Beginner needing experience. (Please Help!!)

[adamleonard69]

Hello! i really have no idea where to post this thread, I'm sorry if its in the wrong place but its a slightly unusual post...

Im currently studying Agriculture at college and will shortly be finishing my first of the two year course. Being surrounded by a large college primarily for horses has re-kindled my love for them! i started to ride when i was about 12 for a short while but then stopped and haven't ridden since and I'm nearly 18! my difficulty is that I'm still a complete beginner and simply cannot afford lessons as i am a student! So I've come to you for help, PLEASE!! I'm wondering if anybody could guide me in the right direction on how to learn for as cheaply as possible.

I'm wondering if there is any place that i could work in return for free lessons? or even get a job as some sort of stable hand and learn to ride whilst I'm there, i understand how unemployable i am with hardly any experience but I've realised now that its definitely what i want to do as a career and I'm asking you if you have any advice or websites i can turn to or even if you know somebody who is willing to take me on as I'm basically willing to work anywhere in the UK as long as its with horses as i'll do anything in return for a basically salary (enough to survive) plus lessons and preferably accommodation.

so if anybody knows or has any ideas of what i can do it would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

Adam.

 

[PorkChop]

First of all you are keen, which is a big plus point. If you are willing to put some hard graft in and work for free for a bit then I would contact some local stables where you can learn on the job. Put up an advert in the local feed store stating that you are prepared to work to gain experience, I know I would love to help someone like you, problem is there doesn't seem to be anyone keen near me!

 

[STRIKER]

If you are finishing your first of a 2 year course, you will be going back for the second year, so how can you work anywhere in the UK surely it would need to be around where you live are at college, or is this job just needed whilst you are having a college break.

Agree see if you can work for lessons at a yard or riding school, but you may be required to take out personal accident insurance.

 

[FionaM12]

If you are finishing your first of a 2 year course, you will be going back for the second year, so how can you work anywhere in the UK surely it would need to be around where you live are at college, or is this job just needed whilst you are having a college break.

Agree see if you can work for lessons at a yard or riding school, but you may be required to take out personal accident insurance.

I wonder if he just means over the summer?

Also Adam, if you post this again in the "Tack Room" part of the forum you'll probably get many more replies, most people go on there. Good luck!

 

[STRIKER]

Do they not teach this type of husbandry at college seeing as it is an agricultural college, or do you need to know how to ride first.

 

[PorkChop]

Do they not teach this type of husbandry at college seeing as it is an agricultural college, or do you need to know how to ride first.

I think he is studying agriculture, it just so happens that his college also run equine courses.

 

[adamleonard69]

Hi, Thanks for the reply! if im totally honest ive realised agriculture isnt what i would like to pursue so i still have the option of finishing this course this year and have a half qualification which is still accredited and finish this year and not return next year, but this is only if i find an appropriate job! thanks

 

[wish upon a star]

Perhaps try a riding school and come to some arrangement where you are working on the yard for a set number of hours in return for a lesson. Loads of people do it but you might have to have regular lessons there so they get to know you and trust you before you can do this.
Just keep an eye out for adverts, I'm working at a yard in return for rides this summer so it is possible. Hope that helps

 

[Dry Rot]

You might have more success if you post a location.

If you've started a course in agriculture, I suggest you finish it, then go on to whatever is closer to your heart. These days, qualifications matter and having unfinished courses on your CV just sends a message that you are not a stayer.

But if you want to learn, you must expect to get paid what you are worth -- which, frankly, won't be much. But nothing beats practical experience. If it is only wielding a fork and pushing a wheel barrow, make sure you do it in as many different locations as possible to widen your experience. If you work hard and learn, the opportunities will follow.

 

[Orangehorse]

Doesn't the university have a riding club? When my daughter was at uni they used to get very cheap riding.

 

[Maesfen]

Hi, Thanks for the reply! if im totally honest ive realised agriculture isnt what i would like to pursue so i still have the option of finishing this course this year and have a half qualification which is still accredited and finish this year and not return next year, but this is only if i find an appropriate job! thanks

Is there not a possibility of changing courses at the same college so at least you'd get some handling experience? I know when my Goddaughter went to college, the big blurb was you had to be at Stage One at the very least but there were some on her course that couldn't ride at all let alone know how to put on a headcollar that got allowed onto it; as they were all pulled down to the lowest level it got very boring for those that had got experience as you can imagine.

 

[mynutmeg]

Is there not a possibility of changing courses at the same college so at least you'd get some handling experience? I know when my Goddaughter went to college, the big blurb was you had to be at Stage One at the very least but there were some on her course that couldn't ride at all let alone know how to put on a headcollar that got allowed onto it; as they were all pulled down to the lowest level it got very boring for those that had got experience as you can imagine.

This would be my thought - go talk to the tutors and see if you could maybe transfer to the equine course?

 

[Shay]

Volunteer for the RDA! The offer rides in exchange for help. Plus you'll learn the stable management, have something to put on your CV and have a stunning time helping others.

 

[misswinter]

Have you heard of reesheath? That'd a college that does lots of equine courses where you have your own horse for the length of the course and learn everything plus I think they do accommodation its well know in the county and am sure could fix you up with contacts for jobs I don't know your location but if you are willing to move it might be ideal.

 

[Red-1]

Have a look at the Northern Racing College. They take non riders and have accommodation. I think after 12 weeks you are turned round with a qualification, can muck out etc, and can canter work etc. I believe there is some kind of grant to be paid whilst there.
Other than that I would write lots of letters, detailing what you have to offer and what you need out of the deal. Lots of large establishments need someone who is handy to lift heavy weights and put up fencing etc. I guess if you are half way through your course you are handy with a tractor too?

Personally, if it were me, and I could, I would finish my agriculture course so I had my qualification. I would also second RDA for a free "horse fix".

Good Luck!

 

[millikins]

I'd try and swap courses. The college know you, know you are keen and hardworking and if anything like the one my daughter has just attended, prefer a good attitude to riding experience. Good luck.

 

[*hic*]

OP are you looking just to do this over this summer? If so there may be other people like me who would be interested to have someone who's prepared to help out round the place in return for some riding, accommodation and basic salary.

Whereabouts are you?

I have to say that I think you should see if you can get a summer placement with horses then go back and finish your course.

 

[LessThanPerfect]

I'm also going to recommend volunteering for Riding for the Disabled (RDA), they will give you the opportunity both to handle horses and have contact with disabled riders (and able bodied riders if it is an RDA group at a riding school that also has mainstream riders). If you are wanting to change to an equine based course you will also need to have good people skills as the two are inextricably combined !