Did you ever wonder about the history behind the ‘lucky’ horseshoe? I have often visited farms that had a horseshoe nailed above the entranceway into the barn and was curious of its history. So I decided to do some research and find a little bit about the background of this custom.

In many places throughout the world, the horseshoe is supposed to bring luck only if its heels are pointed upwards so that ‘the luck will not run out’. And there are those places that believe just the opposite, that the shoe should be hung downward so that ‘the luck can pour onto you’.

There is some argument as to whether pouring out is a good thing or a bad thing. Some believe that the luck is lost and others that it is released to work its good in the near proximity.

There is the belief, too that if a horse throws a shoe, the luck is lost with it. So for it to be lucky, a horse must wear a horseshoe until it is removed.

Some are of the opinion that the horseshoe must have been worn by a horse at some point in order for it to be lucky. And that the more miles it has travelled, the more luck it can hold. Horses are considered lucky too, and to dream of a horse or to see a horse is particularly fortunate. But, we already knew that, right?

Another interesting theory is that in the old days, horseshoes were usually made of iron and that iron repelled witches and demons. In fact, since horseshoes are associated with blacksmiths, Smithing was considered a lucky profession.

In part of Europe, the location that the horseshoe is nailed, either to the side of a door or above it, is not as important as that the shoe was actually worn and discarded by the horse and that the person who enters the room should be able to touch it.

Long ago it was believed that a horse moving over cobblestones could throw off sparks from it horseshoes, thus being viewed as objects of power.

For a horseshoe to be lucky, it should never be purchased by their owners but always given as a gift by someone wishing them good luck and good health.

In summary, historical views seem to vary about the apparent luck of a horseshoe. Ultimately when it comes down to it, does it really matter what is depicted as the object that possesses luck? What really matters is whether you believe it’s lucky or not.

What do you think? Is there any real luck in a horseshoe?

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What are the methods that you use to keep everyone informed on lessons, horse shows, or training progress?

I have noticed the many farms have a large white board at the main entrance with all upcoming information. Often the white board gets smudged and faded making it nearly impossible to read.

Or there is the monthly calendar where the squares never seem big enough for the various activities and erasing just makes things more eligible.

Ideally, the farm owner has a website that is updated on a regular basis and everyone simply knows to go to the website to get the latest information.

The bottom line is that all horse-boarding farms need a good method to keep everyone informed. It eliminates confusion, increases employee performance and builds horse boarder confidence.

There is nothing more frustrating for an employee than not knowing what tasks are to be completed each day.

When a horse farm owner clearly communicates their ideas so that the employee definitely knows what is asked of them, the employee will ultimately perform their job better.

Precise communication of farm tasks provides employees with a better understanding of what is expected. This in turn will create more effective performance and ultimately increase boarder loyalty and profit.

The reason why I write this blog on communication is because I have put together a method that will afford the farm owner another way to communicate with their employees so that there is no misunderstanding of responsibilities.

The LaRaedo software supplies a tool that clearly maps out daily tasks so that everyone knows what needs to done and what has been completed in any given day.

This work endeavor is funneled to the horse-boarding customer and they in turn will see the employee’s completed tasks for their horse. It ensures confidence and a feeling of comfort knowing that their horse is receiving such diligent care.

I know that there are many different methods to achieve similar results. Mine is just one method of finding ways to share a workload and have a singular location to keep employees and customers informed.

Website updates, white boards and horse calendars for the barn are some ways to do this.

What methods do you use on your horse farm to help everyone stay connected?

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Did you ever wonder how some horses got their names? Many are so unique and surely there must be some history behind the name. I think some names are derived from their pedigree and history, while others may just be in their coloring or breed type.

I recall seeing ‘BeeMer’ on a horse stall at one farm. I thought that this might be their way of saying that it was a choice of either buying the horse or the BMW since both cost about the same. Apparently, the love of the horse won out.

I knew a farm owner who ran a business of selling horses and NEVER named a single one; numbered them yes, but never named them. That way it eliminated attachment and he stayed focused on running the horse business.

How did you come up with the name for your horse? What interesting horse names have you encountered?

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You’re not the only one so focused on managing a horse-boarding farm that you have become unorganized, especially when it comes to paperwork.

You know the importance of being organized, but you’re just not very disciplined about it. It’s time to take a step in the right direction and dive into those piles.

When your immediate physical surroundings support what you do, you will spend less time digging and more time doing — be that work or play.

The first area most of us need to tackle is paperwork. Knowing where everything is located can help you keep track of inventory and quickly streamline your routines. Being organized will save you tons of time and give you more freedom to focus on your farm.

Take a few minutes today to remove the clutter from a:
• pile on your desk
• box in a corner or
• drawer in your office

Don’t answer the phone, check your e-mail or allow yourself to be distracted. Take this time to focus on one area. It will involve less time than you think and you’ll feel better than expected when you’re done.

Designate a place for the stuff to go:
• Recycle
• Trash
• File
• Delegate
• To Do

You may find yourself motivated to complete this once a week or every day until every area that has been bugging you is handled. Then, put at least one new system in place to prevent the problem from recurring.

Successful people have a certain air about them and one reason is because they are organized. They are not distracted by recurring thoughts about what they know they need to do.

You deserve the benefits of being organized. Your business will have a stronger marketplace advantage, more repeat business and higher profits.

Share and motivate: What have you done to make your horse business more organized?

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