Our horses and ponies meet many people. Therefore, it is good if each horse has at least one handler that it gets to know a little better. The caretaker system is for those who want to learn more about how horses work. As a caretaker, you take shared responsibility for one of our horses or ponies. To make sure that you fit with your chosen horse or pony, you may work as a "trial groomer" for a number of days before your real grooming period begins.

​

Become an attendant with us
Do you want to become an attendant on one of our lesson horses or ponies, do you have questions or concerns about the attendant system? Contact the caretaker by e-mail:us@gfrk.se
To be able to put you in line for a nursing horse, we need to know your name, date of birth, phone number, email address, desired grooming days and which day you ride lesson. Care manager reads emails every day and replies at least once a week.

The structure and rules of the nursing system
• In order for the relationship between horse and handler to be as strong as possible, each horse or pony may have a maximum of two handlers.
• There is no difference between these two attendants regardless of the number of days each attends.
◦ Respect each other's days. If you are in the stable on the other groom's grooming day, you let that groom take care of the horse.
• It is possible to change the nursing horse. The waiting period is three months. But we do not accept exchanges on time or off time.
• In the event of an obstacle, you must contact the horse's or pony's other handler and ask them to handle it in your place. You can also notify the care manager about the days you cannot attend.
• Do you want to take care of one of our new horses? Then the waiting time is three months before you can even stand in line. This is to give the horses a chance to settle in.
• Some horses are more difficult than others. The caretaker has the right to interrupt the nursing period if the attendant's experience is not sufficient. This is to ensure the safety of the horse and the attendant.
• At least twice a year, the Youth Section's board organizes caretaker meetings. At the meetings, we go over who has a grooming horse and who is waiting in line to start grooming. Can't attend the meeting? Notify the caretaker. Anyone who has not contacted the carer manager will be removed from the carer system.

The attendant's responsibilities
• Brush and comb the horse's coat. Rumoring is important for the relationship between man and horse. The rumination stimulates the horse's blood circulation, opens the pores and makes the coat shiny.
• Scratch hooves and make sure that no stones or other things are stuck in the shoes. Also make sure that all shoes are securely fastened.
◦ Brushing, raking and scratching the hooves should take at least an hour each day.
◦ If a shoe is loose or missing, notify stable staff or instructor immediately.
• Visit the horse or pony every time you groom. Check that there are no wounds or swelling on the horse's body and assess the horse's general condition. Is it droopier, colder or warmer than usual?

◦ If the horse or pony has wounds, swelling or shows other symptoms of illness, notify stable staff or instructor immediately.
• Take care of your nursing horse or pony's equipment. The saddle, bridle and auxiliary reins must be lubricated regularly, preferably once a week, using the tools in the saddle chamber. Ironing coats must be kept clean of dirt and mud.
◦ Do not disassemble the horse's equipment unless you are absolutely sure how to put it back together. If the equipment is put together in the wrong way, there can be a safety risk for both horse and rider.
◦ Make sure the horse or pony does not go to class immediately after you have lubricated the equipment. Newly lubricated equipment is uncomfortable for both horse and rider.
◦ If equipment is missing or broken, notify stable staff or instructor immediately.