Under 18, volunteer in an equestrian center

[Savignac]

Hi all,
My daughter just finished high school and is passionate about horse riding.
Before beginning her graduate studies, she would like to stay for a year in equestrian centers in the UK and Ireland for general stables work and horse care in exchange for accomodation and food, like wwoofing or HelpX, the aim is also to improve her english (we live in Belgium and her first language is French).
She found quite easely 5 or 6 equestrian centers who are interested in its application.
She has the Belgian nationality (no visa problem), but she will be 18 in March 2015 only.
As parents, we have a few questions:
•Will there any legal issues to work as a volunteer in a stable?
•Is the fact of not having 18 years a real problem? Can she have a special status, such as an apprentice, trainee or volunteer?
•Should she take an insurance (third-part or other)? Is she covered by insurance from the equestrian center for wich she intend to work? Is there any legal obligations?
•Have you had similar experiences? Do you have any advice for us
•Is the situation different in Ireland and in the UK?
Thank you in advance for your tips (and please, excuse my English mistakes...)

 

[PuzzlePiece]

I did an apprenticeship many years ago and I think you aren't able to work for free. Please someone feel free to correct me. Min apprenticeship wage is £2.50 per hour and then accommodation charges can be taken off this. I would think it would be unlikely that food would be provided unless it was an au pair position or you were living in the family home. I wouldn't think being under 18 was a problem but check with the yards you're applying to. Re insurance I would advise getting personal health cover for broken bones etc but if you are employed by a business you should be coved under their insurance for personal liability. Again check with the yard you are applying to.
I'm only going on my experience as an apprentice and things could of changed or I could be wrong. Good luck with your search. If possible Id look at the yards and accommodation you're interested in and see what people have to say about it. Some yards look brilliant on paper but are far from what they appear when you get there.