Memorising the horses?

rayening

rayening

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I'm going for an interview at a riding school tomorrow for an apprenticeship.
They have about 20 horses, and a few liveries.

My question is, are there any techniques for remembering which horse is which?

For example, if I'm asked to go get ___ from the field, and put him back in his stall.
I'm terrified I won't know which horse he is, and if by chance I do I won't know where he goes!

Same for things like feed, and remembering names and which tack belongs to who.

I know that they won't just throw me in the deep end but I'll feel bad for constantly asking what that horse is called and where it goes.

Any tips? Should I draw out a map of the place and label the stalls with their names? I'm hoping the stalls have names on them, but I know not all places take the time to do things like that. Maybe I should suggest doing it and the process of writing out the names and pinning them to the doors will help?
I'm sure after a while It won't be a problem, but obviously to begin with it will be difficult.
 
In any new job, you have to be given time to learn. Try your memory tricks which you've thought of yourself, but don't be afraid of not knowing and asking.

Whatever you do, please don't feel bad about asking. It's far, far better to ask than run the risk of making a mistake (wrong feed, tack etc) which could cause harm. If anyone's impatient or mocks you, then they are the ones at fault, not you. If you ask politely and appeal to their expertise for help, I'm sure everyone will be very nice about it.

You'll soon settle in and wonder why you were worried about it.
 
20 horses is nothing, I used to work on a huge yard where there were over 200 horses!

You'll pick it up faster than you think, stop worrying!
 
heebiejeebies said:
20 horses is nothing, I used to work on a huge yard where there were over 200 horses!

You'll pick it up faster than you think, stop worrying!
Click to expand...

Second this! In my teens I worked on several big yards that had 50-100+ horses. You soon pick up who's who and their little quirks :)
 
Find yourself a little pocket notebook and pen - and take notes. If the employer is good they will understand that new people need time to get to know everyone.

Look for individual markings on each horse/pony. Shape & size of ears, length of tail. Thre will be others who I'm sure will confirm that you have the right horse.

Best of luck with your interview, be calm, smile, listen carefully and don't be afraid to ask
 
Most big yards will have systems to help, names or numbers on doors and saddle racks with feed charts and special instructions noted down too. It isn't fool proof but people won't mind you asking until you settle in.
 
give it a while and you will wonder why you asked. Each horse will have their own specific quirk or marking or little ways and you will find it just comes naturally to you with a bit of time. Until you have worked around them enough to identify their little ways, just ask. People will be glad to help you and it will also put their mind at rest that you are actually taking the time to make sure you have got it right. Good luck and just relax and enjoy working with the horses. If you get het up and try to force yourself to memorise them all you will give yourself much more hard work whereas if you just chill and enjoy getting to know the horses, taking you time etc it will most definitely come naturally!!
 
I used to find when working with 40-50 its amazing how you can make their names suit their look or character, if that makes sense .... or at least it worked in my eyes ! lol!!!! e.g. Elton .... I lways put sir at the start of his name, very hh tb leggy type grey soppy as anything, !! ..... minstrel - another tall dark mysterious gentleman ...... marmite - cheeky little pony and so on
 
I find the horses relatively easy (though we do have far too many small grey welshies and big bay TBs on our yard!!), but remembering peoples names is much harder.
 
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