bluej1
Well-Known Member
What questions would you ask and what things would you find out about when considering a working pupil position?
Thanks
Thanks
What would you ask ...
- Thread starter bluej1
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carthorse
Well-Known Member
How much training you will be getting. Many years ago I was a working pupil and we took out rides but got very little training, it maybe better now.
Halfstep
Well-Known Member
It is really important to find out EXACTLY what will be expected of you and what you will get. It is a working "pupil" position so you should be able to expect a certain amount of tuition. Find out exactly how much and when/how. Sometimes this will only be you riding in the arena while the main rider schools another horse and vaguely shouts things at you. If you are to get lessons, make sure they are lessons where you have the rider's complete attention.
Ask to actually see the accommodation and find out what bills/utilities are included etc.
Find out exactly how many horses you will be doing per day and what the yard routine is.
Ask to actually see the accommodation and find out what bills/utilities are included etc.
Find out exactly how many horses you will be doing per day and what the yard routine is.
Gamebird
Well-Known Member
And if it's an eventing position beware that during the summer the main rider may be away for a week at a time several weeks on the trot. So no teaching if you're left behind! Also they'll probably take at least two grooms with them leaving you with nearly the same number of horses at home to be done by 3 fewer people (the bitter voice of experience speaking here!).
ifmpeck
Well-Known Member
I would agree with all of the above - especially GB's! You may rotate event attendance, or they may have a more experienced person/freelancer they take instead.
My main priorities would be to find out, firmly, (if poss suggest very nicely a contract if you're offered a position - I was offered one at my first yard) the following:
- Training - how much, by whom, on what!
- Work load - you may say you don't mind, but you definitely will after the first weeks exhaustion sets in! So do they go by set hours, and how many horses between how many people. Is labour divided equally, or will you end up with the nasty jobs?
- Attitude to own horses - and cost of.
- Competitions - do you get to ride, groom, both or neither, how often.
- Accomodation and bills
- Are there other pupils. Its so much more fun when you can support each other!
- Days off, sick leave, notice.Who works over holidays?
Not that you should let this put you off - I did two amazing stints at two eventing yards, one competition and one dealing. But it is hardwork, and some people are too scared to ask and only find out when they're their they've got a raw deal. Good luck! x
My main priorities would be to find out, firmly, (if poss suggest very nicely a contract if you're offered a position - I was offered one at my first yard) the following:
- Training - how much, by whom, on what!
- Work load - you may say you don't mind, but you definitely will after the first weeks exhaustion sets in! So do they go by set hours, and how many horses between how many people. Is labour divided equally, or will you end up with the nasty jobs?
- Attitude to own horses - and cost of.
- Competitions - do you get to ride, groom, both or neither, how often.
- Accomodation and bills
- Are there other pupils. Its so much more fun when you can support each other!
- Days off, sick leave, notice.Who works over holidays?
Not that you should let this put you off - I did two amazing stints at two eventing yards, one competition and one dealing. But it is hardwork, and some people are too scared to ask and only find out when they're their they've got a raw deal. Good luck! x