Being raised on a farm had a lifelong impact on Ben Brown, farm worker at the Auburn University Horse Center.
Brown, who owns two horses, has worked at the facility for eight years.
"I like animals," Brown said, "and I just enjoy being outside."
Brown's duties vary daily, but include feeding horses, cleaning the barn and cutting grass. His tasks for each day are written on a dry-erase board.
"When we get done taking care of the horses, we just start on that list," Brown said.
Brown worked at the Auburn Swine Unit for 15 years, until a building remodel temporarily placed him at the Horse Center.
"I had to come work over here, and I liked the horses, so I just stayed," Brown said.
The 60-acre Horse Center is home to the Auburn equestrian team.
"I try to help the team out," Brown said. "If they have something they need done, I'll do it."
Brown said he has a good relationship with the horses.
"One or two of them are hard-headed, and I don't like to deal with them much," Brown said, "but most of them I get along with."
Hercules and Lily are his favorite horses, while J.D. falls into the hard-headed category, according to Brown.
One task Brown finds difficult is hooking up the drag, a piece of machinery that creates a level surface in the arena.
"It takes about three people to hook that thing up," Brown said. "It's hard, but we've got to do it."
Typical day at the Horse Center
7 a.m. -- Arrive at work
7:15 a.m. -- Feed and water the horses and check them for any wounds
8:30 a.m. -- Clean the barn and sweep the floors
10 a.m. -- Cut grass and pick up trash around the facility
1 p.m. -- Treat any sick horses
2 p.m. -- Clean the stalls
3 p.m. -- Complete tasks listed on board
4 p.m. -- Go home
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