For the better part of five years, I spent at least one night a week (often more) in a barn staring at pregnant mares during foaling season and making sure all went well in their foaling and the early days of their foal’s lives. Even though I no longer foal mares, this time of year is my favorite because every time a foal is born, you dream of all the things he or she is going to achieve on the track and either during their second competitive career or as a broodmare/stallion.
An added benefit is all the things foal watch has taught me easily translates to my career out of the barn. Here are six lessons broodmares have taught me that have made me not only a better businesswoman – but person as a whole.
1) Get To Know Them
If you have any (horse) sense you don’t walk into a stall for the first time and immediately poke and prod at a broodmare before at least giving her a pat and getting to know her. The same goes for clients. In addition to at least introducing yourself before digging into the what and why of what the client is looking for, you’re better off getting to know them – not only does it help your service but creates a lasting relationship. This helps you when it comes to marketing their business since you’ll know not only what their professional goals are but also a bit about their thoughts behind what they want to achieve.
2) If You Take Care Of Them, They’ll Take Care Of You
If you’re kind to the mares and make sure they are well taken care of, they’ll take care of you – and maybe even tolerate you loving on their newborn foals. The same goes for clients (and just people in general). Make sure you treat them respectfully and do what they need quickly and efficiently. Treat them like they’re a part of your family and not only will they help your business by something like writing a testimonial for you or recommending you to others but it can also lead to lasting friendships.
3) Do Your Research
Making sure you know everything there is to know about the mare from temperament to family (and family history/temperament) can really pay off when you’re working with her. Learning as much about your client as you can before meeting them so you can better serve them can go a long way. Not only will it likely impress them in that first meeting but also helps you form ideas to better serve them throughout the partnership.
4) Be Part of the Team
Even in the years I only spent one night shift a week at the farm, I still acted like I was part of the team. At one farm I’d go on my days off for vet work in the morning before my full time job or would pay attention to the farm’s race results. I’ve stayed “connected” at every farm I’ve worked at and it’s something I’ve carried over to my business as well. I personally love feeling like my clients are also my friends and most people want to feel a connection to those they’re working with, even if it is just for one project. For me, it not only benefits my client but is something I do automatically because I truly do care about those I’m working with.
5) Want to Learn
If you work with horses, you know that nothing ever stays the same. Even your textbook foalings are all just a bit different. I’m a lifelong lover of learning – I’d be a career student if I could – so I went into the barn every shift hoping to learn something new. I often asked someone to teach me what they were doing if they were doing something I don’t know how to do, even if it may not directly relate to my role on the farm. I’ve carried that over to my Pyrois Media work as well because you never know when something you learn from one client (good or bad) can benefit you or another client.
6) Enjoy The Quiet
While it’s exciting to see that a mare is ready to foal on your shift, it’s also okay to embrace the quiet nights. Don’t feel like you have to have a packed-to-the-gills to-do list every day; you’ll be busy often enough. Those quiet times give you a chance to breathe and come up with a plan for how you’ll successfully handle busy times while leaving you refreshed and ready for thoise days.
If you have any questions about how Pyrois Media can help you, see our Services page or email Melissa@PyroisMedia.com for more information. I’m happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have to help your business succeed.