Working pupil interview (eventing)

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bluej1

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does anyone have any advice on what to expect for a working pupil interview?
what should you wear etc, what sort of questions might they ask?
It is an event yard, working and riding position.
Thanks!
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Personally i would go smartly dressed ready to ride. If i was interviewing I would expect someone to turn up smart but commfortable and if i was happy with the rest of the interview and character i would definately want to see you ride. Long boots look smarter but certainly clean polished boots to sshow you care about how you look which would carry over to how you would look after their tack, equipment and horses. Hairnets for girls are something I look for as it is the finishing touch!! Little things like that and gloves matter to me when riding etc. I would ask hypothetical questions about what would you do in a certain situation - if you were left at the yard on your own and .............. or when the horse has just completed an event and your setting it up for the day and notice xyz what would you do? What are your thoughts on......... not that you might agree but if you discuss things and get you point through then i would rather that then a yes person. Although yes in some situations is all that is needed. I would def do homework o the person i would be working for. Google them and past results and horses, then you know what they are talking about if the mention a result or event last year. Dont come across as a stalker though! Good luck. Let us all know how you go!!!
 
They will probably ask about what work youve done before and who it was for. They will ask about competition experience, and any experiences youve had with younsters (especially if they have younsters on the yard). They will want to know if you can pull, clip, trim, plait and turn out to a high standard. Probably ask how quickly you can muck out a cirtain number of horses. They may give you a situation and ask how you would deal with it etc.. Each employer will ask different questions, just be honest, be yourself, and be ready to be put in any situation and answer any questions! Good luck !
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depending on who it is, most of them will just want to make sure you haven't got 2 heads and when you can start!

the idea of a WP is not that you can already break youngsters, turn out to HOYS standard and muck out 40 boxes in a minute- these are all the things you should be learning while you are there!

if they want someone already trained, they need to look for an experienced groom.
 
After interviewing many working pupils myself. BE HONEST! That is the main thing in my opinion. I dont mind employing someone that doesn't know much aslong as they are willing to learn and care about the horses. I'd much rather this then I can teach them to do things the way I like them done. I've had many working pupils that say they can do certain things and big themselves up when they clearly cant! Then when you try teaching them they think they know better and dont listen. As long as your upfront and tell the truth many employers will be happy. Just as other people have said they are not expecting you to know how to do everything. Just basic knowledge! Good luck!
 
I've organised a short term eventing WP placement for the summer (not pursueing eventing as a career which I explained, but needed equine work exp, and like eventing!) and my interview was more of an informal chat. I brought along some pictures of my pony, as he'll be coming with me, and also of the others I've ridden for people, which they seemed interested in. We spoke about the areas of my riding I'd like to improve - I replied 'everything!' but said flatwork was the most desperate - and what I'm aiming for this year, then also about accomodation etc.
I brought my riding gear with me just incase, but didn't need it. Only the groom was there when I first turned up, so they found me in the stables getting introduced to all the horses!
 
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