Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jan 20/06) - It's Andrew Debogorski's first day on the job as a stablehand at North Country Stables and he's looking forward to the challenge.

"I like it. My friend used to work here and he told me about the job," Debogorski said as he shovelled fresh shavings into one of the horse stalls.

The work of a stablehand is vital to the operations and maintenance of the farm, said Dr. Tom Pisz, the veterinarian owner of the stables.

"It's a unique position for this part of the world," Pisz said.

"I think it's a good job. There is contact with nature."

Each morning, 365 days a year, Pisz said the stablehands must clean out the 20 stalls and fill them with clean shavings.

The horses must be brought outside for exercise and during the cold, they must be covered with warm blankets.

The horses also must be watered and fed hay and other items for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Pisz said.

Because the position involves extensive contact with horses, which are unlike smaller domestic mammals, Pisz said ensuring the proper person is hired to interact with the horses is essential.

"People need good experience with horses and know their behaviour," he said.

Dyan Bergen, a stablehand for four winters who is now leaving the position, said without hesitation that contact with the horses was the best part of the job.

"They are nice to be around.

"There are long hours and it is hard work, but it is the best job I've ever had and Tom is the best boss I've ever had," Bergen said.