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A List for the Nanny |
Most of the time the horse owner is the one that does all the preparation when they have to leave their horses in someone else’s care.
They write out list on how to feed, where the feed is located, and the EXACT order in which the feeding must be done.
Then the horse nanny shows up and listens carefully and says “Don’t worry, they will be fine!” About two thousand times and leaves.
However, the best nannies have questions of their own. If you have no idea what to ask maybe the following list can get you started!
- Is the horse in good general health? If there are medicines to be given you can rest assured you got a list on how they are to be administered too. But what if the horse is prone to colic? He may not be experiencing colic at the moment but he could. What does the owner normally due in that situation? Just by bringing up the topic you might find out all sorts of good information.
- Has the horse been vaccinated?
- Has the horse had any issues with feeding? Does he take longer than normal? This can help you estimate the amount of time you need to give yourself to feed and then turn out any stalled horses.
- In the case of an emergency do you have the vet’s phone number but also have arrangements been made to pay for the vet if one is needed while the owner is away. I’m sure even the most dedicated horse nanny isn’t going to fork out the money to pay the vet for an emergency farm call!!
- Does the horse have any anxiety issues? If a barking dog turns the horse into a basket case you might want to leave the pup at home. Or maybe you need to move a little slower around one horse. You never know until you ask what is going freak him out.
- Are there any standing appointments with any horse professionals? They may have forgotten that the trainer is scheduled to come on Tuesday or the farrier on Wednesday.
- Is there enough feed to last the duration of the owner’s absence? If not, when is the feed scheduled to be delivered? Has it already been paid in full?
- Does the horse have any vices? If yes, what are they? The better you know his personality the better you can care for him.
- Does the horse need a rug / blanket put on and then taken back off at a certain time during the day? Are there extra rugs / blankets? If so, where are they located?
- Is there a back-up or urgent care nanny that is available should you not be able to make it one day? If yes, what is his or her phone number and have they been alerted to the possibility that they may be needed?
- Is the water source reliable? If the hose is on its last leg and decides to burst while you are watering is there a spare? If something was to happen with the plumbing or even the electricity is there a family member that can authorize repairs? Do they know which plumber / electrician to call?
- And please ask for the owner’s cell phone number, hotel number, or any other number you can think to get!
Of course, there are endless possibilities of what can and will go wrong but the more you know the better prepared you will be. Plus, it will really impress the owner and grant you dibs when they go away again!
Comments
Kathy Rodvold
- 21st Mar 2022
Great information. I'm just getting started. I'd like to know how to get a resume out to interested parties. I recently sold my small horse farm and there were many times I had a resource for help when traveling.
Stephanie cooley
- 26th Mar 2023
I am a horse sitter and would like to circulate my resume to interested parties. Where would you recommend?
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