How to Start an Open Barn Day at Your Farm

Open Barn Days are a fantastic way to introduce new people to horses, educate your community, and promote your farm in a fun and welcoming environment. Whether you're hoping to attract future lesson students, boarders, or simply share your passion for horses, an Open Barn Day can be a rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Start with Liability and Safety

Before inviting guests onto your property, make sure you have appropriate liability coverage that includes visitors. It's also important to have every participant (or parent/guardian) sign a liability waiver upon arrival.

Safety should always come first. Begin each event with a brief safety talk covering how to approach horses, where guests may and may not go, and expectations for behavior around animals.

Gauge Community Interest

Reach out to local schools, homeschool groups, scout troops, community organizations, and youth groups to see if there is interest in attending. You may be surprised by how many families are looking for educational activities involving animals.

Once you've identified interest, create an event listing on your social media platforms. Share details about the date, time, age recommendations, and what participants can expect to learn.

Free or Paid?

I typically host two free Open Barn Days each year. One is held in partnership with our local 4-H horse program, benefiting both the program and my barn. You could also charge a small fee to cover supplies. I require advance registration to help estimate attendance and ensure enough helpers and horses are available. 

Create a Simple Educational Curriculum

You don't need an elaborate program to create a memorable experience. A typical Open Barn Day schedule might look like this:

1. Welcome and Sign-In

• Have guests sign in.
• Collect liability forms from parents or guardians.
• Introduce staff and volunteers.

2. Safety Talk

• Discuss safe behavior around horses.
• Demonstrate how to approach and touch a horse appropriately.

3. Miniature Horse and Shetland Education

Many visitors assume miniature horses are simply baby horses. This is a great opportunity to explain:

• How tall miniature horses and Shetlands are.
• The differences between breeds and styles.
• Their unique characteristics and uses.

4. Grooming Demonstration

Introduce participants to different types of brushes and grooming tools. Explain what each brush is used for and allow guests to help brush a calm, experienced miniature horse.

5. Learning to Lead

Teach basic leading skills and horse handling. Set up a simple obstacle course using cones and have participants practice walking a miniature horse through patterns, around cones, or through a zig-zag course.

6. Trick Horse Demonstration Or Something Fun!

If you have a horse that performs tricks, this is often a crowd favorite. Demonstrations showcase the intelligence of horses and provide an entertaining way to discuss training techniques and positive reinforcement. 

If you don’t have a trick horse, then a horse dress up is also a big hit!

Consider Special Themes

Once you've hosted a few successful events, consider creating themed Open Barn Days. Some ideas include:

• Ladies Night at the Barn
• Girl Power Barn Day
• Homeschool Horse Science Day
• Miniature Horse Meet-and-Greet
• Family Farm Fun Day
• Horse Care 101
• Future Equine Professionals Day

The possibilities are endless, and themed events often attract new audiences.

Benefits Beyond the Event

Open Barn Events are about more than just a fun afternoon. They help build relationships within your community, introduce people to horses who may never have had the opportunity otherwise, and increase awareness of your farm and services. Many farms find that Open Barn Days lead to new lesson students, camp participants, volunteers, and future clients. Even those who don't become customers often leave with a positive impression and share their experience with friends and family. With a little planning, a focus on safety, and a willingness to be creative, Open Barn Events can become one of the most enjoyable and effective outreach activities your farm offers.

Join the Conversation

Do you have an idea about open barn events? Join the conversations on TurnoutHQ and share your thoughts and ideas. 

Sources

By Dr. Amy Wertenberger