Horse Career: Barn Manager

At Midway, I met many people that helped my developing career. I worked for various professionals and competed on the hunt seat team at Midway through the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). The connections and friendships I made at and through Midway brought me job opportunities as a student and even now as a graduate.

Even though my original dream was to ride and show professionally, I have enjoyed learning about all the different aspects of the industry. Throughout my time at Midway, I worked for Spy Coast Farm in Lexington, a vet, and a private reining, foxhunting, and hunter/jumper barn. I even pursued my passion for equine photography and now shoot for magazines.

By exploring different parts of the industry, I am continually reminded that it’s not all about riding or showing. Although horses can help us achieve in the show ring, it’s our responsibility as their owners, trainers, riders, grooms, and managers to learn how to care for them.

Being a Barn Manager

When I graduated from Midway, I moved to Frenchtown, N.J., to work with show jumping Olympic medalist Anne Kursinski for six months. At Anne’s, my horsemanship, riding, time management, and professional skills grew in numerous ways. I’m so grateful for my experience there both as a groom and as the barn manager. Now, I am in Laurinburg, N.C., where my career is working as the barn manager at St. Andrews University. 

Hannah and Stoli, her barn favorite. Photo by Michelle Habick

At our equestrian center, the head barn manager, Frannie, and I take care of around 100 horses. We love that our horses are all unique and have their own personalities. While Frannie and I are responsible for the whole farm, our coaches and other equine staff help us care for the horses, too.

One of my favorite parts about my job is that all the equine staff work together as a team. We are always communicating with each other and always striving to teach the students and care for our horses to the best of our ability.

Our equestrian center is split into two sides. One side we call the boarder barn, where we have student- and staff-boarded horses, our Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) team horses, and our therapeutic riding program, which is around 30 horses. Frannie mainly works on that side, but we are always helping each other out.