Where to start?

[woody2211]

hi,
i am 23 yrs old doing a job i thought i would love but actually i hate.
i have only just realised that i shouldnt do a job that i hate as you only live once.
i have made the very difficult decision to quit as i believe it takes a stronger person to leave than it does to stay.
this is to pursue my dream of being involved with horses/ animals in general.
i want to become a riding instructor. and expand from there doing all the courses i can to gain further knowledge and experience. maybe one day own my yard (i know this is many peoples dreams ) but if i dont start some where i wont get any where

but not being in the horsey circle for very long i have no idea where to start.
what web sites to look at? what courses would be best for me?
i am willing to do most things as at the moment money is not too much of an issue
there are things like working pupils but how do i find out about these?

i think i am rambling a little bit so i will stop there but if any one has any advise or has been in the same position i would be SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GREATFUL for any advice that you can give me

like i said i have to start some where

thanks in advance
natalie

 

[FoxRidgeFarm]

You could try contacting an agency like Career Grooms and seeing if they have any working pupil positions available. Good luck!

 

[Ella19]

British Horse Society Exams will get you started on the way to getting riding instructor qualifications. There are also ABRS (not so widely recognised) or the new UKCC coaching exams.

http://www.bhs.org.uk/Training_and_Qualifications/BHS_Examinations_and_Qualifications.aspx

Working pupil positions (some will train you towards your BHS exams) can be found at BHS riding schools. Try somewhere like Wellington Equestrian etc

http://www.bhs.org.uk/Training_and_Qualifications/Where_To_Train.aspx

 

[charlimouse]

Start off by looking on the British Horse Society website, and look at the exam structure and syllabuses (sp?) to give you an idea of what is involved ect. Alot of people slate the BHS system, but it is internationally recognised, and certainly a help to have! Also look into the UKCC (UK Coaching Certificate).

Going to be a working pupil would be a good idea, and in my opinion better than going to a college as you get far more hands on experiance (but be prepared for very hard work). Often WP positions are advertised in the equine press such as H&H, but I would also contact a few yards and let them know you are wanting a position as a working pupil. Even if they can't take you on, they might well know of a yard that can. Make sure you get a proper agreement with the yard, setting out exactly what training you will recieve (amazing how the training often goes astray after the first couple of weeks!), and how many hours you work in return. Also you will need to decide if you want a live in posotion, or if you want to take your own horse, as this may limit which yards interest you.

Remember a 'big' name isn't always best, as most of the time the riders are away competing, so don't be competely swayed towards a well known rider. A very good local rider may have more time to offer you as they will be around far more, and you may find you have more oppourtunity to groom at events ect.