Beginner's Barn - Organizing Certificates and Records II
by Mary Vinyard

In this installation, I have listed some alternate methods of organizing your stable.

File Folders
If you are only going to be keeping papers on your stock and nothing bulky (such as show ribbons), you may choose to use file folders as organization. One folder for each horse is sufficient and could include their papers, breeding records and show records (if applicable). Files can be kept in a file cabinet or hanging racks and organized alphabetically. If you are using separate drawers, you can also separate by breed or sex. Files are easily removed for reference and added to. One drawback to the file folder is the possibility of papers falling out when not "hung", though using pocket folders that have closed sides would alleviate this problem.

Accordion Files
Some people also use accordion type files as opposed to the hanging variety. These can be organized by breed and will eliviate the possiblity of papers falling out unless you turn it upside down. There is the risk of papers getting bent with this system as they accordion opens and closes.

Pocket Folders
Pocket Folders (like the kind you use(d) in school) are another option to organization. Pedigrees and other information can be stored safely in the pockets. One singular folder could be used for each horse or for 2 (or more) horses. Pocket folders with the 3-hole tabs are perhaps a better pocket folder option. As with the 3-ring binders, these 3-hole pocket folders can be organized with tabs or by breed and/or sex. Pocket folders are ideal for a smaller stable just starting out or for a breed you may only have a few horses of. They come in many colors (which could be used for further organization - ex. Red for mares, blue for stallions, etc.) and in economy through fancy styles.

Electronic Applications
There are many pedigree programs on the market for use on your personal computer. Some specifically target pedigrees, while others provide a more complete file on each horse and include breeding and show record entry fields. They are database driven and offer search options and "at you fingertips" information on each horse. Each offers different functions. Some are just record keepers, while other offer "hypothetical" breedings, which works great for completing those breeding requests! Many are targeted just to horses while others are used for dogs or other animals. Some horse specific ones include Pedigree Plus and Pedigree Biz, and HorseTrak. Most can be adapted to a model horse breeding program with a little creativity and customization. Cost begins around $30 and upwards depending on the complexity and capabilities of the program. Programs can be purchased online, through real horse catalogs, or at some local tack stores. Research your electronic program thoroughly, to assure it will have all the functions you desire to track your stock.

Once you pick out your electronic application and get it loaded, the daunting task of keying in all your horses personal information will begin. If you start electronically at the beginning of your program, the task will be much less than if you wait until you have 50 or more horses. Many of the programs do have "memory" capabilities that will recall bloodlines within pedigrees, which could be helpful (and save you some keying!) during this process.

Personal Computing Applications
Some hobbiests have created their own electronic record keeping methods. Applications such as Microsoft Excel or Access can be programmed or organized to keep database of your stock's records. These methods of record keeping options are endless and take some computer skills and time that each individual would need to guage for themselves.

Conclusion
As stated in the preface to the first organization article, these are by far not the only methods of organization. Find a method that suits your tastes, your skills and the future of your stable and you should be on the trail for organizational success!

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