Job trial - do's and don'ts?

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beginner_rider

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I've managed to get a job trial in 3 days time as a weekend groom on a small privately owned yard, will be around 6 hours per day, doing all the usual chores for 6 horses including a mare and a foal, including riding a couple (mainly hacking I think)
Are there any do's and don'ts in particular? Having my own little bombproof pony that I can do anything with I tend to just do everything quickly (not BHS way) just throwing a rug across him etc, not tying up for things like tacking up...I feel like I'm going to turn up, and stick a headcollar on wrong and embarass myself! I've been totally honest and said I have no experience with foals but would love to learn and it seemed to not be a problem.

I've also only been riding for just over 2 years so I'm worried my riding won't be up to scratch. Obviously I can ride my own, and get him working quite nicely and can ride through any naughtiness (he bolts a lot haha) but will they expect me to sit there and look all pretty and proper do you think? I'm so nervous and over thinking this!
 
Just be honest. Be happy and willing, but ask if you're not sure. They should be giving you guidance about how you need to do things. Good luck. Hope you enjoy it.
 
You will be fine, we all feel nervous at any new job.
The owner should introduce you to each horse and discuss any foibles, this idea the horses should be tacked up wihout tying up was strange to me having worked with horses, hundreds of them at a time, so my default in a pro yard would always be to put a headcollar on, tie up, and remove the rug . The horse should come to you rather than you chasing it round and risking a kick.
NOW, to do this properly always undo the belly straps first and make sure they are hanging loose, then undo the front. It is good practice to slide the rug off from the off side. Hang it on the door or on the floor depending on the owners requirements.
Assume the horse hould be brushed over lightly, run your hands round the girth area.
The tail should be free of bedding, stand to the side not in the kick zone.
Assume the feet should be picked out, some YO are paranoid about this.
Never walk out of stable with stirrups dangling.
Smile , this s meant to be fun.
 
Turn up on time!
Don't use your phone whilst they are paying you (unless in an emergency)
Ask how they like things done
Smile!

Good luck
 
Second the "ask how they like things done". Each of us no matter how experienced has a different way of doing things, I know some of my stable management raises eyebrows in that I'm relaxed about tying up and doing rugs in the field among other things, but I know my horses and what they will and won't tolerate. If I'm ever handling other people's horses I'm very careful about giving them a wide berth, letting them know you're there by speaking to them, no sudden movements etc.

Make sure you pay attention when you're being given instructions (I've a terrible habit of thinking "ah yes, got it" then having a complete blank when it comes to doing something!), don't be afraid to ask, BUT try not to ask the same question too many times! Good luck.
 
Don't be frightened of asking!

If needs be take a little note book with you and write down each individuals quirks (they all have them).

Ask what a 'normal' day would be for them - what do they do first, what are 'normal' routines. For the riding again don't assume that you just get on and go - again ask if there is anything you need to be aware of - is there anything that the horses in your care don't like, how do they like to be ridden. How much trotting is normally done on a ride etc.
 
Agree with all the above. Don't be afraid to ask how they like things done, I've worked & been around horses for 35 years & everyone likes things done a little differently. I started some part time work a couple of months ago on a posh dressage yard & was horrified that they wanted me to tie the horses up on the concrete to muck them out having always put them in a spare stable at other places & never leave my own tied up. I still can't relax but the owner of the hugely expensive horses is completely chilled as are the horses!
 
I would add to the above advice - if you get the job and you don't feel safe riding a particular horse, DON"T ride it! If you were to have an accident, you would not be able to work, and you should not be put in the position where you are asked to ride something unsafe. I chose to retire one of my horses because he had both the yard staff off (only once each and they were not badly hurt) rather than continue to ask them to ride him.
 
My bosses are always impressed by someone who does things carefully, even if slowly at first.
We also love a person who if they find 10 minutes on their hands instead of grabbing their phone grabs a broom without being asked!!!
Hope you love it! X
 
Thank you all so much! Will definitely just ask how they want things doing and get to know their exact routines!
With regards to the riding I'm hoping they are fairly calm horses! Won't ride anything I'm uncomfortable riding and I think I will say I wouldn't like to hack in horrible weather conditions, I don't mind a bit of rain but hailstorms, on a potentially spooky horse, on a windy, grey, dark day, when I'll be most likely riding alone 90% of the time...I'll pass! I'm sure they will understand that.
My friends are coming to my yard in the morning to watch me do all the basics with my horse and point out any silly careless mistakes. I bloody want this job lol!
Thanks again x
 
Good luck! You've had some great responses. I would warn though that in every groom job I had and in the yards I went on to run, we rode out and were expected to ride out in every weather imaginable and had to be capable of riding every horse in the yard. Definitely voice your concerns and boundaries though, with luck they will hold the same views as you and either way, they need a clear picture of what you can and can't do :).
 
Good advice so far. I would say though, it is important to ensure you ask about 'their way' of doing things, but also not so much that it makes you seem unsure/inexperienced. Ask at the beginning if there is anything you should know about riding/handling any of the horses, if there are certain routines they would like to be followed, but don't keep asking if they like everything this way or that way. They won't want to nanny you, they're employing someone to make their lives easier.

One of the biggest things is to smile and be cheery. If they're employing someone to work at their private yard/home then they'll want a happy, friendly face around the place. Be smart/presentable, if you take pride in your own appearance it'll reflect in your work.

It sounds like you've been honest about your experience, especially with foals, and they're happy to interview/trial you still so that's great. If there's anything you just don't know, then just say - I'm sure they're not expecting an equestrian encyclopedia. Sounds like you've learnt a lot in the time you've been riding and you're obviously confident in handling and riding, which is brilliant and will stand you in good stead. Well done for progressing yourself to this point in only 2 years and all the very best with the interview. Let us know how it goes :)
 
It might be an idea to invest in a pair of steel toed jodhpur boots, if you don't already own a pair. They also protect your achilles a bit too, so if you're handling different horses - and foals - you'll have a little piece of mind.

Hope it all goes well!
 
Thank you all for your replies and advice! I was offered the position but unfortunately as I don't drive it turned out to be too difficult to get to so I had to turn it down - I managed to get there and its not too much of a walk but its on country lanes with no footpatg and lots of blind corners. Gutted. Driving lessons and a car here I come!
 
Yes bike would seem a great solution, stick some lights on and you'll give warning on the bends, economical ecological and you definitely won't have to go to the gym!
 
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