Want a Successful a Riding Facility? Keep your staff HAPPY! 

When 100 Facility owners were asked the secret to the success of their Barn, only 16 out of the 100 attributed their success to their staff.  16 out of 100.  16%.  Many attributed their success to their lesson programs, clinics, training ability, shows, location, facility amenities, and a host of other reasons.  Many did attribute part of their success to their horses, and rightly so.  Yet  84% did not mention that the reason for their success was due, largely in part, to their staff.  

 Most of us work with horses because it is our passion.  If we all were Trainers, Owners, Investors, Olympians, Clinicians - who would be there to keep the farm running smoothly? There is no doubt that the above mentioned Professionals got to where they are now by determination, perseverance, and years of hard work. But sometimes those that are now in the Generals seat have forgotten what it is like to be the heros in the trenches.  Sometimes, a little kindness goes a long, long way.

 Of course their are always a few individuals that are lazy, unappreciative and disruptive in any business - rid yourself of these employees as they will only bring your hard working staff down.  Here are a few ways to keep your key staff working at an optimal level:

Reward outstanding hard work with time off or an occasional Holiday or weekend day off.

Offer a decent wage for the work that is expected.

Employees that have full/partial benefits are usually more healthy and miss less work.

People that are over-worked quickly lose their zest and vigor.

If you have a temper-control issue, please see a Doctor - as employees are not receptacles.

Offer incentive and reward programs.

Once you have found a loyal employee, treat them as you would your horses - rest them to keep their mind and body fresh, respect them to keep their soul alive and reward them to keep their heart happy.