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

[greyskyridge]

Personally, I would not wear shorts, unless several other people do as well and they rank high on the totem pole there.

If other people wear jeans, you can do so with a collared shirt, a belt, and paddock boots. This would be quite routine in a hunter/jumper barn.

A swanky dressage place might have everyone wearing breeches though.
In that case, breeches, belt, collared shirt. You can wear muck shoes or clogs with the breeches, which are easy on/off to then pull on your dress boots to ride.

It is way better to be a little too formal than a little too casual.
Congrats on the job!

[ihorse]

The facility itself is very well maintained and beautiful, but for the most part everyone was dressed very casually. When I met the barn owner she was in an older (but relatively clean and not ratty) grey sweatshirt. The riders in lessons while I was there were dressed nicely, but as the majority of them probably have money, most likely by choice rather than out of necessity if that makes any sense. The trainers themselves were pretty casual, although I think almost everyone was wearing tall boots.

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll probably go with a nice t-shirt or athletic jersey or something like that instead of the collared shirt, but will stick with either jeans or breeches. Thanks again!

[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

[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.

[edgeofthewoods]

As far as footwear goes, Blundstones are great boots for around the barn - and anywhere else for that matter, I wear mine all of the time. Finding something with a protected toe wouldn't be a bad way to go, either.

Enjoy the experience - the first job I ever got with horses was very similar, and it allowed for plenty of opportunity to learn and get experience riding several different horses.

[megfuzzle]

I'd invest in a pair of Bogs/MuckCo. Boots for mucking. They're easy to put on over breeches/slip off for riding boots, can look stylish (come in colors, or tall black etc etc), and keep your expensive footwear clean. They're typically waterproof which means you don't have to worry when you accidentally slosh water down your leg/foot, or have to run through the mud for something. They also are less dangerous for ankles than cleaning in clogs (I know from a friend's tough experience). Clogs/etc are fine for non-stall cleaning time though

[ihorse]

Awesome suggestions! Thanks! :)