Stable Management

“I was shy and quiet and terrified of doing something wrong,” she says. “I worked hard, rode hard, and helped out whenever I could. And I know other teens that did the same. I hate the stereotype of ‘bratty teenager equestrians’ because I know so many junior riders who work so hard and are very responsible. There are definitely difficult teenaged clients, but then there are also difficult adult clients and difficult child clients.”

Jan Weaver is a teenager who lives near Charlotte, N. C. and rides, shows and trains at  Willowood Equestrian Center. Her current focus is hunters, jumpers and equitation.

“Treat them [teenagers] the same way as you would treat an adult doing the same thing,” she says. “Seriously, teens (and I say this being one) are old enough to be accountable for their own actions and have some knowledge of what is and isn't appropriate to do.”

Ultimately, You’re the Boss

Like it or not, your clients reflect you and your business, not only on your grounds, but when they’re away. Many trainers believe minors should simply never be left alone at home—that doesn’t necessitate the presence of a youngster’s parent, but rather an “adult” at all times.

Have your rules signed by the minor and the parent, in your presence. In this new year, if your barn rules aren’t up to par, schedule a refresher with your attorney. No nonsense and spelled out, rules can alleviate trouble later, especially when parents refuse to acknowledge their teens’ unacceptable behavior.

Rules in place also afford an opportunity to request compliance or modification in behavior before showing a client the door—you’ve worked hard to earn business and you don’t want to lose it. A parent-teen conference, if parents care enough, is a pro-active way to deal with the situation and shows you’re open to compromise.

Everyone we spoke with agreed that when it came to the drama, open communication is key. While you can’t force everyone to get along, especially teens, you can encourage a certain amount of respect for one another at your barn. You certainly don’t want negative conversations transpiring among teen boarders, behind your back, when you’re not aware of a simmering situation about to explode. Make sure that you stay on top of potential “situations” before they become huge problems. Use your barn managers and other employees to report any potential problems and nip them in the bud by talking it out. If there is a conflict between two teenagers, pull them aside and have a chat—acknowledge their issue as you would an adult’s and ask them to resolve it as an adult would. Teenagers are eager to grow up, they just need a little guidance.

Your barn is a place to learn, to grow, to share and to form lasting bonds of friendship with animals and humans. A convivial barn atmosphere fosters no “special” treatment, but an overall positive vibe assuring that everyone can enjoy their time there—including you.