Stable/Horse Management

[NicandLiv]

I can't seem to find a riding school that do both horse management and riding lessons at the same time, for a reasonable cost. I was thinking, as I did start a course a while ago on horse management.. If I dug out my books and read them all again do you think it's possible that I could find someone who would let me muck out, clean brush their horse, feed turnout etc for free so I can get some hands on experience? Or in exchange for some lessons/rides on their horse?

I can imagine people that show their horses etc probably wouldn't, just want to know if it's a possibility lol.


I'm in Southampton btw if that helps.

 

[Yem]

Hi NicandLiv,

Don't a lot of riding establishments operate on a voluntary "employee" basis? I'm sure you could find one that would like an extra hand. I would just ask around my local riding centres to see if they need any help.

I'm not sure about helping out in exchange for lessons, etc - I can't imagine most centres would be happy with that. You never know with privately owned horses though...

Update - I used to work with my local riding for the disabled association (RDA). They were really friendly and welcomed volunteers. You can check to see if there is one in your local area here:
http://www.rda.org.uk/rda-groups/

Good luck!

 

[NicandLiv]

Thanks very much I wasn't sure what the proper etiquette was.

I'll have a look on that link

 

[hnmisty]

Hello

I'd say it depends on the yard. When I was 9-11, I helped out every Saturday at my riding stables. The louder girls (who invariably did the nicer jobs such as grooming all the ponies, whilst the other quiet girl and I got dumped with mucking out some pretty grotty stables) got free rides because they asked, but we were quiet, so didn't ask...and didn't get any rides. The place I had lessons at after that were much more organised, and for every X hours someone helped out for, they got a free lesson (in a group lesson). So it's worth asking. Even if they don't offer lessons, they'd probably happy to have you helping out- just decide if you want rides in return or you're happy to do chores.

If you're not bothered about riding in return for helping out, then I'm sure you could find someone who would be happy to let you do some mucking out and grooming- I probably would Once they get to know you a bit more, you might well be offered rides on their horse, but if you go in not expecting that, then you can't be disappointed if it's not offered.

Good luck

 

[Fellewell]

You could try advertising on NFED (New Forest Equestrian Directory) or Quob Stables, Sparsholt College do career focussed courses and are local to you.

 

[Tallulabelle]

Have you thought about posting an advert on a horse forum or www.preloved.co.uk website offering your services. Sometimes people are looking for a little help with their horse, or you could contact a few private livery yards and offer your services?

 

[Shay]

Try volunteering at your local RDA. You'll get the support you want and you'll be helping others in the process!