Frequently Asked Questions

(because time is valuable)

Client FAQs

  • Barn Maids provides premium, dedicated, systematic care with professional standards.

    Unlike individual freelance barn workers or informal arrangements on social media, we are a licensed, bonded, and insured business that provides reliable, consistent service with quality control and accountability.

    Our services include:

    • Providing experienced, trained staff as Barn Maids contractors

    • Systematic protocols and quality control measures

    • Reliable, consistent services that improve existing standards

    • Collaborating on solutions with no-nonsense feedback and clear communication

    • Internal HR, customer service, training, staffing, scheduling, and payroll management

    • Licensed, bonded, and insured business operations kept up-to-date per state requirements

    To learn more about our goals and impact within the industry, please review our Mission Statement.

  • All pricing is customized after a mandatory facility assessment and consultation. We DO NOT provide quotes or rates until we've completed an on-site consultation to understand your specific needs and obtain full transparency without judgement.

    Why? Every facility is unique. Your pricing depends on:

    • Facility size and layout

    • Number and type of animals

    • Service frequency needed

    • Specific workload and tasks required

    • Current facility setup and equipment

    Full-service packages typically range $1,800-5,000+ monthly depending on these factors.

    Important: These ranges reflect full-time (24-7 | 365) care for individual barns with their own unique setup. Your actual quote may be different based on your specific assessment.

    "Why can't you just tell me your rates?"

    Our average minimum price per stall is $10 and we cannot prematurely guarantee this rate.

    Providing accurate pricing without seeing your facility would be misleading. Factors that significantly impact pricing include:

    • Distance between paddocks and barn

    • Water source locations and accessibility

    • Feed storage setup and organization

    • Equipment quality and availability

    • Number of horses and their individual needs

    • Terrain and facility layout

    • Current systems and processes in place

    We believe in transparent, accurate pricing based on real assessments - not generic estimates that don't reflect your actual situation.

  • The short answer: Consultations aren’t just necessary, they are mandatory in order to become a Barn Maids client.

    The really long answer you should read anyway: All other tasks beyond stall cleaning are determined during the physical facility review of a normal day's workload and will not be discussed prior to a complete consultation, ever.

    What is the difference between a complete consultation and an incomplete consultation?

    A complete consultation is achieved if all of these boxes are checked off:

    You have our undivided attention, and we have yours. If you do not segment a dedicated hour to make room for a consultation without distractions or actively engaged in another task; we will require you to reschedule a consultation.

    The health of the animals are considered, and transparency is shared. It is not our job to judge your situation, but we will require you to be open to solutions and may make recommendations on how to address problems that affect the animal(s) as our priority, first and foremost.

    Consideration and respect for the entire onboarding process is a shared, mutual benefit, and takes 24-hrs to complete on average. Consultations can take anywhere from 15-40 minutes based on the scale of the facility, desired services, and other details you may or may not have explicitly mentioned in your intake form.

    Sometimes you don’t think to inform a stranger on all the details, and that’s okay. Until it isn’t. Let’s be honest, not all horse people are honest. As a standard rule of thumb in order to survive in this industry for the foreseeable future, we’re competent enough to understand that we set the standard for minding not just your boundaries, but ours too.

    We do research on clients based on local word-of-mouth outside the drama, and consider publicly available information in order to make pragmatic, ethical decisions on behalf of the wellbeing of animals. The same way you would a trainer, a vet, a farrier, etc before doing business with them.

    This is necessary for our own due diligence and to maintain the right to refuse service to anyone.

    Congratulations! You made it to the end. Just in case you missed it:

    No, we don't provide pricing over the phone, email, or private messages or exchange a quote without first receiving your Client Intake Form submission.

    A full proposal must be delivered, agreed upon, and signed before scheduling the first month of service. (Yes, payments are requested monthly by invoice.)

    “Rates” are a vague frame of service and pricing because no barn is set up the same way as another.

    Our curated and proven system is worth the 15 minutes it takes for an in-person consultation!

  • For facilities with their own staff: We offer competitive rates that reflect Barn Maids services as support, not a replacement. Our rates are independent and separate from your current pay structure.

    We can work alongside your existing team for:

    • Backup coverage during vacations or illness

    • Weekend or holiday coverage

    • Additional help during busy seasons

    • Emergency coverage when staff is unavailable

    • Supplemental services beyond your team's capacity

  • Our current established clients and preferred clients proudly pay the price of our services and consider it insurance, not an expense.

    Here's what you're actually paying for:

    • Reliability: Guaranteed coverage 365 days a year, no more scrambling for help

    • Quality: Systematic care protocols that ensure consistency

    • Peace of Mind: Licensed, bonded, insured professionals caring for your animals

    • Time Freedom: Get your evenings, weekends, and holidays back

    • Professional Standards: Quality control, training, and accountability

    • No Management Headaches: We handle all HR, scheduling, payroll, training, coordination, etc.

      See our Client Testimonials

  • Step 1: Schedule Consultation
    Fill out the Client Intake Form and we will contact you directly to schedule your mandatory on-site facility assessment.

    Step 2: Facility Assessment
    We visit your facility to understand your specific needs, observe a typical day's workload, assess your setup, and discuss your requirements with the goal in mind to curate your customized proposal.

    Step 3: Customized Proposal
    We provide a detailed proposal complete with a monthly quote based on your specific facility, animals, and service needs.

    Step 4: Review and Decision
    You review the proposal and decide if our services fit your needs and budget.

    Step 5: Service Agreement
    If we're a good fit, we execute a service agreement and begin systematic professional care.

    Why are payments monthly?
    In order to pay our staff aka your team member(s) in a timely, consistent manner, all payments must be made monthly and on-time so that we can disperse their income on a reliable basis. (Certain fees may apply. Please review our policy here.)

    STRICT DISCLAIMER

    As a legitimate business, any disrespect made to the accuracy and thoroughness of this process is a reflection of an individual or party who may not be an ideal Barn Maids client and we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.

Contrator FAQs

  • We treat barn work as a profession, not just a side gig.

    Key differences you’ll notice about Barn Maids:

    • Living wages instead of minimum wage exploitation

    • Systematic protocols instead of inconsistent standards

    • Professional training instead of "figure it out yourself"

    • Reliable scheduling instead of chaotic last-minute changes

    • Worker dignity instead of being treated as disposable labor

    • Career pathways instead of dead-end jobs

    • Team support instead of being isolated and alone

    Our mission: Transform equine care while empowering lives and regenerating communities. You're not just mucking stalls - you're part of changing an industry.

    No. We're building a different model that benefits everyone.

    If you're a freelance barn worker doing well - keep going! There's room for all of us. Charge what you're worth and maintain your standards.

    If you're struggling with inconsistent work, low pay, or poor treatment - we might have an opportunity for you. We're building systematic professional service that provides stable income and career development.

    The industry is big enough for multiple approaches. Freelancers, professional services, and individual arrangements can all coexist. We're focused on proving that professional barn management is viable and valuable.

    Is Barn Maids right for me?

    Barn Maids is a great fit if you:

    • Want to make barn work a real career with living wages and growth opportunities

    • Value systematic approaches and professional standards

    • Appreciate reliable scheduling and fair treatment

    • Care about animal welfare and quality care

    • Respect clear communication and accountability

    • Can handle physical work in all weather conditions

    • Value being part of something bigger than just a job

    Barn Maids is NOT a good fit if you:

    • Just want easy side money with minimal commitment

    • Can't handle physical labor or difficult conditions

    • Need complete schedule flexibility with no structure

    • Don't want to follow protocols and systems

    • Prefer working alone without team accountability

    • Can't commit to reliability and professionalism

    • Don't genuinely care about animal welfare

    JOIN THE TEAM – APPLY HERE

  • We pay professional, living wages that reflect the skill, effort, and dedication required for quality barn care. Our pay rates are significantly above industry standard because we believe in worker dignity and fair compensation.

    Pay structure varies by:

    • Experience level and skills

    • Responsibilities and service complexity

    • Schedule and availability

    • Quantity of assigned clients

    • Performance and reliability

    Industry context: While many barns pay minimum wage to $15/hour, Barn Maids is committed to wages that allow barn work to be your primary or supplementary income, not just another gig.

    Specific rates are discussed during the interview process based on your experience and the role.

    How do I get paid and how often?

    Payment schedule: Weekly via Zelle

    You will ALWAYS be paid on time for work you actually do. This is non-negotiable and a core value of our company.

    What you can depend on:

    • Transparent pay structure with no surprises

    • No delays, no excuses, no drama

    Are there opportunities for raises or bonuses?

    Yes! We believe in rewarding excellence and loyalty.

    Performance-based raises:

    • Regular performance reviews

    • Skill development recognition

    • Increased responsibility = increased pay

    • Client satisfaction and quality metrics

    Bonus opportunities:

    • Referral bonuses for bringing in quality team members

    • Client referral incentives

    • Performance bonuses for exceptional service

    • Holiday bonus potential based on company performance

  • Yes! Barn Maids is more than just barn care. We're building a comprehensive equine service company.

    Current and developing opportunities:

    Digital Services:

    • Social media management for equine facilities

    • Website development and maintenance

    • Content creation and photography

    • Brand development and marketing

    Business Operations:

    • Administrative support and client coordination

    • Scheduling and logistics management

    • Training and quality control oversight

    • Facility assessments and consultation support

    Industry Development:

    • Grant writing for equine organizations

    • Industry advocacy and standards development

    • Training program development

    • Franchise and expansion support

    Event Services:

    • Horse show booth staffing and promotion

    • Industry networking and representation

    • Client relationship management at events

    Your skills matter beyond the barn. If you have capabilities in marketing, administration, photography, writing, technology, or business development—we want to hear about it.

    How opportunities work:

    • Start with core barn care to understand our standards and systems

    • Demonstrate reliability and professionalism

    • Express interest in additional opportunities

    • Take on projects that match your skills and our business needs

    • Build a multifaceted role that utilizes your full capabilities

    We're growing. As we expand services and locations, new opportunities emerge for team members who've proven themselves and want to grow with us.

  • What are the typical work hours?

    Barn work happens on animal schedules, which means:

    Morning shifts: Typically 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM
    Evening shifts: Typically 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Weekend and holiday coverage: Required on rotation

    We offer:

    • Consistent, predictable scheduling

    • Advance notice of your schedule

    • Flexibility when possible for life events

    • Fair rotation of less desirable shifts

    What we need from you:

    • Reliability and punctuality

    • Clear communication about availability

    • Advance notice for time off requests

    • Commitment to your scheduled shifts

    Do I have to work weekends and holidays?

    Short answer: Sometimes, yes.

    Animals need care 365 days a year, including holidays. However:

    We handle this fairly:

    • Rotating schedule so burden is shared

    • Holiday pay or premium compensation

    • Advance scheduling so you can plan

    • Team approach so no one is always stuck with holidays

    Our philosophy: We try to honor major holidays and family time while ensuring animals receive consistent care. Communication and planning make this work for everyone.

    What if I need time off?

    Planned time off:

    • Request as far in advance as possible

    • We work with your schedule when we can

    • Communicate clearly about your needs

    • Respect that coverage must be arranged

    Emergencies and illness:

    • Communicate immediately

    • We have backup systems in place

    • Your wellbeing matters to us

    • Professional sick leave policies

    Vacations:

    • Advance planning required

    • We'll work to accommodate

    • Depends on team capacity and coverage

    What does a typical workday look like?

    Morning routine (example):

    • Arrive at facility and check in

    • Review any special instructions or updates

    • Feed animals according to individual protocols

    • Clean stalls/paddocks systematically

    • Turnout or bring-in as scheduled

    • Water trough cleaning and maintenance

    • Facility sweeping and organization

    • Health checks and documentation

    • Communication with management about any concerns

    Evening routine:

    • Similar systematic approach to feeding and care

    • Stall/paddock spot cleaning

    • Bring-in or turnout as needed

    • Final health and safety checks

    • Secure facility for overnight

    • Documentation and communication

    Every day includes:

    • Following systematic care protocols

    • Documenting work completed

    • Communicating any animal health concerns

    • Maintaining equipment and facility standards

    • Professional representation of Barn Maids

  • Entry-level positions: Experience is prioritized, and evaluated during the interview process. Some exceptions may apply.

    We provide comprehensive training in systematic care protocols, safety procedures, and professional standards. What matters most is work ethic, reliability, and genuine care for animal welfare.

    Advanced positions: Equine knowledge and hands-on experience required for specialized care roles.

    Important: Clients are always notified of assigned staff members and matched based on compatibility and experience level.

    Read more about our goals in our Mission Statement

  • As an independent contractor, you are responsible for your own insurance coverage.

    What this means:

    • You are not covered by workers' compensation insurance

    • You should carry your own liability insurance

    • You're responsible for your own health insurance

    • Any work-related injuries are your responsibility to manage

    Barn Maids carries:

    • General liability insurance for business operations

    • Coverage for client facilities and property

    • Professional liability protection

    Your responsibility:

    • Maintain appropriate personal insurance

    • Follow all safety protocols to prevent injuries

    • Use provided safety equipment properly

    • Report any safety concerns immediately

    Our commitment: While you're an independent contractor, your safety still matters. We provide proper equipment, maintain safe working conditions, and implement professional safety protocols.

    You will be required to sign a liability waiver with Barn Maids and the client if applicable.