Navigating the Generation Gap with Work Responsibilities.

Some important points about the differences in work ethic and expectations across generations, especially in a field as demanding as barn work. Caring for animals like horses, cows, goats, and more requires unwavering commitment, attention to detail, and an understanding that the work is never truly "done." This dedication goes beyond the typical workday, driven by a love for the animals and the satisfaction of ensuring their well-being.

At Zuma’s, we aim to instill these values by offering young people (14 and up) the chance to gain hands-on experience in exchange for educational opportunities with seasoned professionals. Through an application process and a transparent contract outlining expectations—signed by the working student, their parent, and their supervisor—we set standards to ensure these roles are taken seriously.

While we’ve seen some inspiring success stories with our working students, challenges often arise in fulfilling the requirements and managing expectations. Some working students may feel entitled to more without meeting the necessary commitments, which can create friction. This speaks to a broader cultural shift, where the intrinsic motivation and grit traditionally defined barn work may not be as common.

By continuing to set clear expectations and foster mutual understanding, we hope to bridge this gap and ensure that the values of dedication, hard work, and responsibility remain central to the next generation of animal caregivers.

If you are self-directed, empathetic, and willing to work to learn, we welcome you to apply for a working student position at Zuma’s. There is a minimum commitment of five hours a week, ten hours a week being the preference, typically an entire weekend day and one after-school shift. Please email Naomi if you would like to be considered for a position.

You will receive some free riding opportunities, nutrition, and anatomy classes, in addition to learning to recognize lameness and how to help horses struggling with it.