First day volunteering and making mistakes

[toppedoff]

I haven't been in touch with horses for over a year now and finally back with them. My day has been amazing, its a riding school, livery and farm. I got to help level the school, help in lessons and general care and stuff

Issue is, I do feel bad for messing up especially in the lessons.
First lesson was putting out jumps, that was okay, but I couldn't tell what the instructor was asking the rider (mind you I've been a happy hacker all my life, I'm not used to schooling) to do so it was hard to predict where to stand and i felt I was being a bit of a hassle especially when told to step back, I stepped forwards. Mind you this is my first task of the day

The next lesson, I almost cried after because my god I felt really bad. Little girl on a lead rein lesson, I was a bit nervous for this one but I didn't hear the instructor clearly and thought she asked me if I had done this before as we were walking down the road to the arena and I said yes but I misheard her from saying never done this before and she took that yes as a I have done this before and was too late to correct my first mistake. Second mistake was getting the wrong whip and third mistake was I was accidentally pushing the horse into the middle while I was leading as I was trying to keep up with the pony, rider was learning to canter.

I know I'm here to learn and make mistakes but I feel really guilty, these are paid lessons after all. I just suppose I'm writing this as a little rant at myself

I did really like it though, I have learnt alot and even got to see a demo from the Farrier, had a nice little groom with a welshie who I adore, it has definitely boosted my confidence and its only been a day so that's a plus!

 

[canteron]

Oh, top marks to you for giving a go and starting at ‘the bottom’, it’s the best way to learn. Fingers crossed you keep on enjoying it and learning lots.

 

[Auslander]

Why are you "volunteering" at a commercial business? Sounds like they're taking advantage of you - even inexperienced trainee staff get paid!

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Why are you "volunteering" at a commercial business? Sounds like they're taking advantage of you - even inexperienced trainee staff get paid!

A local RS to me has volunteers, any age over 12.
X hours volunteering equals a ride.

Their ponies all have sharers too, its about 175/200 pcm for 2 x half days (between 2 and 6pm only, can only ride for 1 hr but can groom, clean tack or skip out in that time) and a 30 min lesson shared with 3 other sharers at a weekend at a time set by the RS.

OP dont feel bad, everyone can make mistakes when starting out x

 

[toppedoff]

Why are you "volunteering" at a commercial business? Sounds like they're taking advantage of you - even inexperienced trainee staff get paid!

I asked if I could do voluntary work but alongside that its being used towards my work experience hours as I haven't completed those yet, so there's that.. I would like to see maybe once those hours are over for a fully paid position or perhaps try and see if lessons are available as an exchange but I'd need to bring that up. I have seeked out paid work and found I haven't gotten anything because I've had a 1 year gap from horses and my previous place didn't give me the opportunity to actually learn and progress so it's finding something that can give me progression and opportunity to learn guess this is how the equine world works

 

[Quigleyandme]

I hope they will help you to develop your knowledge and skills and most of all that they appreciate you!

 

[Squeak]

Don't worry, you'll soon get into the swing of it and hopefully enjoy it. Riding schools are used to teaching people about everything and IME were always just grateful for the extra pair of hands.

 

[Auslander]

I asked if I could do voluntary work but alongside that its being used towards my work experience hours as I haven't completed those yet, so there's that.. I would like to see maybe once those hours are over for a fully paid position or perhaps try and see if lessons are available as an exchange but I'd need to bring that up. I have seeked out paid work and found I haven't gotten anything because I've had a 1 year gap from horses and my previous place didn't give me the opportunity to actually learn and progress so it's finding something that can give me progression and opportunity to learn guess this is how the equine world works

That's fair enough - as long as you are getting something in return - not just being used as a skivvy xx

 

[Red-1]

I think they are lucky to have you.

 

[Maxidoodle]

Don’t you worry! You will pick things up quickly, it’s always hard doing anything for the very first time.

 

[blitznbobs]

You are saying you weren’t an expert on your first day? Well of course you weren’t… everyone makes mistakes EVERYONE and on your first day it’s not your mistake it’s the riding schools for not being clear enough with their questions and throwing you in at the deep end... fastest way to learn it’s true but if that is the case they will and should expect you not to get it right first time.

 

[southerncomfort]

I'm sure they're absolutely delighted to have some extra help!

No one expects you to know everything straight away.

 

[smolmaus]

I've worked with a good few brand new horsey volunteers and the only things that matter is that they keep themselves safe and that they try. Everything else will come with time. I think every yard does things slightly differently or keeps things in weird places or communicates with a different shorthand so it isn't rare or strange for even an experienced horsey person to be a bit out of their depth on their first day in a new place. You're doing fine ❤

Don't be embarrassed about asking for things to be explained or clarified either, even if you feel like it's something you "should" know. A minute to make sure everyone is on the same page saves more time in the long run than getting in a muddle!

 

[Kaylum]

We had loads of children volunteering for us at the riding school, they couldn't afford their own ponies and got a ride in return. They also went to events with us and got to ride there. They learnt they had to be on time and that ponies were hard work. Better than any college could teach work skillon the job. They were invaluable and didn't have to come but they loved it. Learning there and then. Many riding schools run like this. Providing opportunities to children and students. We all have to start somewhere op well done.

To this day I would rather have someone who can get out of bed on a morning and a proven work record, working for me. Shows commitment and understanding how a team and business runs.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Why are you "volunteering" at a commercial business? Sounds like they're taking advantage of you - even inexperienced trainee staff get paid!

^^^ I also got warning bells about this especially as OP you sound like you are a young person. Please do make sure that you are not taken advantage of in this situation as it can so easily happen and before you know if you are being exploited.

That said, may I gently suggest that you are coming across as being quite hard on yourself. You do not need to be!! I would counsel you to relax a little and try not to worry so much!!

Sounds like you are doing just fine!!

 

[sbloom]

Sounds like you did fine, they could have taken more time to brief you, so it's their issue that it was "seat of the pants". My learning, early to mid 80s, was all at a medium sized BHS training centre, I worked most weekends and most school holidays doing all sorts, long days, from age 11, and didn't get a single lesson in return the whole time as their insurance supposedly didn't allow it, just the chance to sit in on the working pupil lectures Tues-Fridays. Plus ca change and all that.

 

[toppedoff]

^^^ I also got warning bells about this especially as OP you sound like you are a young person. Please do make sure that you are not taken advantage of in this situation as it can so easily happen and before you know if you are being exploited.

That said, may I gently suggest that you are coming across as being quite hard on yourself. You do not need to be!! I would counsel you to relax a little and try not to worry so much!!

Sounds like you are doing just fine!!

Thank you, I am definitely going to be careful, I'm still testing and learning the waters since I don't know if I want to work with horses or just own one so this goes towards those options I suppose since all my knowledge comes from online or resources! Today went way more better! Less nerves

 

[toppedoff]

Today was good, soggy, was in the rain for 7 hours, I looked after the ponies that were coming in to be tacked up and groomed

 

[Barton Bounty]

I wouldn’t worry about it…. No one is infallible. You will get the hang of the routine

 

[fidleyspromise]

It sounds like you're quickly getting the hang of it.