Last Saturday, we went to Stepping Stone Farm to feed breakfast after the ice storm. We live close by and the Fiat [Stocking] is a reliable, front-wheel-drive star in bad conditions [On Account of Snow, Snow Day Montage]. Laugh at the South for freaking out at a snowflake, but ice-coated roads are a nightmare anywhere.
As I have said before [Motivating], my stint as a working student was not the most fun I’ve ever had with my clothes on. However, one positive thing came from the experience. I realized that I had no interest in being a professional. I have never had cause to regret that decision.
Feed and care for my own horses? Fine. Feed and care for other people’s horses once in a blue moon (every 32 months (derivation, blue moon calculator)) as an adventure? Sure thing. Feed and care for other people’s horses twice a day, every day? No, thank you. Be responsible for ensuring that someone else feeds and cares for other people’s horses twice a day, every day? Not that either.
I did enjoy the sound of a barn full of horses contentedly chewing their hay. Peaceful.
Thank you for reading,
Katherine Walcott
Virtual Brush Box 
It’s interesting that you say this. I’m winter boarding, which is a good opportunity to observe people, horses and think about various things. This is the first time I’ve ever had full board and only because rough board isn’t an option. So I have full a service arrangement that includes someone who cleans my horse’s stall once a day. I’m usually there as she’s finishing up in our barn. (There are three barns and she’s only responsible for mine, which has eight stalls.) I enjoy mucking a stall on occasion; it provides quality time with my horse and an opportunity to let my mind wander. But clean eight stalls, six days a week? Um, no thanks. I don’t even like the futility and repetitiveness of having to do laundry or wash dishes over and over again. Needless to say, I never leave the barn without re-picking any new messes in Dharla’s stall. I figure every little bit must help?
The list of jobs I would not want is long. Stall cleaning is right up there. Mostly b/c I lack upper body strength &, in addition, am horrendously slow at it. I can run my own barn & balance my own checkbook. I have tried to do these for others on more than one occasion. Not so fine.
Blog post on the transition from your own barn to full-care?
I worked as a stablehand for a while when I was young – well, younger – and stronger and rather enjoyed it.
Would make a good post for your blog.
coming soon.