02/11/2025
There is far more than grooming a horse and copping a squat in the saddle.
Horse riders focus on riding horses, while horse managers / barn owners are responsible for the care and management of horses.
Horse riders
Focus on riding horses
May rely on coaches to help with their horses
May compete at high levels without advanced horsemanship knowledge
Horse managers
Responsible for the care and management of horses
May be called equine managers or horse farm managers or barn owners
Responsible for the health, nutrition, and medical care of horses
May also manage the business side of horse care
May supervise employees who board and train horses
May manage schedules, facilities, and personnel
May market and manage budgets
May prepare horses for auctions, shows, or events
May study horse bloodlines, physical appearance, and performance characteristics
May select horses for mating
Horse managers need to be highly skilled in horsemanship, and have a good understanding of equine behavior, nutrition, and basic medical treatments.
There is a difference. You have to know every aspect of a horse inside and out because there is more to owning a horse than grooming and riding.
It’s always been a goal for me to educate my borders on the horse as i see them from my side, I explain the the whys behind the horse.
The best thing ever is to see a horse’s soul and feel their heartbeat.