Adopted November 6, 2020
The daily feed charts must be adhered to. If we didn't care, we wouldn't go to the efforts to make charts and follow them. Please do not change any feed, rations, hay, or supplements. We have the horses on a regimen, and don't want it changed. While it is tempting to give horses treats or extra rations, you are not to do this. Varying feed causes unneeded challenges, stresses, and other issues with our horses. If you feel that some change may improve a horse's health, you are welcome to discuss with Kathy or Kevin Dodd.
The charts are posted. If you aren't sure of feeding times, rations, or amounts, please call Kathy and verify BEFORE you take action.
Adopted November 4, 202
Clarification of Practices. Senior Drivers are Kyra Stephens, Kristyn Pigg, Niki Smith, and Shane Stephens. Their directions should be followed. While I can't imagine them giving directions contrary to our established practices, I will assume that a deviation is for good reason. As always, if you are concerned, you are welcome to call Kathy or Kevin Dodd for clarification.
When horses are brought in and the temperature is above 60 degrees, they should be rinsed before before put into their stalls. Additionally, if they are hot and/or blowing, they should be allowed to cool before being put into their stalls, especially if there is feed/grain waiting for them. Feeding a "hot" horse is a bad practice as they are more prone to colic or founder.
When bringing the horses in from the carriage stand, reservation, or other service they should be WALKED all the way to the barn. Allowing the horse to trot creates bad tendencies, sometimes called barn sour and they act aggressively when they know they are on their way "home." Simple corrections to keep them walking are required. This is also a time when you can work to improve a horse's speed at the walk because they are apt to walk faster anticipating getting home, getting rinsed, and fed. DO NOT ALLOW your horse to TROT on the way home. Horses must NEVER CANTER (Lope, gallop, etc.) when pulling. The only exception for trotting is if you or the horse or carriage is in danger: lightning, wreckless vehicle, etc. If lightning is a concern, it may be better to shelter under a bridge until it passes.
Some horses will act up, prance, dance, trot when their lines are too tight. This is called being "in their mouth" or in their face. Much like an automobile driver may clench the steering wheel, drivers sometimes choke and tighten the lines to have a feeling of more control. It has a type of snowball effect: the horse acts out, the driver tightens the lines, the horse acts our more, the driver tightens the lines further, and it creates a vicious cycle. If your horse is acting more aggressive at certain times, please consult with Kathy or the Senior Drivers for advice because there is a good chance you are getting "in their mouth." Typically a horse should travel at a walk with minimal commands from the driver. And let me add that some drivers may enjoy having a horse "dance" or "prance" to get attention for rides -- this practice is EXHAUSTING for the animal, creates terrible habits, and is NEVER ALLOWED with our horses.
Adopted October 22, 2020
Being on Time is a Priority. While there is flexibility when temperatures are soaring over 95 degrees, the carriages MUST be on time starting shifts when temperature is not a factor. Based on the revenue per hour, we can ill afford to lose the income generated. This goes to offsetting the huge amounts of lost income when carriages can't be out until much later in the evening due to temperature restrictions. If you aren't prepared and on time, particularly for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shifts, you should expect that the shift will be given to someone who will be on time. Let me also add, that we give consideration during the week, non prime days, with the understanding that carriages will be out on time for the prime days. Saturday and Sunday expectation is being out at 5 pm, and some Friday's (holidays).
Late shift starts seem insignificant; however, when you multiply the number of shifts x number of days, it becomes significant amount of money lost.
If you are LATE, you should expect to lose the assignment the following week. For you as contractors, we can opt to give the assignment to a contractor who will be on time for the job. As with any business, we want only the best drivers/contractors.
One option for being late is for YOU to reimburse the company any lost funds with the following formula:
Your total income for the evening adjusted by the number of minutes you were out, and having the amount of company losses deducted from your earnings after deducting what you would have earned had you been out on time--that way you're paying for being late, instead of the company suffering. It would look something like this: If you were supposed to be out at 5pm, but were out from 6pm to 1am, earning $1,000 total -- you were earning $142.85 per hour. For the hour lost, you would reimburse the company $142.85 minus your percentage you would have earned (e.g. 40% = $57.14), leaving $85.71 you would owe to the company for being late. In this instance, lateness cost the company about $85. Multiply this across a number of drivers x a number of days, and it becomes significant.
Adopted September 14, 2020
Carriage Cleaning (Detailing) is always a priority because it is a reflection of our company and ourselves as professionals, presenting a quality service and product to our guests. During Covid-19 it is even more important because carriage cleanliness represents SAFETY and gives our guests peace of mind.
In the hugely competitive San Antonio Carriage industry--you want to be their first choice when it's busy, but more importantly, you want to be the first choice when it's slow! Given all things equal with lights and decorations, the cleanliness of your carriage and YOUR APPEARANCE as a driver, may mean the difference between a fare choosing to ride with you or someone else.
At NO TIME should anybody walk by a carriage on the street and run their finger across a fender, seat, folding top and leave a streak in the dust or dirt. This is beyond unacceptable because you can not sanitize and disinfect where there is dust dirt.
Guest perception comes from 3 areas:
Besides having clean decorations, you need to refresh zip ties and such when "things begin to droop."
At least once a week (Thursday or Friday) you should be doing a deep cleaning of your carriage so the remainder of the week you can follow up with touch ups.
Note: No Carriage should leave the barn on Friday without having had a proper cleaning.
A proper carriage cleaning includes:
1. Entire carriage needs to be cleaned with a cleaner and rag. The company supplies cleaner in a concentrate form just mix w/ water in a spray bottle and go. This DOES NOT mean a once over with a wet paper towel.
2. Clean the entire carriage, including side surfaces, side lamps, dashboard, and front of the carriage.
3. Wheels must be cleaned and checked--all spokes wpped down (inside and out) with a rag & cleaner, omc;idomg the otter rim.
4. Springs are important--they collect dust and rust and must be cleaned and checked for integrity (look for broken leaves, cracked shackles, etc.)
5. Driver box should be clean and tidy-- this is your office, where you're sitting and a main attraction to customers. Keep it neat & clean, free from trash & debris.
6. Fenders & seats are high contact areas should be cleaned well with soap & water with a rag, followed by disinfectant and sanitizer.
7. Floor boards need to be cleaned daily before you go out and after rides as needed, Keep a whisk broom and dustpan on the carriage if necessary. Be careful with cordless vacs as they may spook a horse.
8. Open top Canopies need to be cleaned inside and outside and inside the folds/flaps. (Flaps are extremely important to stay clean to ensure they do not tear or mildew.)
9. Cinderella carriages tops must be cleaned and whipped down including all the hearts and swirls.
10. 5th wheel single tree and shafts should be wiped periodically to make sure there isn’t grease build up with dust. Also check for proper lubrication, 5th wheel bolts and nuts.
Adopted August 10, 2020
Horses are the 1st priority! Horse care and chores are done before trip sheets and paperwork is done.
--Kevin Dodd
Daily Chores:
Please ensure to clean up the hay area as to not Leave a mess on the wash rack.
These items can be done as a team, or individual, so long as all things are completed. There is no excuse, "I thought __ was going to __." Discuss the chores and share equally. Don't stick one driver with the same chore every night.
Keep in mind working together works great, but we should ALL work together and not watch others work. The idea is that even without 10 drivers all these things are completed every day.
Every driver is responsible to ensure all hay is picked around the outside of their horses stall for them to access as well as a clean water bucket.
Use Caution where you spray the hose. The water must be pushed back into the proper area to drain.
We CANNOT have water collecting by the Harness wall.
Pick up after yourself--please don’t leave trash, cups, bottles, etc around the desks, wash rack or carriages.
Adopted August 3, 2020
Driver PINS
Starting next week, all drivers will need a PIN to access most of the information in the SACCMS. Remember your login is your Firstname Lastname and your 4 digit pin. If you need your pin changed for security reasons, please text Kevin (210-771-5477) or email accounting@bluebonnetcarriage.com. Your PIN is YOUR security and protects your information. Please be careful about sharing.
Adopted August 3, 2020
Lollypop Door Openers
Drivers are responsible for the replacement cost and programming of any automatic garage door "clicker" that is lost, stolen, or damaged. *Additionally, drivers are responsible for the time (labor cost) to re-program ALL door "clickers" when a clicker has been lost or stolen. If you can not locate your assigned device, you must immediately notify a manager and let them know.
*Note that lost or stolen devices require all devices and the door to be re-programmed for security reasons to prevent unauthorized access.
Adopted July 31, 2020
Reservation Attire
When drivers are doing reservations, there is an expectation of professionalism related to demeanor and attire. People are paying additional money for reservations (premium service), and in some instances our advertising stipulates a driver in formal attire. Formal attire includes:
Adopted July 31, 2020
Regarding Opting In or Opting Out of Reservations
Drivers should commit to either doing reservations, or not doing reservations. While everyone wants to do them when times are slow, we then face challenges finding drivers who are enthusiastic about reservations when business is brisk. Additionally, you should give careful consideration to the dress requirements for reservations. The company expectation is that you are either "all in" or "all out."
The daily feed charts must be adhered to. If we didn't care, we wouldn't go to the efforts to make charts and follow them. Please do not change any feed, rations, hay, or supplements. We have the horses on a regimen, and don't want it changed. While it is tempting to give horses treats or extra rations, you are not to do this. Varying feed causes unneeded challenges, stresses, and other issues with our horses. If you feel that some change may improve a horse's health, you are welcome to discuss with Kathy or Kevin Dodd.
The charts are posted. If you aren't sure of feeding times, rations, or amounts, please call Kathy and verify BEFORE you take action.
Adopted November 4, 202
Clarification of Practices. Senior Drivers are Kyra Stephens, Kristyn Pigg, Niki Smith, and Shane Stephens. Their directions should be followed. While I can't imagine them giving directions contrary to our established practices, I will assume that a deviation is for good reason. As always, if you are concerned, you are welcome to call Kathy or Kevin Dodd for clarification.
When horses are brought in and the temperature is above 60 degrees, they should be rinsed before before put into their stalls. Additionally, if they are hot and/or blowing, they should be allowed to cool before being put into their stalls, especially if there is feed/grain waiting for them. Feeding a "hot" horse is a bad practice as they are more prone to colic or founder.
When bringing the horses in from the carriage stand, reservation, or other service they should be WALKED all the way to the barn. Allowing the horse to trot creates bad tendencies, sometimes called barn sour and they act aggressively when they know they are on their way "home." Simple corrections to keep them walking are required. This is also a time when you can work to improve a horse's speed at the walk because they are apt to walk faster anticipating getting home, getting rinsed, and fed. DO NOT ALLOW your horse to TROT on the way home. Horses must NEVER CANTER (Lope, gallop, etc.) when pulling. The only exception for trotting is if you or the horse or carriage is in danger: lightning, wreckless vehicle, etc. If lightning is a concern, it may be better to shelter under a bridge until it passes.
Some horses will act up, prance, dance, trot when their lines are too tight. This is called being "in their mouth" or in their face. Much like an automobile driver may clench the steering wheel, drivers sometimes choke and tighten the lines to have a feeling of more control. It has a type of snowball effect: the horse acts out, the driver tightens the lines, the horse acts our more, the driver tightens the lines further, and it creates a vicious cycle. If your horse is acting more aggressive at certain times, please consult with Kathy or the Senior Drivers for advice because there is a good chance you are getting "in their mouth." Typically a horse should travel at a walk with minimal commands from the driver. And let me add that some drivers may enjoy having a horse "dance" or "prance" to get attention for rides -- this practice is EXHAUSTING for the animal, creates terrible habits, and is NEVER ALLOWED with our horses.
Adopted October 22, 2020
Being on Time is a Priority. While there is flexibility when temperatures are soaring over 95 degrees, the carriages MUST be on time starting shifts when temperature is not a factor. Based on the revenue per hour, we can ill afford to lose the income generated. This goes to offsetting the huge amounts of lost income when carriages can't be out until much later in the evening due to temperature restrictions. If you aren't prepared and on time, particularly for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shifts, you should expect that the shift will be given to someone who will be on time. Let me also add, that we give consideration during the week, non prime days, with the understanding that carriages will be out on time for the prime days. Saturday and Sunday expectation is being out at 5 pm, and some Friday's (holidays).
Late shift starts seem insignificant; however, when you multiply the number of shifts x number of days, it becomes significant amount of money lost.
If you are LATE, you should expect to lose the assignment the following week. For you as contractors, we can opt to give the assignment to a contractor who will be on time for the job. As with any business, we want only the best drivers/contractors.
One option for being late is for YOU to reimburse the company any lost funds with the following formula:
Your total income for the evening adjusted by the number of minutes you were out, and having the amount of company losses deducted from your earnings after deducting what you would have earned had you been out on time--that way you're paying for being late, instead of the company suffering. It would look something like this: If you were supposed to be out at 5pm, but were out from 6pm to 1am, earning $1,000 total -- you were earning $142.85 per hour. For the hour lost, you would reimburse the company $142.85 minus your percentage you would have earned (e.g. 40% = $57.14), leaving $85.71 you would owe to the company for being late. In this instance, lateness cost the company about $85. Multiply this across a number of drivers x a number of days, and it becomes significant.
Adopted September 14, 2020
Carriage Cleaning (Detailing) is always a priority because it is a reflection of our company and ourselves as professionals, presenting a quality service and product to our guests. During Covid-19 it is even more important because carriage cleanliness represents SAFETY and gives our guests peace of mind.
In the hugely competitive San Antonio Carriage industry--you want to be their first choice when it's busy, but more importantly, you want to be the first choice when it's slow! Given all things equal with lights and decorations, the cleanliness of your carriage and YOUR APPEARANCE as a driver, may mean the difference between a fare choosing to ride with you or someone else.
At NO TIME should anybody walk by a carriage on the street and run their finger across a fender, seat, folding top and leave a streak in the dust or dirt. This is beyond unacceptable because you can not sanitize and disinfect where there is dust dirt.
Guest perception comes from 3 areas:
- Your appearance,
- Horses appearance
- Carriage appearance.
Besides having clean decorations, you need to refresh zip ties and such when "things begin to droop."
At least once a week (Thursday or Friday) you should be doing a deep cleaning of your carriage so the remainder of the week you can follow up with touch ups.
Note: No Carriage should leave the barn on Friday without having had a proper cleaning.
A proper carriage cleaning includes:
1. Entire carriage needs to be cleaned with a cleaner and rag. The company supplies cleaner in a concentrate form just mix w/ water in a spray bottle and go. This DOES NOT mean a once over with a wet paper towel.
2. Clean the entire carriage, including side surfaces, side lamps, dashboard, and front of the carriage.
3. Wheels must be cleaned and checked--all spokes wpped down (inside and out) with a rag & cleaner, omc;idomg the otter rim.
4. Springs are important--they collect dust and rust and must be cleaned and checked for integrity (look for broken leaves, cracked shackles, etc.)
5. Driver box should be clean and tidy-- this is your office, where you're sitting and a main attraction to customers. Keep it neat & clean, free from trash & debris.
6. Fenders & seats are high contact areas should be cleaned well with soap & water with a rag, followed by disinfectant and sanitizer.
7. Floor boards need to be cleaned daily before you go out and after rides as needed, Keep a whisk broom and dustpan on the carriage if necessary. Be careful with cordless vacs as they may spook a horse.
8. Open top Canopies need to be cleaned inside and outside and inside the folds/flaps. (Flaps are extremely important to stay clean to ensure they do not tear or mildew.)
9. Cinderella carriages tops must be cleaned and whipped down including all the hearts and swirls.
10. 5th wheel single tree and shafts should be wiped periodically to make sure there isn’t grease build up with dust. Also check for proper lubrication, 5th wheel bolts and nuts.
Adopted August 10, 2020
Horses are the 1st priority! Horse care and chores are done before trip sheets and paperwork is done.
--Kevin Dodd
Daily Chores:
- Check ALL waterers for proper operation & clean them out.
- Collect hay bags
- Hay ALL horses
- Grain all horses
- Wash rack--clean any manure and sweep water back into drain.
- Sweep barn, isles, feed area, hay area, etc... Sweep any bedding back into stalls.
- Take out trash--even if it's 1/2 full -- don't wait for it to get overloaded.
- Each driver should empty, clean (wash) diaper, and put on carriage.
- Empty manure buckets -- whether there is a little or a lot, after all diapers cleaned & barn is swept.
Please ensure to clean up the hay area as to not Leave a mess on the wash rack.
These items can be done as a team, or individual, so long as all things are completed. There is no excuse, "I thought __ was going to __." Discuss the chores and share equally. Don't stick one driver with the same chore every night.
Keep in mind working together works great, but we should ALL work together and not watch others work. The idea is that even without 10 drivers all these things are completed every day.
Every driver is responsible to ensure all hay is picked around the outside of their horses stall for them to access as well as a clean water bucket.
Use Caution where you spray the hose. The water must be pushed back into the proper area to drain.
We CANNOT have water collecting by the Harness wall.
Pick up after yourself--please don’t leave trash, cups, bottles, etc around the desks, wash rack or carriages.
Adopted August 3, 2020
Driver PINS
Starting next week, all drivers will need a PIN to access most of the information in the SACCMS. Remember your login is your Firstname Lastname and your 4 digit pin. If you need your pin changed for security reasons, please text Kevin (210-771-5477) or email accounting@bluebonnetcarriage.com. Your PIN is YOUR security and protects your information. Please be careful about sharing.
Adopted August 3, 2020
Lollypop Door Openers
Drivers are responsible for the replacement cost and programming of any automatic garage door "clicker" that is lost, stolen, or damaged. *Additionally, drivers are responsible for the time (labor cost) to re-program ALL door "clickers" when a clicker has been lost or stolen. If you can not locate your assigned device, you must immediately notify a manager and let them know.
*Note that lost or stolen devices require all devices and the door to be re-programmed for security reasons to prevent unauthorized access.
Adopted July 31, 2020
Reservation Attire
When drivers are doing reservations, there is an expectation of professionalism related to demeanor and attire. People are paying additional money for reservations (premium service), and in some instances our advertising stipulates a driver in formal attire. Formal attire includes:
- button down shirt (usually white)
- black slacks
- tie (bow or traditional)
- black/brown shoes/boots
- black hat (western, bowler, or top hat)
- black vest
- black jacket (might be optional, depending on customer)
Adopted July 31, 2020
Regarding Opting In or Opting Out of Reservations
Drivers should commit to either doing reservations, or not doing reservations. While everyone wants to do them when times are slow, we then face challenges finding drivers who are enthusiastic about reservations when business is brisk. Additionally, you should give careful consideration to the dress requirements for reservations. The company expectation is that you are either "all in" or "all out."