Expectations of a working pupil

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Hollyhorse

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What exactly does the job of a 'working pupil' for a professional event rider actually involve? And if I wanted to be a working pupil for a really top eventer what would they expect me to have done and what level to have competed at? This is something I'm considering in the near future but want to make sure I meet all the requirements!
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Any comments appreciated!
 
I was a 'working pupil' at alocal yard back in 2000. All I did was shovel s*&T, clean tack, walk the horses from one yard to the other (1/2 a mile each way!) NEVER gor ro ride, but did get to help with the covering etc.
And all for 81p an hour, but I did lose 2 stone with all the work and cos I was too tired to eat after 5 1/2 days a week 8-6:30pm
 
[ QUOTE ]
I was a 'working pupil' at alocal yard back in 2000. All I did was shovel s*&T, clean tack, walk the horses from one yard to the other (1/2 a mile each way!) NEVER gor ro ride, but did get to help with the covering etc.
And all for 81p an hour, but I did lose 2 stone with all the work and cos I was too tired to eat after 5 1/2 days a week 8-6:30pm

[/ QUOTE ]

Your experience sounds remarkably like my own; except the days were longer and I wound up walking off the job.

"Sod that for a game of soldiers!", as my mother-in-law would say.
 
overworked and underpaid and in some yards, unlikely to sit on anything for months on end.

This is of course the stereotypical idea but it does happen
 
Having read the other posts I agree but you have to decide whether the experienced gained will be worth it in the end. Nobody gets rich working with horses, but the experience gained in a good yard can be priceless. If you would be prepared to work hard and long hours then go for it!
 
Thanks that's really interesting. Had no idea what a working pupil involved so really enlightening. I think I will have to work out what I want to get out of it and if it's worth it, at the end of the day I already know how to muck out etc! Really helpful comments - thanks!
 
I was one for a decent event yard last season. I loved it. Bl**dy hard work, 6 day week and long hours, but hacked alot of horses, got to go to gallops etc, and learnt alot. Also took my own horse, oppurtunity to compete was there, got regular lessons, and travelled all over country grooming at different events. On the down side, lack of money and social life drags a bit. Also you get as much oyt as you put in. But all in all, NO regrets. Go for it
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I was one as well, wasn't payed a penny but i did have a horse there with me, and two square meals a day!
worked my arse off.
got to ride loads (usually the stuff the boss wouldn't go anywhere near), and compete the babies!
 
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