Lead the Herd

How to be a Better Leader in (and out) of the Stable

Written By: Shya Beth

Whether you are running a large training business or a local barn, good leadership is something that can make or break your operation’s success. From day to day challenges to larger issues like managing employees, finances, maintaining and finding new clients is an ongoing responsibility. More often than not, riding instructors admit their horse skills are much better than their people skills, and that’s easy to understand. In order to mange a successful equestrian business, however, being a good

“people person” and successful leader does not require a personality change, or any other drastic measures—it’s easier than you think.

The Biggest Asset

The biggest asset to any stable is—employees! Employees not only help you manage your current workload and free up your time to focus on other aspects of the business, but help expand your business with more clients and training opportunities.

Hiring the right person can be your biggest asset…but hiring the wrong person can be a costly mistake. The position you need to fill – from grooms to barn manager or a trainer will obviously require particular skill sets. One of the main goals is to hire someone who is skilled or can grow into the role, and learn and be interested in their work and hopefully staying on long term.

Staff turnover can be one of the most costly parts of running any business, and it’s important to do all you can to minimize this aspect of managing employees. Simple things like thoroughly explaining all job requirements and having realistic conversations to make sure the potential hires have the ability to take on the role, having an honest conversation about their own career goals and making sure they line up with what you are looking for in a new employee are crucial. Checking all references and having a trial period before hiring for the long term are the next logical steps.

Probation periods are a smart move for employers and employees alike. Just like a horse coming to your barn on trial, you’ll be able to see if there is a good fit with this potential employee before signing on for the long term.

Be the Leader you Would Want to Follow

Be the leader you would want to follow! Always be respectful towards your employees and address any issues in a civil, private conversation if you determine there is an issue. If that situation arises, be sure to acknowledge the things they are doing well or are doing right. Then explain the areas they need to improve on, ending with assuring them that you are here to answer questions or if they need help—you are on the same team.

In the same vein, take a moment to reflect and take responsibility if the error is unconsciously caused by you. Did you make sure beforehand that the employee was capable of successfully completing the task, and make sure that they are aware you are open to help answer questions and guide them if needed? Making sure your staff is trained for everything they will need to handle will help set up a successful result.

Above all, open and clear communication is key for maintaining working relationships with new and current staff. They need to know they can go to you with a problem, and you will help them resolve it in a timely fashion. Letting staff grievances fester without being remedied as soon as possible, can often times will leave a negative atmosphere and contaminate the barn for other employees, and depending on the severity, clients as well.

Keep all Aspects Scheduled & Organized

One of the main keys to being a good leader is being someone your employees can count on and trust, as well as being someone who does their best to minimize friction and keep the whole operation running smoothly. In the office or tack room, consider keeping a blackboard time schedule, keeping everyone on the same page of rotational staff shifts (if they apply), as well as overall the daily chore list. Having employees check off when each task is completed and by who will help keep you on top of things and not having to personally check where your help is currently at, and what still needs to be done that day or week.

Additionally, keeping each horse’s schedules on their stall door will help make sure they receive the correct amount of turn out, exercise, feed, as well as any supplements or medical attention required. This information being kept right there on the stall will help eliminate any mistakes when it comes to horse health care.

In the tack room, the same way of organizing applies. Bridles, saddles, halters and other horse specific tools should be tagged to eliminate making mistakes - no one likes bringing a horse out to the ring only to realize that they’re accidentally using the wrong equipment.

Last but not least, keeping a designated text message group with all employees will help you notify everyone if an emergency or unexpected situation comes up. Communication is key!

Final Review

It's essential to make any workplace the best environment it can be. You and your staff will be spending a lot of time in each other’s spaces and working closely together to make sure the stable is well run and that the horses receive the utmost care. Many successful riding instructors, barn managers and the like did not go to school to learn how to manage employees, and that’s okay. But enabling these practices and treating others how you yourself would like to be treated, you’ll make working with others at the barn a stress-free environment and become a great leader of your horsey tribe.

If you make sure your employees are well taken care of, they will in turn work harder to make sure their work is up to par—it’s a win-win for all.