Q: I just received notice that someone filed a U.S. Equestrian protest questioning my amateur status after they learned that I regularly hack horses for my trainer and help out around the barn in order to offset the cost of board for my horse. I’ve never received direct financial compensation for my work, and, skill-level […]
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As horse people, we have likely all heard the commercial shipping horror stories: a trailer that flipped on the highway, the horse that arrives at its destination with severe shipping fever, the horse left to die on the side of the road. Any time a horse or human enters a vehicle, particularly for a long […]
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Q: I’m no longer able to ride and show my horse regularly, so I’d like to donate my horse to a college riding program. Is there anything that I need to consider before doing this? A: Good question, and there are a number of things that need consideration. The first thing that always comes to […]
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Q: I recently read the Q&A you wrote regarding the differences between an independent contractor and an employee. However, my question is a little bit different. I’m planning on being an independent contractor, as I’m training out of a few different barns. Is there anything I need to know, particularly regarding the legalities of this? […]
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Q: I own and oversee my own barn, and I’ve just arranged to hire an instructor/trainer for the first time! To start out, the trainer will likely only be working about 10-15 hours a week, with the hope of adding additional hours down the road, and she will continue doing some additional training elsewhere as […]
Read more...By Armand Leone Shame on those who refuse to acknowledge the past sexual abuse of minors by trainers in the horse industry as reported in “#MeToo: The Story Of A Trainer, A Trophy And An All-Too-Common Betrayal,” April 9 & 16, pg. 42. Shame on those who question the equestrians who have been brave enough […]
Read more...Q: I have the opportunity to host a top international show jumper for a clinic at my barn, and I’d love to make the clinic available to any outside riders or auditors interested in participating. I’ve never hosted a clinic before; is there anything that I should be aware of to ensure that it goes […]
Read more...Q: I own and operate a boarding stable at which I’ve always allowed boarders to happily bring their children along, however, I’ve never allowed them to bring their dogs. But I’m now getting an increasing number of requests to change that rule! I just worry about scenarios such as a dog spooking a horse and […]
Read more...Q: I have the opportunity to reduce my monthly board payments by allowing my horse to be used in my barn’s lesson program. I love the idea, because I could really use the extra money, and my horse is generally extremely quiet and straightforward. However, I’m also a bit worried about the ‘what ifs.’ What […]
Read more...It’s no secret; if you do not get paid for your horse training, boarding, or professional services, you will not be in business for long. Horses are expensive to own and keep, and when clients don’t pay bills, those costs still must be paid. Whether it is an expensive horse that competes at the top […]
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