During the height of NASA’s space exploration
program, the words that I loved to hear right before
a launch were “All Systems Are Go”.
Launching a rocket is no small feat, even for
hundreds of rocket scientists. The rocket launch
cycle was held together with a connection of
systems like: communication systems, propulsion
systems and life support systems. All systems had
to be functioning properly for the launch to happen;
the consequences of failed systems could result in
deaths.
Now I’ll be the first to admit that most small
businesses, including horse businesses, are nowhere
near as complex as a lunar Apollo mission or a space
shuttle trip. But, I’d like you to consider the
importance of systems in your horse business for the
next few minutes.
Written systems add stability for the day-to-day
operations of a business as well as encourage
efficiency. Some things that we consider routine
and expect everyone to know may still need to have
an established system.
As an example, let’s take a look at a simple system
for
water buckets in stalls. My system would include
checking water levels four times daily and refilling if
under half full. The system would state that
emptying the buckets and refilling whenever they
become contaminated with bedding or unwanted hay
droppings. Buckets would be scrubbed with a
special “water bucket only” brush once a week to
remove accumulated residue. Even though you know
all of these things are part of good horse health
care, your employees and helpers may not. A
written system helps eliminate confusion and smooth
out the day.
Examples of other parts of your business, such as
daily turnout practices, that will benefit from having
a written system are:
- Stall cleaning and manure handling
- Daily feeding times and procedures
- Welcoming new customers
- Collecting payments from customers: Cash,
check and credit cards
- Answering the telephone and taking telephone
messages and relaying to the proper recipient
- Arranging and filing horse registrations and health
papers
- Reimbursing employees for expenses
- Preparing for travel to a horse show
- Dealing with sick or injured horses
- Checking, changing, removing and storing coolers,
sheets and blankets
The above is just a partial list. My point is that
every part of your horse business that can be made
into a system and placed in writing will be one less
opportunity for confusion or opportunity for someone
to say those dreaded words, “you never told me
that.”
Invest the time into making systems for your horse
business. The benefit of having simple, smooth and
synchronized systems is that they provide the GO for
a system for more profit in your horse business.
