/BMs start to micromanage boarder horse care or training. This creates conflict.

DON'T nickel and dime your boarders. The billing becomes difficult and annoying to everyone.

The happiest situations, in my direct experience, occur in barns where the culture of the barn is of mutual respect and encouragement and helpfulness. That tone is set my the management and staff, who need to be fair and respectful when working with many different personality types. When real problems arise, direct and respectful two-way dialog (not a lecture) keeps everyone happy while resolving the core issue. I have seen this in very big professional barns as well as small, inexpensive barns. These barns are a treasure to be and and show with and are really not THAT difficult to maintain.

In my experience, the worst situations occur when the owner or staff gossips about boarders to other boarders and when barn owners and staff attempt to micromanage the care and training of the boarders (in short, act like "know it alls").


Kaluna

[mvp]

But the women write all the checks that, oh I don't know, pay your mortgage so that when you finally cash out you get a larger wad of cash than you would have had you merely bought your own little farm or horse, they also justify the things you want (tractor, covered indoor) and get to partially write off at tax time.

Please, a little more appreciation for the gender which, it turns out, has some value, if only financial.

[Hony]

Drama, I love the drama. What would we do without a little drama. We'd all be bored to tears.
I think the thing with drama is that you can't let it get to you. Owning horses is an emotional thing. Every purchase, every decision, everything you do with them is emotional and that's why having boarders can be tricky. However, if you're the type that doesn't get too excited by drama then things are usually fine.
I have a staff of 50 young people and I can tell you about drama. There are days when it can be a bit tough but for the most part if you just roll with things it's fine.
I just think I'd be so bored at a barn without boarders.