The importance of being a Barn Rat
If you’ve spent any time around horses or in a barn, you’ve probably heard the term Barn Rat. I’m glad White Rose Equestrian has a mischief of them. Yes, surprisingly, that’s what a pack of rats is called. What a fitting description, as our Barn Rats are mostly pre-teen and teenage girls.
A Barn Rat is a horse-crazy kid, sometimes an adult, who loves being at the barn. Someone who wants to learn and doesn’t mind the hard work that goes along with it. It’s not about free labor, and the help does not go unnoticed. It’s about learning more than they ever could by just taking lessons. All our lesson riders are encouraged to arrive early to help get their horse ready. As their riding ability improves, they have the option of part-leasing one of our lesson horses. Having the opportunity to ride outside the lesson program and spend more time in the barn is invaluable.
Experienced trainers are a bottomless pit of knowledge, experience, and wisdom, garnered over many years. They love sharing this with equestrians of all ages; I certainly do.
Barn Rats are more than just riders; they are equestrians. They show up early, stay after their lesson, ask what needs to be done, and finish unfinished jobs without being asked. They observe, they study (sometimes without even realizing), they learn.
Every well-run barn has a routine, but even the best-laid plans sometimes come with unexpected challenges. A horse might be off its food, the fence could need fixing, or it might be time to worm the horses. Barn Rats are there for all the mundane, incidentals, and unexpected jobs. There isn’t a curriculum written that could possibly cover every subject a good equestrian needs to know. That kind of knowledge comes with long-term commitment and hands-on experience.
The best Barn Rats
Our Barn Rats are the best! Of course I’m going to say that, but I genuinely mean it. They go above and beyond to help out at the barn. They help lesson riders and one another, and they cheer one another on at shows. And they always volunteer when it’s summer camp.
Two weeks a year, in June and July, we run summer camps. Some of the campers have ridden before, some have even been to one or more of our camps, and some have never touched a horse, let alone sat on one. The campers’ ability or horse experience is never a problem. Our horses are seasoned professionals, and so are our mischief of helpers. They suffer the debilitating heat with a smile and resilience. They pass on their wisdom to the next generation. All the while enjoying the company of their peers and learning as they go.
They are invaluable to me. As are their parents, who are willing to let them spend a week at the barn helping out for no remuneration other than camaraderie with other horse-crazy people and experience.
As my Barn Rats grow, they move on in life to different endeavors. The kids I used to teach in England are all grown up with children of their own. Many times, they message me to say that the best days of their lives were spent at the yard (the English term for the barn). It warms my heart to hear that. Grown-up Barn Rats here often come back to visit, and some still volunteer to help at summer camp even though they no longer ride here.
So if you ever get the chance to be a Barn Rat, jump at it.
And to our Barn Rats past, present, and future, THANK YOU! White Rose Equestrian is the amazing facility and family-friendly barn it is, thanks in part to you!
Follow our every move and keep up-to-date with tips, advice, events, etc. |
|||
 |
 |
 |
|