Working students?

Question

what exactly is a working student program? is it more for college kids or high school kids? very advanced riders or intermediate riders? those with or without their own horse? how can i get involved in one?

Answer 1

Working student program is where you go to ride with a well known trainer or rider and basically in exchange for barn help they give you lessons and teach you about their style of riding.  I would say it would be for ages 18+ only b/c I doubt that they would want the liability. You would most likely use their horses, and stay at their facility for however long. I would look at some websites of your favorite riders/trainers...also search "working student wanted" on the internet.

Answer 2

working students are usually for high school or college kids. But sometimes you see responsible, younger kids as working students as well as a few adults. a working student works at the barn..cleaning stalls, feeding horses, any barn chore really. some barns will accept anyone as a working student, it doesnt really matter your riding level. However, if you are really advanced they may have you teaching lessons or handling horses, if you are beginner they will most likely have you just cleaning and feeding. every barn is different. it also doesnt matter if you have your own horse or not. you can get involved by looking up local barns and calling them, asking if they offer or will consider a working student. In return, you will get riding lessons, money off your board, whatever deal you and the manager come up with.

I am a working student and im a jr in high school. they have me training horses or giving beginner lessons most of the time. Occasionally they have me feed and clean stalls. A working student program is a very good thing to get involved with. It shows you the commitment and responsibility you need to care for horses. It definetly teaches you alot and gives you more experience.

Answer 3

i am a working student at a barn in washington and i started this program in 2006, working off lessons. I am now a sr in High School and have my own horse boarded at that very stables. I work off board and occasionally some lessons. It is a very rewarding experiance because it allows you to be more involved with not only horses, but also with the care, managment, and commitment it takes to have a horse. I am very lucky to have done this. You can be a rank begginer to an expert. Young or Old. It is great and it teaches you responsibility, commitment, and alot more than you can imagin. If you plan on working with horses in your future, this is an excellent way to learn and gain experiance. It is more fun than you can imagine!