BarnManager Q&A With: Kerri Short
May 18, 2023| | in category BarnManager Q&A, Uncategorized No comments yet

BarnManager Q&A With: Kerri Short

Kerri Short, manager and groom for Anna Marek of Marek Dressage based out of Ocala, FL, and Dunnellon, FL

What are three things that are always in your ring bag and why?

The first thing I always make sure I have in my ring bag is a towel for wiping off boots, horse slobber, or anything else. I also keep silver spray just in case there are any last-minute nicks or scrapes. The third thing is sugar cubes for the good ponies! There are a lot of other things that are always in my ring bag but those are my top three.

What’s something you learned early in your career that has stuck with you?

Early in my career I learned that happy, healthy, shiny horses are due to good feed, grooming, and management.

Who inspires you the most in the industry and why?

Photo courtesy of Kerri Short

I would say there is no one person in particular who inspires me. Anyone who has made the horse industry, grooming in particular, their livelihood is inspirational. It can be a tough life, so I admire a lot of professionals and grooms that continue to always do a nice job and care for their horses. The love the equine industry “lifers” have for the horses is pretty awesome.

What is your best tip for staying organized during a busy show day?

A white board! It is so important to write down all the times, schedules, and other important information about what needs to happen during the day. A white board is perfect for this because you can write down a lot of notes and easily make any changes.

What is one horse show you have never been to but would love to attend?

When I was an event groom, I always wanted to go to Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials. In the dressage world, any of the team shows, like the Olympics, Pan American Games, or World Championships, are high on my list.

Mares, geldings, or stallions? Why?

I think a good horse is a good horse!

If you were a horse, what would you be and why?

I would probably a short Cob horse. I would definitely hate flies and want all the fly gear!

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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What To Know Before Taking a Job as a Barn Manager or Groom
May 4, 2023| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

Job hunting in the equestrian industry can be hard. Positions with the same title can have vastly different expectations, responsibilities, and benefits. Before accepting a position as a groom or barn manager make sure you understand the details about what you will be asked to do. Keep reading for BarnManager’s key questions to ask during a job interview. 

Job Responsibilities

The biggest question to ask when considering a job or during the interview is finding out what your responsibilities will be. For example, get clear on whether the role is specifically grooming, barn managing, or doing a combination of several things. Find out ahead of time if office work will be involved, such as ordering hay, making hotel reservations, or submitting entries so you understand more about what your days and weeks on the job will involve. The more questions you ask about the employer’s expectations for the role and what it takes to be successful in it, the more you will know whether or not it is a good fit for you.

Size and Business Model

Another factor to think about when considering a job is the number of employees and horses at the facility on average. Also ask how many people do certain jobs, including the role you are interested in performing. This information will help you understand how much teamwork or sharing of responsibilities is expected and how busy everyone is throughout a typical day. Find out about the barn’s business model as well. Sales operations run very differently than boarding faciltiies, and competition-focused or discipline-specific stables have different expectations than pleasure, trail, or big lesson barns.

Riding Opportunities

Photo by Jump Media

While some people want riding opportunities as part of their employment, others do not. Either way, it is a good idea to ask if it will be required or if it is an option. Some farms offer occasional flatting opportunities to staff members while others expect staff to ride several horses a day. Get clear on this important topic during the interview so everyone involved is on the same page ahead of time.

Show or Travel Schedule

If you are applying for a position at a show barn, make sure you know the annual competition schedule. Even if the job calls for you to stay home, understanding how often the barn’s horses, customer, and staff are on the road is crucial. Additionally, whether the position is based at home or goes to shows, it’s also useful to have an idea about how many staff members and horses stay or go during the various show seasons and for how long. For example, you may not want to accept a position where you would be left at home in charge of caring for half of the the barn’s horses if most of the other employees are away at the shows.

Days Off

This question is extremely important to ask for any job in the equestrian industry. Days off are not always guaranteed every week, especially at show barns, so having an understanding of what is expected ahead of time is essential to being happy with the position if you decide to accept an offer.

Staff Turnover

Although this one can be tricky to ask directly, do your best to learn about the workplace culture at the barn. Ask about longtime staff members and try to get an idea about how long other employees have been working there, including those who have held the position they are looking to fill. A job or an organization with high turnover could mean that workloads are unreasonable or employees are not treated well.

Job hunting is challenging so make sure to gather as much information as you can about a role you are interested in to help make an educated decision about whether or not it is a good fit for you.

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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Keeping Your Stable Safe & Secure During Competitions
April 7, 2023| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

by US Equestrian Communications Department

With show season moving into full swing in many parts of the country, it’s important as a barn owner, stable manager, or exhibitor that you remain vigilant and prioritize safety and security in your stabling area, particularly at a competition. Unintended contamination, trespassing, and stealing are all behaviors or outcomes that can occur if your stables aren’t protected and secure. We’re providing a few tips and recommendations on how to ensure your stable and the horses in your care stay safe at a competition.

Tips & Recommendations

  • You are responsible for your stable and the horses in your care at a competition. Ensure that your staff and clients understand best security protocols and practices and are educated in keeping the stabling area safe and secure. Be conscious of how you are monitoring your stabling area, both during the day and after hours.
    • Safety and security measures should or can include stall and tack room cameras, locks on medicine cabinets, securing tack and equipment, and closing trunks when unattended–all simple ways of protecting your property and your horses.
    • Lock stable doors when they’re not in use to prevent trespassing or unwanted access/entry by others.

Continue reading on US Equestrian.

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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Tips From the Pros: Buying a Farm with Martha W. Jolicoeur
March 19, 2023| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

Deciding to buy your own farm is a decision not to be taken lightly. Understanding the process and knowing what properties will align with your needs are crucial factors to consider. BarnManager spoke with Martha W. Jolicoeur, one of the top-ranked real estate agents catering exclusively to equestrian clientele in Wellington, FL, to learn from her experience and expertise.

What are some important first steps a person should take when they decide to start looking for a farm?

When you start the process of looking for a farm you want to make sure you know what your budget is, especially when looking at equestrian properties. It’s important to hire a realtor you trust who comes recommended and specializes in horse farms.

What’s the first thing you look for when you walk into a farm, and what are a few other important qualities or features to look for?

As always in real estate, it’s all about location, location, location. Other features or qualities depend on what the buyer is looking for. For example, if you’re in Florida seasonally, you may need less land than if you’re here for a longer period of time. When looking at equestrian properties, it is important to remember that the maintenance of a property in Florida during the summer months is more than what is required in the winter; it rains every day in the summer, and everything grows really quickly.

Another important feature people who have experience working at a horse farm often look for is the ability to see the paddocks from the barn. Also, walkers are currently an important feature for many buyers. A farm that has a covered walker, or room to install one, is highly desirable.

Are there any features you consider to be absolute dealbreakers?

Anything that would be dangerous to the animals is a dealbreaker. Everything should be in a good state of repair. For example, there should be no nails sticking out in the stabling or fencing. If you’re selling, make sure the fencing is painted and looks nice because fencing is important and makes a strong first impression. For the barn itself, you want neutral colors. A barn that is painted in darker colors often looks dated which is a turn-off.

Are there certain features that are often overlooked but important when looking to purchase a farm?

Drainage is an essential feature for any barn. Also, having shade for the horses in the paddocks is often overlooked but is so important. It is a good idea to consider the direction of the barn and if it catches the wind. Having a breeze blowing through a barn aisle in the summer months is a great quality. Specific to barns in warmer climates, understand that rubber pavers do not do well in the sun. Many people are now using a poured rubber instead, which is easy to clean. You want to look for a surface that is attractive and can stand the test of time. If there is light footing in the ring, you don’t want a dark aisle surface that immediately shows the sand when you come into the barn.

Although shopping for an equestrian property is an exciting experience, it is also a large investment. In order to find a property that will best suit your needs, it is important to do your homework and to work with a knowledgeable realtor who understands the nuances of the market.

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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Must-Watch Live Streams in March and April
March 3, 2023| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

March and April promise an exciting lineup of competitions to enjoy. Keep reading to find out where to watch some of the top jumping, eventing, and dressage competitions for the next two months.

Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field: March 3-4, 2023

Kick off the 2023 eventing show season with Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field taking place at the Aiken Horse Park Foundation in Aiken, SC. Watch top athletes such as William Fox-Pitt, Will Faudree, Phillip Dutton, Liz Halliday-Sharp, Boyd Martin, and Doug Payne compete.

Where to watch: Horse & Country

Desert Circuit Week IV: March 14-19, 2023

Enjoy hunter, jumper, and equitation competition from the Desert International Horse Park in La Quinta, CA. Week IV of the circuit features four-star show jumping classes as well as World Championship Hunter Rider competition.

Where to watch: ClipMyHorse.TV

Live Oak International: March 16-19, 2023

Live Oak International in Ocala, FL, is the largest international level combined driving and show jumping competition in the country. The highlight show jumping class of the week will be the $222,600 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Ocala presented by Lugano Diamonds. This will be the final qualifier for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League.

Where to watch: ClipMyHorse.TV

Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI: March 16-19, 2023

The Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI and Horse Trial will take place at the Carolina Horse Park in Raeford, NC. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this horse show will feature four-star, three-star, two-star, and one-star eventing competition.

Where to watch: Horse & Country

Saut Hermès: March 17-19, 2023

Saut Hermès takes place at the breathtaking Grand Palais Éphémère overlooking the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. The event highlights five-star and Under 25 show jumping competition. On Saturday, March 18, viewers can watch Le Saut Hermès CSI5* and the Prix du 24 Faubourg CSI5*. Saut Hermès will come to an end on Sunday, March 19, with the Grand Prix Hermès CSI5*.

Where to watch: Horse & Country

Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF): April 1, 2023

The highlight show jumping event of WEF is the $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* taking place during the final week of the circuit at Wellington International, in Wellington, FL. The class will be held on Saturday evening under the lights in the International Arena.

Where to watch: Wellington International

FEI World Cup™ Finals Omaha 2023: April 4-8, 2023

The FEI World Cup™ Finals Omaha 2023 will take place at the CHI Health Center Omaha in Omaha, NE. The world’s best Jumping, Dressage, and Vaulting horse-and-rider combinations will be in attendance and vying for top championship titles.

Where to watch: ClipMyHorse.TV

Longines Global Champions Tours (LGCT) Miami Beach: April 12-15, 2023

Enjoy high-level show jumping with a beautiful backdrop of the ocean. LGCT Miami Beach features five-star, two-star, and Global Champions League competition in Miami, FL.

Where to watch: GCTV

World Equestrian Center – Ocala April Dressage CDI3*: April 13-16, 2023

Enjoy top-caliber dressage competition at World Equestrian Center – Ocala in Ocala, FL. The horse show will include three-star competition as well as USEF/USDF-rated classes.

Where to watch: ClipMyHorse.TV

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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Tips for Bringing Your Dog to the Barn
February 9, 2023| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

Many people have dogs that go everywhere with them, including the barn. If you work at a barn or plan to spend the majority of your day there it is nice to have your dog with you. Although dogs often can be seen running around freely at stables, there are rules that should be followed in order to do this safely.

Check for Barn Rules

Before you decide to bring your dog to the barn ask the owner and/or trainer about their rules for allowing dogs on the property. Do not assume you know the rules because every stable is different. Some barns do not allow dogs at all, while others will allow dogs but only on a leash. Even when the owner or trainer brings their dogs to the barn, that may not mean other people’s dogs are permitted.

Know Your Dog’s Behavior

Even if your barn allows dogs, think hard about how your pet might react in that environment. For example, consider your dog’s behavior with other animals, people, kids, and in a busy environment. If your dog gets anxious easily, is not good on a leash, or wanders off then bringing them to the barn may not be wise. Knowing how your dog may react under these conditions is important for everyone’s safety. Consider bringing your dog for a trial run on a day when you can spend time with them. Keep your dog on a leash and observe their behavior and reactions before deciding whether another visit will work. Also consider spending time reviewing basic training skills with them while you are in the barn environment.

Safety First

Even if you have a well-behaved dog, you must still take certain precautions to ensure the safety of others at the barn. For example, if someone is getting on a spooky or green horse and your dog is lying next to the arena, it may be best to move them away so they do not accidentally scare the horse. Similarly, do not let your dog roam free in or near the ring when a beginner is getting on to ride. Even the best-behaved dogs can have moments where they decide to chase after a bird or bark at a squirrel, and you do not want to be responsible for someone falling off their horse because of your dog. Remember that you are accountable if your dog spooks a horse, bites a person, or chews on a tack trunk. Although these are worst-case scenarios and many dogs successfully spend time at the barn, it is necessary to consider and understand the risks.

Also think about safety concerns for your dog when you bring them to the barn. You do not want them to get kicked by a horse or eat something poisonous. Always keep an eye on your dog, especially if they are loose, in order to prevent a dangerous situation from occurring.

Make Sure Your Dog Is Comfortable

If your dog is going to spend time at the barn be sure they are comfortable first. You may want to purchase a bed, water bowl, or pen that you can set up so they can rest and feel safe. Even if you decide you are comfortable allowing them to be loose most of the time, it is nice for your dog to have a quiet spot that is theirs, especially during times when they cannot roam free.

While spending the whole day with your horse and dog sounds ideal, it is important to acknowledge the responsibilities that come along with bringing your dog to the barn.

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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Tips for Competing in a Night Class
February 2, 2023| | in category Tips and Tricks No comments yet

Competing in a night class under the lights can be overwhelming for both horse and rider. Although it is technically just another class, the atmosphere can be intimidating, especially if it is your first time. Continue reading for a few tips from BarnManager on how to successfully conquer a night class.

Practice Under the Lights

Photo by Jump Media

Competing under the lights is very different from showing during the day. It may take your horse a little time to adjust to the different lighting and shadows that can appear. If possible, it is best to ride your horse in this type of setting before entering the show ring with them. Some horse shows allow hacking in the ring the morning before the show starts while the lights are still on. This is a great way to allow your horse to experience the effects of lighting in the ring and on the jumps themselves. Riding in these early morning conditions can also help you identify sections of the arena that may become spookier as the light changes. Another option is to arrange to visit a nearby farm that has an outdoor arena with lights where you can practice at night.

Plan Your Horse’s Schedule

When you show during the day you typically prepare your horse in the morning. When competing in a night class, it makes sense to rethink your preparation schedule. For example, you will probably want to lunge and/or ride your horse later in the day than usual. It is important to think through this new schedule to avoid your horse being in its stall all day or rushing last minute to lunge them.

Feed at an Appropriate Time

When competing in a night class, be sure to feed both yourself and your horse before the start of the competition. Plan your horse’s meal early enough to allow them time to properly digest their food before going to work. Depending on when the class starts and where you go in the order, you may be able to eat dinner beforehand as well. Even if you prefer not to eat a full meal before competing, make time to have a healthy snack before you show.

Organize Equipment

Night classes can bring out a lot of nerves in riders, so it is important to plan ahead to help you feel as relaxed as possible. Organize and set out all of your equipment early.  Think through the timing of your day since it will be very different than your typical show schedule. Write it down on paper or on your phone so you can refer to it when you get busy. These kinds of steps will allow you to focus on your plan for the night class instead of worrying about lots of last-minute details. Consider also laying out and organizing your aftercare products and wraps so that process will go smoothly once you are done showing. Night classes often require early mornings and late nights so having everything in place can help save time and energy.

Photo by Jump Media

Complete Additional Tasks Early

Plan to complete any additional tasks you have scheduled for that day as early as possible so you have time to focus on the night class. This may include riding other horses, organizing equipment, finishing up work-related items, or doing schoolwork. You do not want to be distracted while you are trying to get your horse ready, walk the course, create your plan, or watch other riders go in the class. Make sure you leave enough time for yourself to take a moment at the ring and go over your strategy for the course.

Take a Breath and Enjoy

In the end, a night class is just another competition. Do not put too much pressure on yourself, and remember to trust the partnership you have with your horse. Before you enter the ring, take a deep breath, pet your horse, and make sure to enjoy the learning experience.

While showing under the lights may look like a piece of cake when you watch the live streams, it is often a difficult setting for certain riders and horses. Successfully competing in a night class is a skill that requires practice, preparation, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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Tips To Monitor the Financial Health of Your Business
January 12, 2023| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

By Dora Bennett / Pro-Office Support LLC

In the equestrian business, we tend to spend the majority of our time in the stable, leaving little time for office operations that are essential to the barn’s financial health. Keep reading for tips from guest blogger Dora Bennett of Pro-Office Support LLC on important areas to monitor in order to effectively run your business.

Feeding Chart

Every stable uses a feeding chart as an essential tool to keep track of changes in diet, medication, and supplements. It is important to proactively keep it updated for the health of the horses, but have you ever thought about how not billing those updates can affect the financial health of your business? Adjustments as simple as changing a horse’s grain, upping the amount of grain, or purchasing a supplement on behalf of a client can all have a financial impact on your revenue. The prices of grain and hay are always fluctuating. Neglecting to reflect an updated cost in your billing is something that is easily overlooked and causes the stable to absorb the increased cost. Constantly updating and managing your barn’s feed chart can be tedious but it is extremely important for the financial side of your business.
(Did you know? BarnManager has a feeding chart feature that allows you to update information, share changes with your staff, and make the adjustments easily available for billing.)

Training and Lessons

If your stable has a lesson or training program, it is necessary to keep track of each session for billing purposes. Managers, riders, and trainers must record each lesson or training ride in an organized system. This will ensure that you are charging for each session and sticking to the allotted time period. We all know the saying time is money, and this is the perfect example.
(Did you know? With BarnManager, users can quickly input each lesson or training ride into the calendar feature, which makes scheduling, planning, and billing a breeze.)

Boarding

Most barns offer boarding as a service. Some stables offer several boarding options to clients depending on the level of care and training they want. When was the last time you sat down to figure out the actual costs required to board each horse? Do this regularly to account for significant price changes for critical supplies like hay, shavings, and grain. Also, consider what items are included in your board to be sure you are properly billing for extra services you provide. If your barn includes all services in full-care boarding, make sure the fee takes all costs for those services into consideration. If you monitor these changes throughout the year, you will be better prepared to set your rates when it comes time to announce adjustments to your boarders.
(Did you know? With BarnManager Pro, users can analyze revenue and even break it down by client, horse, product, or service.)

Proper Management of Your Barn’s Books

Proper management of your barn’s books is essential to the financial health of your business. It is difficult for most busy stable owners to find time to work on the books, and it is often after a long day at the barn. When the financials are not well maintained, it is hard to properly understand the financial health of your business. Finding an accounting person, service, or software product that also understands the equestrian business can make this task much easier.
(Did you know? BarnManager Pro’s accounting and business management features help users more easily analyze the financial side of their business by simplifying the invoicing process, allowing safe and secure payments, and integrating with QuickBooks Online.)

Although these tasks are time-consuming and require consistency, they are essential for properly keeping track of your business’s finances. Thankfully, there are accounting services and software products, such as BarnManager, that can help you understand your barn’s financial health.

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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Six New Year’s Resolutions for Equestrians
January 6, 2023| | in category Uncategorized No comments yet

Have you chosen your New Year’s resolution for 2023? If you are considering any equestrian-focused goals this year, keep reading for a few ideas from BarnManager.

Fix One Habit

Every rider has one bad habit they are always being reminded about during lessons. Instead of having a broad goal to become a better rider, try focusing on improving that one flaw. It may be something small like lowering your hands, not leaning to the right, or keeping your shoulders tall. Every time you ride, keep that one habit in mind, rather than a long list of things, and before long you will see progress.

Add More No-Stirrups Work to Your Routine

This year, try to make every month “No Stirrup November.” Begin with small steps, like adding it in for 5 minutes once a ride and then build from there instead of torturing yourself once a month or only doing it when your trainer asks for it in a lesson.

Take Care of Your Tack

Photo by Jump Media

Cleaning, oiling, and conditioning tack are extremely important tasks that often get skipped. Leather tack is expensive and the more regularly you take care of it, the longer it lasts. This year, make a plan to clean your saddle, bridle, martingale, boots, and other leather equipment after every ride and oil and condition the leather once a week.

Organize Your Paperwork

Organizing your horse’s or barn’s paperwork is a daunting task, but a necessary one. Making sure paperwork like health certificates and lease agreements are up to date and in an organized location is key. If you are organizing your barn’s paperwork, set aside time once a month to confirm all information is current, new horses have been added, and everything is still in the correct place.

(Did you know? BarnManager can help you organize all of your paperwork so that it is in digital form, easy to access, and readily available.)

Spend More Quality Time With Your Horse

Whether you are a professional, junior, or amateur rider, you probably have a busy schedule that makes it hard to spend time with your horse. Between riding, showing, work, and school, finding free time to just be with your horse can be tricky. Promise yourself you will carve out a little time during most visits to the barn to groom, graze, or simply hang out with your horse. Even if it’s only for an extra 10 minutes, this quality time will give you both a well-deserved break to relax together.

Photo by Jump Media

Be Grateful

It is all too easy to compare yourself to other riders, owners, or trainers in this sport. This year, make a point to be grateful for the opportunities and horses you have instead of focusing on what others are doing. Everyone has their own path so make the most of yours and take time to be thankful for the horses and the people you have in your life.

For 2023, stick with a few simple, specific resolutions rather than big, overwhelming ones that are difficult to maintain. Before long, you will find your new year becoming more enjoyable!

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

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