Work Trial - Any Tips / Suggestions etc?

[Epona97]

Hello All,

This is my first post in a while. I've been forced to take a short break from riding (though it has seemed like forever!), due to leaving my last yard job due to school exams etc. I was also rather unhappy at my previous yard, so I felt that the time had come for me to leave.

Anyway, now I'm settled into the new academic year, I've found a new job at a new yard. I have a work trial this week, and I was wondering if anybody had any tips or suggestions to help me make a good impression.

As I have mentioned, I have worked with horses before, on a large riding school / livery yard. There was a number of sharper, more difficult horses there, so I am used to dealing with that type also. I was also sometimes left in charge of a number of horses on my own so I am not really at all worried about not being able to cope.

The other aspect of course is riding. Riding won't actually be a part of my job, but I am definitely going to book lessons now that I will have some sort of income to fund them. (I also believe it helps my general horsemanship skills and confidence). Before I took the break, I had ridden some big, sharp horses (16.2 - 17.2 warmblood / thoroughbred types). I could walk, trot and canter (though I definitely need to work on controlling and maintaining it!) and will definately be looking to hack, jump, etc when the time comes (though I know that is a long way off!). I know this is one of those things that varies on a number of factors, but would anyone be able to tell me roughly how long it will take for me to get back up to speed?

Anyway, apologies for the long post and thank you for your help. Good luck to everyone this winter and be safe!

 

[misskk88]

Good luck in your new job!

As you have worked on a yard before, you probably know what is expected of you in terms of time keeping, routines, safety etc. I am sure that once you are on the yard, you will settle into it!

I think one of the important things is to get stuck in, don't be scared to offer a hand if you see someone who needs it. Take an interest in things and people, and ask questions if you aren't sure. As long as you are keen and act responsibly and safely, you will be absolutely fine.

If you haven't already started there, I would give them a call the day before, just to check in with them to see if there is anything you need to consider bringing with you, and if there is a uniform/dress code etc. It shows you are thinking ahead and well organised.

Lessons are a great idea, and as you say are great for your general horsemanship and confidence. It can be a bit like riding a bike. A few wobbles when you get back on, but you soon find you adjust. Take it easy, when you start back riding, you will find you are using muscles you haven't for a while! It could take very little time to get back into the swing of it however there are no time limits on these things and everyone is different. Take it at a sensible pace that allows you to get to know the instructors and horses and back to the level you were riding at before your break. Then once you are there you can start pushing to learn new things.

Once again hope it goes well!

 

[Epona97]

Thank you misskk88 I definitely feel much happier and am definitely looking forward to both the new job and riding! I've already got the dress code and have the right stuff. One thing I must remember to do is make sure that my boots are clean as I think that will help to make a good impression. I have a few goals that I'm setting myself for next year, and I've already achieved two of them! Thanks again for your help.

 

[Batgirl]

I would say the biggest issue for me as a livery with new staff is them not bothering to get to know the individual horses needs so I would enquire about that/read up if they have boards. I get sick of reminding people to give my 17hh competition horse more haylage, less rugs etc. I know that my eventual nagging is a pain for the YO so aim to impress the liveries/owners as well as the YO. (though a good YO should care about the liveries as much!)

If in doubt, ask, it shows you care. Be neat and tidy and efficient (my old YO said never walk up or down a yard without carrying/leading/wheelign something!

Have fun!

 

[Epona97]

That's a very good point, Batgirl! It must be a pain for liveries who just don't have the time to look after their horse to have to keep repeating the same thing. I don't think there are any full liveries at my new place, (it's mainly a riding school) but if there are I'll definitely take note. Thanks for your help.