Steph33
New User
Hi,
I'm completely new to this whole world... and been quite nervous about posting so please bear with me if I waffle slightly!!
This is my story and question-
I'm 25 years old. When I was 15 I did work experience in a stables that was also a kennels and cattery, I loved EVERY minute of it and decided I wanted to be a vet! Well it turned out I wasn't really good enough at sciences to be a vet, and I have always been encouraged to go into acedemic work... I never had pets growing up as my Dad has allergies, and always begged for riding lessons but my parents couldn't afford them, which is fair enough.
I've just finished a degree in psychology, and I've been accepted on to a Social Work Masters to start in Sept. I'm by no means great at psychology, average at best despite my efforts.
A few weeks ago I got very annoyed at myself as I have been so busy studying all the time and trying to please other people that I have never let myself have a hobby. So I impulsively booked myself a riding lessson. I thought I would be dreadful. When I mounted the horse I felt so happy and confident, I loved every minute of my lesson. My instructor was great and said that she was pleased with me and couldn't believe I hadn't ridden before (I'm not that niave, I'm sure they said that to alot of people to keep them coming back!!)
Anyway on the way home I couldn't stop thinking about my work experience all those years ago, and about how great I felt after my lesson. I have a health condition (nothing serious) but I felt healthier than I have in years after that lesson. As I'm right at the end of my degree I've not been working for the past 2 months so I'm now looking for employment.
I delicately broached the subject to my partner about how I would love to work in a stable and he knocked me right down. He said I'm too old now... there are plenty of younger girls who will work for less or for free as they don't have mortgages etc and on top of that I have zero experience. My partner's family all ride and he did as a child.
I'm not stupid, I know I may be a little old to get into this game but I didn't have the upbringing that he did where I was able to experience riding, and only now I can pay for it myself have I been able to do it.
I just don't know how long I can deny myself something that I know I enjoy. If I'm too old then I have no choice, but I wondered what other people thought?
I was considering getting in touch with some stables in the area. I could offer my services as Yard Assistant as voluntary for a week so they could give me some training before they have to pay me. I know that the school I have lessons as offer the BHS training up to stage 3 and eventually this is what I would like to start doing. As I have a mortgage I can't afford to work for free permanently, or even for apprenticeship wages. But I can afford to work for minium wage. Is this even possible? Would anyone take me on?? I'm more than happy to start right at the bottom. As the saying goes its better to be at the bottom of a ladder you want to be on than in the middle of one that you don't!!
Any thoughts much appreciated... I don't know anyone that rides except for my partners family so I don't really have anyone to chat to about it. Bit embarrassed about speaking to my instructor about it as I'm not sure any of this is even possible.
Thank you so much for reading
x
I'm completely new to this whole world... and been quite nervous about posting so please bear with me if I waffle slightly!!
This is my story and question-
I'm 25 years old. When I was 15 I did work experience in a stables that was also a kennels and cattery, I loved EVERY minute of it and decided I wanted to be a vet! Well it turned out I wasn't really good enough at sciences to be a vet, and I have always been encouraged to go into acedemic work... I never had pets growing up as my Dad has allergies, and always begged for riding lessons but my parents couldn't afford them, which is fair enough.
I've just finished a degree in psychology, and I've been accepted on to a Social Work Masters to start in Sept. I'm by no means great at psychology, average at best despite my efforts.
A few weeks ago I got very annoyed at myself as I have been so busy studying all the time and trying to please other people that I have never let myself have a hobby. So I impulsively booked myself a riding lessson. I thought I would be dreadful. When I mounted the horse I felt so happy and confident, I loved every minute of my lesson. My instructor was great and said that she was pleased with me and couldn't believe I hadn't ridden before (I'm not that niave, I'm sure they said that to alot of people to keep them coming back!!)
Anyway on the way home I couldn't stop thinking about my work experience all those years ago, and about how great I felt after my lesson. I have a health condition (nothing serious) but I felt healthier than I have in years after that lesson. As I'm right at the end of my degree I've not been working for the past 2 months so I'm now looking for employment.
I delicately broached the subject to my partner about how I would love to work in a stable and he knocked me right down. He said I'm too old now... there are plenty of younger girls who will work for less or for free as they don't have mortgages etc and on top of that I have zero experience. My partner's family all ride and he did as a child.
I'm not stupid, I know I may be a little old to get into this game but I didn't have the upbringing that he did where I was able to experience riding, and only now I can pay for it myself have I been able to do it.
I just don't know how long I can deny myself something that I know I enjoy. If I'm too old then I have no choice, but I wondered what other people thought?
I was considering getting in touch with some stables in the area. I could offer my services as Yard Assistant as voluntary for a week so they could give me some training before they have to pay me. I know that the school I have lessons as offer the BHS training up to stage 3 and eventually this is what I would like to start doing. As I have a mortgage I can't afford to work for free permanently, or even for apprenticeship wages. But I can afford to work for minium wage. Is this even possible? Would anyone take me on?? I'm more than happy to start right at the bottom. As the saying goes its better to be at the bottom of a ladder you want to be on than in the middle of one that you don't!!
Any thoughts much appreciated... I don't know anyone that rides except for my partners family so I don't really have anyone to chat to about it. Bit embarrassed about speaking to my instructor about it as I'm not sure any of this is even possible.
Thank you so much for reading
x