If you operate a boarding barn, managing that barn carefully is important to its success. Are you wondering how you could be better at your barn management job? One of these five tips might help.

1. Check and Refresh Paperwork

While we all love spending as much time as possible with the horses, a major part of managing a barn consists of paperwork. You keep track of boarding agreements and rider releases. But how up-to-date is your paperwork, really? Are you sure that you have releases for everyone entering the property?

Spending some time checking and refreshing your paperwork as necessary can help ensure that your barn is covered in the case of an accident or a disagreement. And if your paperwork tends to be in piles,invest in a filing cabinet and spend some time getting things organized.

2. Keep a Barn Calendar

Along the lines of organization, a barn calendar is an important tool that any barn should have. In addition to your own calendar, establish a barn-wide calendar that is posted for boarders and riders. In addition to including events like shows and clinics, you can post other relevant information like deworming schedules and times when the riding arenas are reserved.

3. Get in Touch with Boarders

Depending on the setup of your barn, you may have little contact with boarders. If this is the case, make an effort to get in touch with boarders on a regular basis to find out what is and isn’t working for them at the barn. Encourage boarders to let you know about problems and their potential solutions; there may be issues that you’re not aware of that could be easily solved.

4. Stay on Top of Communication

It is a common misconception that to be a good barn manager, you just need to be organized and have great horse knowledge. In fact, it is equally important that, as a barn manager, you have excellent people communication skills.

If you want your barn to run well, it is vital that you stay on top of communication. Your interpersonal skills will be put to the test, so the calmer and more level-headed you can stay in tough situations, the better. As barn manager, you may have boarders, riders, trainers, workers, and horse owners all approaching you about different issues. The more that you can keep the lines of communication open, the better an outcome you will likely have.

5. Evaluate Your Barn for Improvements

Barns take heavy wear and tear, and as your barn business grows, what was sufficient for your barn ten years ago may no longer work. Keep an eye out for areas where your barn and facilities could be improved. If you’re looking to drive traffic, think about what amenities can make your barn stand out. Staying on top of repairs and renovations can ensure that your barn is a safe and desirable equestrian facility.

Barn management is a challenging position, and only few are cut out for the task. These tips can help you to stay on top of your job as a barn manager.

Original source: Five Ways to Be a Better Barn Manager