What I Like Best

Katie once asked me what I liked about the job. This was in the middle of the summer while we were in the midst of construction and my stress level was at its peak. At the time I couldn’t really think of an answer. Sad but true! Now that all he construction is done, and I have found a rhythm with the horses, I have had a chance to breathe and really think again about Katie’s question. What do I like best about the job?

There are three main aspects. The most obvious is care of the horses. The second is maintaining the property. The third is managing the clients. It is arguable which is most important. Without clients there are no horses and without good care and maintenance there are no clients. Ultimately it is a service business and care of the horses and a well maintained facility is the service I provide to fellow equestrians.

Which part of this do I like best? It is hard to say. I love hanging out with my boarders and consider them friends. Which can also make the relationship complicated and difficult at times. I have had to learn to be diplomatic and not take constructive criticism personally.

I also take pride in keeping the barn clean and the property maintained. Triaging projects and keeping the place looking nice, orderly and well kempt is important in keeping boarders happy and wanting to ride.

Taking care of the horses, though, is why I wanted to do this in the first place. The physical aspect is probably what most people think of first, and I love that part of it, but I am also always thinking about new ways to make things more efficient, keeping track of the weather, making mental notes about how the horses are acting or what their stalls look like in the morning and what is normal for each individual, deciding who is going out where, when and with who among other things.

When I think about what I like best, I think I like it all together. I like the combination of physical labor, critical thinking and the social aspect. Every day is different and it is never boring. If I could pick one task, though, that I look forward to every day it would be making up meals. Combining and measuring the different grains and supplements take me back to my chemistry days, and I thoroughly enjoy it.