^{Freelancing in the equine world can be incredibly rewarding}

— you get to do what you love, help horses and horsey people, and choose when and where you work. But just like any industry, not every client or job is a good one. As a freelancer, it’s vital to protect your time, your energy, and your boundaries.

Here are some common red flags to keep an eye out for when you're considering a freelance job in the equine industry:

“It’s Not Paid, But It’ll Be Good Experience for Your CV!”

This is one of the oldest tricks in the book. If a client is asking you to work for free under the guise of “building experience” or “getting exposure,” it’s a big no. Your time, skills, and energy are valuable — don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Even if you’re just starting out, you still deserve to be paid.

Vague or Fluffy Job Descriptions

If you're told “Need some help around the yard, you must be flexible, more details to come later…” — be cautious. Clients should clearly explain the tasks, hours, location, and expectations. Vague descriptions can often hide unpleasant surprises.

Unrealistic Expectations

If the client expects you to muck out 20 stables, exercise 4 horses, fix fences, and clean the tack room — all before lunch — it’s time to reconsider. Be wary of clients who don’t understand how long tasks actually take or who expect superhuman levels of output for little money.

Manipulative or Pushy Behaviour

If a client is trying to pressure you into taking a job quickly (“I need someone now, are you in or out?”), or if they push your rates down, guilt-trip you, or try to emotionally manipulate you (“You’d be perfect, please help us out, we’re desperate!”), it’s a red flag.

Freelancing should be a mutual agreement — not a one-sided situation where you’re being pushed into doing more than you’re comfortable with.

Pressuring You for Personal Information

Be cautious if someone is asking for lots of personal details early on — like your address, references, or ID — before you've even agreed to the job. Ask yourself why they need that information, and never hand over anything you’re not comfortable with. Always keep communication on-platform until you're sure the job is genuine.

Unprofessional Behaviour or Language

If a client bad-mouths other freelancers, is rude, overly familiar too quickly, or sends messages that make you feel uncomfortable — trust your gut. How they behave in those early conversations is a big clue to what they’ll be like to work for.

Undercutting or Lowballing

If you've set your rate and they try to haggle you down or say things like, “That’s a bit steep for mucking out, don’t you think?” — take note. Good clients respect your rate and know they’re paying for quality, not just time.

Wanting to Go Off-Platform Right Away

If someone wants your email, phone number, or to “chat over WhatsApp” straight away — then that could be a concern. The TallyHO Temps platform is there to protect both freelancers and clients and if someone’s keen to avoid that, you have to wonder why.

Pushing Boundaries Around Time

If you’ve agreed to finish at 5 pm and they try to convince you to stay until 6 pm — that’s not okay. Good clients respect your boundaries, your time, and your other commitments.

Negative Reviews or Reputation

If the yard or business has a string of negative reviews, or you hear about others having a bad experience, it’s worth doing a bit of research. Trust the equine grapevine — if others have raised concerns, don’t ignore the warning signs.

Ghosting

If you’re constantly chasing for details, responses, or confirmation, and they keep ignoring you — that’s a sign. Professional clients value your time and keep communication clear and timely. You shouldn’t have to chase someone just to do a job for them.

As an equine freelancer, you’re in demand — and you have every right to be treated fairly and professionally. Always trust your instincts, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to walk away from a situation that doesn’t feel right.

Your work has value. And the right clients will respect that.

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