That’s is the day I accidentally auditioned for my own barn reality show.

The Client you should have said no to

A.k.a.: “this will be fine“ (It will not be fine)

We’ve all done it.

You need a potential new client. They seem mostly normal… Except for the five tiny red flags you politely ignored.

Sure, they’ve been through three bars in two years.

Sure, they want “just a few exceptions” to your rules before signing contract.

Sure, they ask if you’ll feed their horse a special mash at exactly 3:07 PM daily.

But hey: the stalls empty, the calendar is open, you convince yourself it’ll be fine.

Spoiler: it will not be fine

How it actually goes

Week one: they’re “just settling in”

Week two: they want to “tweak” your turnout schedule.

Week three: they’ve decided the Farrier you’ve trusted for 10 years is “doing it wrong”

By week six, you’re avoiding your own bar aisle.

Saying no is cheaper

The wrong client doesn’t just drain your patience— they drain your time, your team morale, and the good vibes your other clients enjoy. One bad fit can undo the piece you’ve worked years into building.

Here’s the thing:

Every time you say no to a bad fit, you’re saying yes to protect your barn sanity—-and your own.

Trust your gut. It’s rarely wrong. And it will save you from explaining why these “special mash “has to be served by Moonlight on a Tuesday.

“ the star was empty, the check cleared, and I ignored my gut. That was the day I accidentally auditioned for my own barn Reality show.”