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18 June 2009
Straightness
The Importance of Alignment
To have the competitive edge in any discipline it is important that your horse tracks in a straight line. Straightness if the foundation of balance. If your horse is over bent or tracking sideways, you have lost your foundation of balance. Executing any movement be it a half pass in dressage or jumping over a fence is best when your horse is straight.
How are you influencing your horse's ability to move straight? Is your body straight and in total alignment? Take a moment and look at your body in a full length mirror. Look at your shoulders - are they even on both sides? Find your hip bones - are they even? Look at your knees - do they line up? If your body is out of alignment and not symmetrical, then you are influencing the way your horse moves.
In dressage, the use of your seat bones is paramount. If these seat bones are uneven, and your body is crooked - your horse has very little chance of being straight himself. Imagine someone sitting on your shoulders perfectly square - imagine how this would feel. Now imagine someone sitting on your shoulders leaning to one side - try and walk in a straight line....
Chiropractic, yoga and Pilates - these will improve your frame and give you the edge you are looking for. Your horse will thank you as well.
Categories:
Riding
Posted by jenniferd at 9:20 PM | Link | 0 comments
29 May 2009
What Does Having a "Green" Facility Really Mean?
Navigating the new "buzz" words -
Developing a truly “green” equestrian amenity involves a comprehensive approach from beginning to end. Effective land planning decisions guide where an equestrian facility might best be located; on site design decisions work within the context of existing ecosystems and, and LEED certified design and construction supports sustainable facility operations and best management practices for the amenity.
To begin with, where a facility is located is the first step in developing a sustainable amenity. If an equestrian facility (and its associated community) is located far away from existing development, the environmental costs of transit, waste disposal and access to resources outweigh the “green” benefits of developing an equestrian facility. Finding ways to balance a “new ruralist” lifestyle with current Smart Growth techniques is one way an equestrian community and its associated facility can become a steward of the environment.
Once a site has been chosen that meets sustainable land use requirements, consideration should be given to regional issues, existing land cover, topography, and location of wetlands and sensitive natural areas when selecting the location of an equestrian facility on site. Developing with respect to the existing landscape and ecosystems is one of the first steps in creating a sustainable equestrian facility. Where you choose to locate your barn and covered arena, ancillary structures, pasture and circulation should always reflect the existing natural conditions onsite. A truly sustainable facility works with the existing landscape, not against it.
A truly “green” equestrian facility should also take into consideration stormwater management, onsite hay production and manure compositing. Stormwater management techniques such as pervious pavement options instead of asphalt or concrete, using bioswales to retain and filter stormwater before returning it to the ground, installing intensive green roofs to minimize runoff or utilizing a graywater catchments system to collect water for pasture or arena application are just a few ways to mitigate the environmental impacts of an equestrian facility. Conserving land for onsite hay production is yet another way an equestrian center can operate sustainably, especially as weather extremities threaten existing hay supplies nationwide. Manure management continues to be a buzzword in the equestrian community, and on site composting techniques are becoming more popular and easier for large-scale equestrian facilities to implement.
While standards for sustainable barn design currently do not exist, many of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED recommendations can be applied to barn design and construction. As stated previously, green roofs are highly beneficial for onsite mitigation of stormwater, and most barns consistently address natural lighting and ventilation concerns identified in the LEED for New Construction program. Utilizing existing standards in the design, construction and material selection of an equestrian facility is imperative when aspiring to create a truly “green” amenity.
Equestrian facilities are at an advantage to promote sustainable land use and construction practices nationwide. To be truly “green”, however, no one item listed above is enough. Sustainability is a comprehensive process, beginning with land use, site development choices, natural systems, green building design and sustainable site operations. While implementing any one of these measures is better than none, a truly “green” equestrian facility looks at how each step influences the next, and how a comprehensive approach produces superior results for horse, rider, and the environment both enjoy.
*The LEED Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.
About Equestrian Services, LLC:
Founded in 2000, Equestrian Services, LLC, provides turn-key equestrian amenities for communities, resorts and a few select municipal clients nationwide and designs and assists in creating efficient, aesthetically-pleasing, well-planned equestrian facilities. Services range from feasibility studies, geo demographic analysis, proforma budgeting, capital expenditure projections, programming, planning, design, and marketing all the way through equestrian facility operations management. Equestrian Services is headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia. For more information, visit www.equestrianservicesllc.com
Categories:
Planning & Design
Posted by jenniferd at 5:24 PM | Link | 0 comments
12 May 2009
It Does a Body Good.......
Centered Riding Clinic at O'Connor Signature at The Oaks
I was lucky enough to be able to participate in a wonderful clinic this past weekend at our O’Connor Signature facility at The Oaks of Lake City. We hosted a Centered Riding 2 day clinic taught by Heidi Potter who worked under the tutelage of the well respected and admired founder, Sally Swift. In this workshop, we focused and learned techniques on our body awareness and breathing.
Some people think of Centered Riding as yoga on horseback but it’s more about improving our balance, security and communication with our horse. What I discovered to be profound is how our mind can affect our riding. There were a couple of key aspects that I learned that I would like to share:
· Awareness of your body- I bet we would all be amazed if we really took the time to recognize situations where we stop breathing or clinch our knees or do other things out of habit. For example; humor me and follow this exercise for a minute.
o Cross your arms……
o Cross your arms again……
o Was it the same arm on top both times?
o Now try it the other way……. Does it feel weird?
The same thing can be tried with folding your hands. This proves to us that we are victims of habit and often will float through life and ride without being aware of our own bodies. Instead, practice using clear intent which we can all do through “ideokinesis” a word meaning “the idea you hold in your mind affects the way your body moves”.
· Glass half empty or full? One of the things that the clinician first asked us to do was to NOT think of a zebra…Now, what just happened as you read that? Bet you thought of a Zebra…J Precisely what we did too. She explained that our minds don’t process negatives. Instead it causes us to react in just the way that we are trying to avoid. If we say to ourselves when riding, “don’t get tight, don’t’ get tight, don’t get tight” …we usually end up..getting tight. Instead, if we change our thinking and tell ourselves to relax our breathing then our mind processes that information and we have positive images versus the negative.
· 75/25% Rule- Another profound realization was that she taught us to focus 75% of our energy on ourselves and 25% of our energy on the horse. If we are not correct then the horse cannot perform correctly. This can also be used in our teaching.
· Brakes?- Last but not least. I loved this thought for all riders out there that can tend to get too “handsy” with their half halts. We have all been there. Just remember, we don’t want to stop their mouth…we want to stop their feet!
Rhonda Gailey
Resident Equestrian Facility Manager
The Oaks Equestrian Center - an O'Connor Signature Facility
Categories:
Riding
Posted by jenniferd at 8:02 PM | Link | 0 comments
02 May 2009
UNDER HOOF
What You Need to Know About Arena Footing
A RIDING ARENA FOOTING PRIMER
Horse people tend to be very particular in their likes and dislikes. You can ask one hundred different horse people their opinion on one product and get almost one hundred different answers. Riding arena footing preferences are a great example of this. Opinions and likes vary from discipline to discipline and even from person to person within each separate discipline. Footing is the material found on the surface of an engineered riding arena. English arena riding falls basically into two categories: dressage and hunter/jumpers. Dressage enthusiasts typically like their footing a bit deeper than the jumpers. In the western disciplines, footing depths are generally split into two categories: barrel racing and reining. Here the reiners typically like their footing deeper than barrel racers. Footing depths generally vary between 2 and 5 inches, depending on material type and riding style.
The basic job of footing remains the same for all disciplines. It should cushion the horse’s hooves, and provide Discipline-appropriate traction (which includes the ability of the reining horses to slide). The footing should be non-toxic, odor free, and as dust free as possible. It should also be consistent through out the arena (i.e., level, of uniform depth and firmness, etc.). When deciding which footing is right for you and your horses – ride it before you buy it. A particular footing or additive may feel great in your hand and feel completely different under hoof. Find a facility that has the kind of footing you are considering and ride on it – most footing manufacturers can provide you with a list of farms using their product. It is also recommended that you talk to the people who use it regularly and those responsible for maintaining it. Pertinent questions to ask include: How many riders use the arena per day/week? When was the footing installed? How much did it cost (both material and installation)? How often is the arena groomed and with what tool? What they are using for dust control – and if water, how much, how often, and how applied? Answers to these questions will help you decide on the best footing to meet your riding needs, budget, and time/maintenance threshold.
The following sections describe a variety of footing materials and additives, but are by no means exhaustive. Every year new products arrive on the market and many may prove to be excellent. In any event, it is important to have clear expectations regarding the performance of your footing (as well as the manufacturer and the contractor installing the material). Footing can be very costly to install and even more costly to replace if you are dissatisfied. So it is very important to do your homework and make your decisions wisely.
Another important rule of thumb when installing your footing – less is more. Even on the most tightly compacted base there will be some co-mingling of base and footing (effectively increasing the volume of footing). Start with less material than you think you will need because it is much easier to add additional material to your arena, than to remove it.
STONE DUST FOOTING
Here in the east it is common to see arenas with a product known as stone dust (a.k.a. blue stone or #10 screenings) as the footing. Typically stone dust is used as the engineered base of the riding arena because it compacts well and does not contain large stones. Some excavators will compact the stone dust then add additional stone dust in its loose form as the footing on top. It is more difficult to maintain this type of arena as the tendency is for all of the material to become highly compacted. With no clear delineation between footing and base (as opposed to the footing in the next section) and the need for more frequent and aggressive harrowing to keep the riding surface from becoming rock-hard, it requires a skilled operator to keep the compacted material level (it will tend to have rolling waves) with a consistent “fluffy” layer above it. Stone dust is the lowest cost material to use as footing and may be appropriate for you if the additional maintenance needs and the possibility of a less level surface will not adversely affect your riding.
SAND FOOTING
By far the most common substance used for footing is sand. Sand is most frequently used as a stand-alone footing, but is also the used with other lofting agents (see below). Sand placed over an engineered base composed of compacted stone dust is fairly easy to maintain. Sand will not harden like stone dust and when dragging, one can differentiate between fluffing the sand and harrowing into the base. Sand is the next most affordable footing material after stone dust. While there are a wide variety of sands marketed to equestrians, a washed concrete sand (ASTM C-33) is a good place to start. To meet the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications, all C-33 sands must meet specific particle size requirements (i.e., they are washed to remove fine, dust-causing particles and screened to remove all larger pebbles and rocks). There are two broad categories of sand available: manufactured sand which is produced as a product from rock crushing, and natural sand which is mined from wherever it has been deposited (e.g., river bed sand or bank sand). The chemical composition of the material from which the sand is made will also affect its performance in the ring. Generally speaking, a hard (e.g., quartz), angular C-33 sand will resist breakdown and provide good traction in your arena.
LOFTING AGENTS
People often prefer to add a lofting agent to sand to help with active recovery, retain moisture, and to add more cushion and spring. This list is seemingly endless with new products coming on the market almost monthly. To date there are three major categories on the market: rubber/plastic products, fiber products, and wood products.
Rubber Products
A wide variety of rubber and plastic products are available for use as lofting agents for your arena. Some, like crumb rubber (made from recycled tires), have been around for many years. Others, including ground sneakers or tennis balls, shredded surgical rubber, and stripped electrical wire casings have come to market more recently. Rubber lofting agents provide additional cushioning for your riding surface. In addition, many (the crumb rubbers in particular) help retain moisture by some of the material “floating” to the top of the sand and creating a “lid” to keep moisture in. the darker colored materials also absorb heat from the sun and will stay rideable longer in cold weather than sand-only footings. When installed correctly, these footings can provide a low maintenance, all weather quality riding surface both indoors and out.
Any of these products may be ideal for your situation and many are quite costly. It is important to be clear on what you are buying and what to expect. Even within the crumb rubber footings, cost, quality, and guarantees will vary greatly. Again, try it before you buy it and look for clear (i.e., written) information on how the product will perform and how the manufacturer will stand behind their product.
Fabric/Fiber Products:
Fabric and fiber based lofting agents have been used in Europe for some time and are now finding their way into arenas on this side of the Atlantic. Synthetic felt is ground into small pieces and mixed with sand. Alternatively, the short fibers from which the felt is made is mixed with sand to create a cushioning and moisture retaining footing. The fabric or fibers create virtually no dust as they wear. These footings are perhaps best suited for indoor arenas as the fibers and fabric are quite light weight and have a tendency to be blown by the wind. As grinding the felt requires specialized machinery, there are few sources for the material and it is fairly expensive. It generally performs at its best when installed in an indoor arena and is consistently watered with an irrigation system.
Wood Products
Wood products can provide cushioning and moisture retention for a sand-based footing. Chips and shredded material can also vary in size and texture creating inconsistent footing. As they are organic, these products will eventually decompose and lead to dusty (if dry) or compacted and/or slippery (if wet) conditions in your arena. Engineered wood fiber products are more durable and consistent and reduce these issues. All wood products need to be replenished every couple of years (depending on conditions, arena traffic, etc.). Peat moss is another wood product used as an additive to arena footing. It can be mixed with other lofting agents to help maintain moisture content, but will only perform well if monitored and watered consistently. If not maintained properly, the peat moss dries and footings can become quite slippery.
COATED SAND
Another type of sand based footing is the polymer or wax coated sand. The polymer and wax coated sands are guaranteed to be dust free. In creating these materials, each individual particle of sand is coated to prevent dust. The material is engineered to have appropriate frictional characteristics for traction (it has the look and feel of brown sugar). Since it requires no water, it does not freeze. It does not compact so requires only minor grooming. Manufacturers offer differing claims of the durability of their products with the more durable being the more expensive. And expensive it can be. Footing for a 20m by 60m ring can cost between fifty and one hundred thousand dollars.
DUST CONTROL
Watering is still the most widely used form of dust control. It is safe and reliable. The most efficient method for watering an indoor arena is an overhead system. Overhead systems are very expensive, but provide the most consistent uniform coverage. Kickwall mounted rotor systems cannot provide even, consistent water coverage. By design, the circular spray pattern creates areas where the rotors overlap (that will tend to be wet) and areas where there are gaps between the sprays (that will be dry). This is less of an issue with outdoor arenas as rotors can be designed to only have overlap and the sloped base allows excess water to flow off the ring (like when it rains). New traveling irrigation systems are quite affordable and are very versatile in that you can use them in your indoor arena or outdoor arena. And they are quite efficient in putting down even, consistent water over the entire arena.
Some facilities are mixing in magnesium chloride in lieu of using an irrigation system to maintain a dust free riding environment. The main concern with magnesium chloride is the drying effect it may have on the horse’s hooves. If using magnesium chloride for freezing prevention or dust control, it is recommended you frequently oil/moisturize the hooves and rinse the hooves off after riding on the footing.
Another dust control procedure involves spraying a non-toxic synthetic liquid over the footing. Similar in principle to polymer coated sand, the liquid theoretically coats each particle of footing, trapping the dust in the sand. Regular harrowing is required to keep the materials properly mixed. With continued riding, both the sand and the liquid will degrade requiring additional applications every 6 to 12 months depending on use.
Michael M. Donovan – Arena Designer & Consultant Nationwide
Principal, Equestrian Services, LLC
Categories:
Planning & Design
Posted by jenniferd at 5:04 PM | Link | 0 comments
22 April 2009
Do What You Love
Making a Living in the Horse World
If your idea of combining horses and careers are limited to training or being sentenced to endless days of cleaning stalls in frigid or sweltering temperatures, think again. Not everyone has the ability to train horses, or the patience to be a riding instructor.
But some of us are brilliant with numbers, natural writers or skilled artists. There are ways to use your strengths to your benefit and find an equestrian-related occupation that is ideal for your particular talents.
The horse industry in America is thriving and any thriving industry needs qualified employees A recent economic impact study done by the Barents Group of Washington, DC, found that the horse industry’s $112.1 billion impact on the U.S. gross domestic product is higher than contributions from the motion picture industry.
An industry that produces goods and services worth $25.3 billion and involves 7.1 million people needs employees to keep it running. The 1.4 million full-time jobs provided by the horse industry rank above employment numbers for railroads, radio and television broadcasting and gas and coal product manufacturing, according to the study.
So what are these 1.4 million people with horse industry jobs doing? You name a field and there is probably an equestrian need for it. From hands-on horse care positions to horse-related careers, there is something for everyone.
Working as a barn manager, instructor or groom will give you daily contact with these amazing creatures we find ourselves drawn to. There are numerous ways to earn a living working directly with horses - teaching young children or adults how to ride, exercising racehorses, grooming for a professional rider, managing breeding operations or becoming an equine vet, for example.
As with any job, lots of experience helps. For a long time, there were few ways to discern those qualified and with an adequate amount of knowledge from those who knew just enough to, at best, get by and, at worst, be dangerous. More and more colleges and universities across the country are developing equine degree programs, offering quality training, experience and validity for students once they graduate.
Having a degree or obtaining certification through a respected organization will set you apart from the pack. There are training and instructor certification programs available through the Certified Horsemanship Association ( http://www.cha-ahse.org/ ), the American Riding Instructors Association ( http://www.riding-instructor.com/index.php ) and with breed organizations like the United States Dressage Federation ( http://www.usdf.org/Menu/index.asp ), for example. Several groups are now offering stable management certifications – a great way to legitimize your horse handling and care abilities. Preparing yourself for the workforce with qualifications like these is an important step in changing what we refer to as the “emotional slavery” mentality in the horse business.
People are expected to work with horses because they love horses, not because they make a decent salary that can support themselves and their families.
Doing a job you love should not mean living paycheck to paycheck without basic benefits like health care and vacation that employees in other industries receive.
Changing this attitude is one of the main goals of Equestrian Management, LLC, which is seeking qualified and certified candidates for the equestrian facilities they manage in an effort to end the high turnover rates found in so many equine jobs. This benefits facility owners and staffs equally, as these proud and loyal employees work harder to create a better service for the owners to offer to their customers.
Let’s not forget the other and equally important side of the horse industry, where your job may not involve touching a horse everyday but your work can be instrumental in the way horses are cared for and viewed.
There are too many facets of the horse world requiring educated and skilled employees to name. But just scratch the surface and you can see the multitude of opportunities.
If you never go anywhere without your camera, maybe a career as an equine photographer is up your alley. Are you a whiz with numbers? Large breeding farms and equine product manufacturers need accountants. Scientists can do genetic research and nutrition management. There is a need for lawyers to specialize in equine law.
If you are an equestrian and a landscape architect or land planner, you would be ideal for a position here at Equestrian Services, LLC. Spend your days planning and designing equestrian facilities, communities and resorts. This is just one example of an unusual way to put your professional skills to use in the equestrian world.
Whether it’s as a marketing director for a breed organization or as a hunter/jumper trainer, there is a niche to be filled and an industry to keep expanding, which makes it easier and easier to find a career in it.
Categories:
EQSV
Posted by jenniferd at 4:18 PM | Link | 0 comments
14 March 2009
Eyes Up
Important Riding Tips
“Eyes Up!”
If you are like most riders, you have been taught to look beyond the jump obstacle in your approach. I was definitely taught this way and it wasn’t until a few years ago that I learned that it wasn’t the best way. The problem with this is that you will never “get” your timing. Timing is when you will be able to predict your stride in front of the obstacle. You will be able to get this more accurately if you actually SEE the obstacle. Your timing will immediately improve if you watch the obstacle in your approach.
You should focus on the top rail until it disappears between your horse’s ears. Look at the front rail of your oxers, top rail of your verticals and the back rail of your triples. Timing is a skill that develops over years and years of jumping and you won’t instantly have the perfect “spot” but in the meanwhile, you will be able to develop a more steady rhythm to the jump. You should still have your eyes up but on the top- not beyond.
Rhonda Gailey
Resident Equestrian Facility Manager
The Oaks Equestrian Center - an O'Connor Signature Facility
Categories:
Riding
Posted by jenniferd at 10:31 AM | Link | 0 comments
03 March 2009
Staff Retention
Top 6
Want to know how to attract and keep good staff?
Research shows that employees:
- Value training and continued education
- Value challenging and meaningful tasks
- Will stay when an amiable team environment is fostered where each staff member’s contributions count
- Are content when good managers are hired who provide solid leadership
- Enjoy their work and will stay when proven employees are allowed to work autonomously and to be accountable for their work
- Value flexibility in terms of working hours and comp. time when needed is offered
When possible, but surprisingly less important if competitive wages are already being offered, bonuses and raises are also welcome rewards.
Jennifer Donovan
Principal
Equestrian Services, LLC
Equestrian Management, LLC
Categories:
Management
Posted by jenniferd at 8:30 PM | Link | 0 comments
25 February 2009
Horses for Healing
Out of the Box Programming
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, or EAP, is a type of solution-focused, experiential therapy, which involves horses, a licensed Clinical Therapist and an Equine Specialist. Participants learn about themselves through interaction with horses on the ground in a non-directive, non-verbal approach. (No riding is involved.) During the activities, feelings, behaviors and patterns unfold, and afterward, the Clinical Therapist discusses what did or did not happen. Clients experience the reality of choices, attitudes and consequences in real time. This therapy increases self-discovery, creativity, self-confidence and leadership.
This type of therapy has been used to work with people to help overcome various behavioral issues, Attention Deficit Disorder, Traumas (PTSD), Domestic Violence, Substance Abuse, Eating Disorders, Anger Management, Conflict Resolution, Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Loss, Communication and Relationship issues to name a few. It has been used very effectively with individuals, families, and corporate retreats for team building and leadership.
Equestrian Management, LLC
Categories:
Management
Posted by jenniferd at 7:39 AM | Link | 0 comments
08 February 2009
Why you need an Expert
Planning, Designing and Managing the Equestrian Amenity
If you were developing a golf course for a resort or community, would you rely on your friend who plays golf to create a golf course and club for you?
Could he/she run feasibility studies, operational and capital budgeting, and planning, detailed design and then manage it for you? I seriously doubt anyone would put their golf amenity at risk in this way. So then why do developers ask and rely on people who ride horses to be their equestrian amenity consultants?
An equestrian amenity in many ways is even more complicated than golf –
- We are dealing with a living, breathing animal that is often considered a family member – so it is highly emotional
- It is also a business model that cannot be a profit center – it will need to be subsidized so running detailed operational parameters for start up through steady state and either creating an HOA subsidy or a Club membership program is of paramount importance
- Mixed demographic with different needs and likes and dislikes… there is a no “one size fits all model”.
- The equestrian industry lacks a standard of professionalism and the vendor/concessionaire model has failed time and again – one of the keys to success is hospitality style management and continuity of service – the options for management are limited.
- We typically have seen amenities overbuilt with no understanding about designing and programming to a target market and then phasing construction along with sales.
Planning and executing an equestrian amenity is complicated and needs experienced professionals who understand the nuances so they can help ensure the model is economical for the long term and the ROI makes sense for all the stakeholders.
Jennifer K. Donovan
Principal
Equestrian Services, LLC - Developing the Equestrian Lifestyle
Equestrian Management, LLC
Categories:
Planning & Design
Posted by jenniferd at 9:44 AM | Link | 0 comments
05 February 2009
Practice Makes Perfect?
he old saying goes that Practice makes Perfect, but I have learned that Perfect Practice makes perfect. We all know that we become victims of habit. If we practice something incorrectly over and over, then we perform it incorrectly when the time comes to demonstrate. Each day when you ride; whether it be for pleasure or show, ensure that you are paying careful attention to devote 100% of your attention to your horse and what it is you want to accomplish during that ride. So many of us get caught up in our "day jobs" that we don't deflate before riding. Mental preparation is a crucial part of riding at every level and discipline. Those who can handle the stress and distractions of the day are the ones who will grow and learn and become successful riders whether it be a trail ride or in the show ring. They prepare mentally as well as physically. They visualize, they accomplish their performance goals, and quite often, they win. Spend time with yourself or with your trainer perfecting your riding and then it will become second nature so that you have one thing less to stress about. Perfect your Practice!
Rhonda Gailey
Resident Equestrian Facility Manager
The Oaks Equestrian Center - an O'Connor Signature Facility
Categories:
Riding
Posted by jenniferd at 4:50 PM | Link | 0 comments
23 January 2009
Stress Relief
Spend Some Extra Time in the Company of Horses
Every day the news comes, and every day it seems to be more bad news. I would venture to say that everyone has been touched by the economic meltdown in some way. Jobs are being shed at an alarming rate, and the value of our homes continue to decline.
The best way to deal with anxiety and stress is to get one's mind off the bad news. High-tail it to the barn and spend extra time just watching the horses, or if you are lucky and have access to a horse, spend some extra time grooming the horse or hand grazing the horse. If you are one of the super lucky - go for a long, relaxing trail ride. Just focus your attention 100% on the horse.
I guarantee you will feel better. Sunny side up! Things will improve soon.
Categories:
Riding
Posted by jenniferd at 4:14 PM | Link | 0 comments
12 January 2009
Appreciation
A Key to Business & Personal Success
I have been thinking about what makes a better working environment, especially within the equestrian industry. What are some of the qualities that would help make things better that are easy to attain without spending lots of money or time?
How about working on your attitude? Are you one of those people that see the glass half full... or half empty? Are you Eeyore?& Or Winnie the Pooh?
In this economic crisis, I am continually surprised when I hear people complain about their job, whether it is about the lack of benefits, or they don't like a certain policy, or they think that things are not happening to their liking fast enough or not unfolding the way they want it to unfold.
When you step back from your situation and apply a worldly view... you may find that you could be appreciative that you have a job at all. The U.S. is shedding jobs at an alarming rate and every day the unemployment numbers rise, yet I find it amazing to hear people complain about work or complain that they live pay check to paycheck - when there are so many who no longer have a job or a paycheck. And if you take this view even larger to the world - there are millions who are starving to death, who live with dirt floors, no clean water and no electricity. Some in certain parts of the world live in constant fear of being killed at any moment.
Come on fellow Americans - let us find daily reasons to be thankful. They can be small, as small as giving thanks for the air to breath and giving thanks for the sunshine. If we choose to see things differently – then suddenly everything can change.
I have a suggestion… for each of you and for the love of horses. Give thanks and find gratitude for the horses themselves and give thanks that you have them in your life. It is an honor and a privilege.
When you are appreciative, you greet people warmly and listen more deeply. I recently read that 7% of people leave their jobs because their bosses didn’t greet them. Say hello to everyone you can. Once you are grateful for everything that you have, you will become a team leader who inspires loyalty, increased productivity and a happier environment which translates into people wanting to work for you.
Living with grace and bringing gratitude into your daily life will help foster happiness which translates to business success and personal success.
All the best,
Jennifer Donovan
Principal
Equestrian Services, LLC - Developing the Equestrian Lifestyle
Categories:
Management
Posted by jenniferd at 6:25 PM | Link | 0 comments
06 January 2009
Helpful Feeding Tip
Being Prepared for Any Situation
 The only constant in life is change. Sooner or later your staff at your barn will change, someone will leave unexpectedly, someone may get injured, you may find yourself without help for a few hours, or even a few days depending on the circumstances.
As we all know, the consistent feeding and watering of our horses is paramount to their well being and good health. So being prepared for any and all situations is a helpful tool. In facilities we have designed, we design the stalls so anyone can feed without having to enter the stall. Water is automatic, and feed doors allow for hay and grain to be deposited without entering the stall. You may be asking why this is important? As fellow equestrians, we all know that our horse handling skills are unique and learned over many years of working with horses. Even with our years of experience, we would all feel different levels of comfort entering a stall of an unfamiliar horse. So if for some reason there is a situation at the barn and you are left short handed, we suggest you create a plan so anyone could do the feeding (including a non horse person).
 I suggest you create a “Feeding the Horses for Dummies” Manual. You have seen these yellow and black books in the book store – they are a “prolific series of instructional books which are intended to present non-intimidating guides for readers new to the various topics covered”. I am suggesting you create a “Feeding the Horses for Dummies” Manual and openly display it in your feeding room.
Step One – clearly mark each stall with a stall number and create a chart with the name of stall and the horse’s name and a brief description (i.e. Chestnut Mare).
Step Two – clearly mark all feed, supplements and medications – this is really important.
Step Three – have a scoop or measurement device that is clear without any confusion so quantity of grain or medications is clear and precise – make sure you have lines on your coffee cans for measuring or even better, get a scoop with measuring lines already on it.
Step Four – step by step, write the process down for feeding. For example, if you drop hay first, explain where the hay is, draw a diagram if necessary showing the hay storage area, explain what a flake is – make the directions 100% fool proof so anyone off the street could do it.
Step Five – test it. Grab a friend or family member one day and have them run through the feeding drill. See what worked and what needs to be explained further.
By creating your “Feeding the Horses for Dummies” Manual and performing this drill you have not only tested your manual – you have actually secretly trained an emergency helper.
 What is triage? Triage is the process of prioritizing in order of importance. This is what you are doing in case of an emergency – water and feed are your number one concern, turn out and cleaning the stalls can wait for an experienced horse person’s arrival. In an emergency or in the midst of a staffing crisis, your horses are fed and cared for. Leave the picking, cleaning and turn-out for the experienced horse handler – the horses will be okay left in for a day or until an experienced horse person can get to the facility.
If you have experienced horse handlers available to help in an emergency, then also create a segment in your “Feeding the Horses for Dummies” Manual on turnout procedures. Make sure you number and diagram paddocks, explain in great detail turn out schedules and pasture buddies, personalities of the horses (i.e. one likes to bolt after you remove the halter or another likes to kick out and run off) and also include booting requirements – again, write it all with diagrams and run a drill.
Jennifer K. Donovan
Principal
Equestrian Services, LLC - Developing the Equestrian Lifestyle
Categories:
Management
Posted by jenniferd at 9:17 AM | Link | 1 comment
27 December 2008
Good Bye 2008.....
Happy New Year - 2009
There is no doubt that many of us are looking forward to putting 2008 to bed. It was a difficult year for so many reasons. While I read many sources for financial and economic forecasts, I am at least beginning to see some common themes. I am beginning to see the bottom somewhere between now and the middle of 2009 with a slow recovery on its way.
From our business perspective, projects are slowly beginning to thaw after being deep in the freezer. If a recovery starts in earnest 2010 and 2011, then planning and design projects will start back up with construction moving through 2010 with product ready to move again in 2011.
We are wishing all our colleagues, associates and friends a Happy & Prosperous New Year.
Categories:
EQSV
Posted by jenniferd at 1:29 PM | Link | 0 comments
04 December 2008
Successful Management Tips
Staff & Client Relations
In my many years of managing staff and client relationships, I have learned a few things along the way. In my experience there are two (2) concepts that are paramount to success.
The first is managing expectations. This concept is the foundation which both your staff and client relationships are based upon. This occurs the moment you open your mouth to speak about a job description or a service you provide. To create this foundation for success, one must plan in advance and think through to the future. Nine times out of ten this occurs in an unconscious manner. To run a successful business means you must have good staff relations and good client relations. Preparation is the key to this success. If you make promises or set expectations that you cannot keep, you are doomed for failure. This applies to both staff and clients. Think through the management of a staff member and be realistic in the job description and in your expectations. Have these both conveyed in verbal and written communication. In addition, you must create a process whereby you have measures for your success. Waiting a full year to give feedback in a review of an employee is ineffective. This is also catastrophic in client relationships. Create a forum where you can collect feedback from your clients, collect feedback from your staff and provide direction to your staff – this will allow you to “manage” the relationship and have opportunities to make course corrections all along the way.
The second concept is the art of listening. In this day and age of multitasking, this is a very hard task to master. When you are meeting with an employee or a client, giving them 100% of your undivided attention is a true blessing that will make you a great leader. The practice of listening is a true art form. Notice the word “practice” in relation to the art of listening. Just like meditation, this is a practice. If you are in conversation with a staff member or client and you find your mind is wandering, gently bring yourself back into the "now "– into the present moment and focus on hearing and listening to what is being said. This technique can permeate your entire life and also enhance you personal relationships.
“Listening is an art that when done well delivers tremendous benefits. The goal of listening well is to achieve win-win communication. Win-win communication not only fosters understanding, affirmation, validation and appreciation, but it also creates an atmosphere of trust, honor and respect. When someone truly listens to you, don't you feel special?” – Terry Wildemann
So whenever you are in the presence of another... just listen. You will be amazed at the transformations that can occur.
If you can master these two techniques, I guarantee you will see immediate results.
Jennifer Donovan
Principal
Equestrian Services, LLC
Equestrian Management, LLC
Categories:
Management
Posted by jenniferd at 9:06 AM | Link | 0 comments
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