Working as a Stable Hand

[ihorse]

Hey guys, some exciting things happening in my neck of the woods lately! Some of you may remember I worked at a tack store - Columbia River - for several months, which was awesome and I really appreciated the discounts I got! Well, unfortunately the store closed and the owners moved back to their hometown in Oregon, so I lost my job with them back

Comments

[colebaltblue]

I would get a pair of muck boots or clogs to wear if you can. Paddock boots are expensive to be replacing all the time, especially if you're wearing them to ride as well. In other words, have a different pair of boots for barn chores versus riding. I don't know how muddy the place will be, but given that it's in Washington there is bound to be mud no matter how well drained it is, it can be difficult to keep leather paddock boots in good condition if they're constantly wet and dirty from the weather. Also, if you DO end up wearing leather boots invest in a tub of nice leather conditioner stuff and wipe your boots down for dirt and put some conditioner on every single time you wear them. Every single time. It will add years to the life of your boots.

Kerrits breeches and riding tights tend to look nicely casual and can be very lightweight. I have 3 pairs, a fleece-lined pair for the winter, a heavier weight bootcut pair for fall and spring, and a pair of super-lightweight ones for the 2 weeks of summer we get up here in the Pacific Northwest. Iridion is also a good brand for this. I hear from most people both brands wear really well. Jeans may be appropriate too and a lot of riding pants companies are now making jean-like riding pants.

I may be alone in this, but I like a good pair of cheap (I'm talking $30 synthetic) half-chaps to protect my legs for any especially messy and dirty work. I brush them off with a dirty brush when I'm done, I don't have to worry about conditioning the leather if they get soaked or dirty, and they can go through my washing machine.

Oh and congrats! That sounds so exciting!!

[ihorse]

Luckily the grounds are very well maintained so as to keep mud at bay. So I don't think it will be nearly as bad as a problem as it is on my property or where I kept Andie last year haha.

My main concern is wearing something that will protect my feet in case a horse steps on me or anything like that.

I've actually had extremely good luck with paddock boots. My first pair from when I was 13 are still very useable and I've slogged through plenty of mud and rarely cleaned them. Just recently got a new pair that I can use for schooling shows.