Worst Day Ever !!

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kate121212

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hello,

yesterday i started work of mucking out youngsters 4yrs + up to 16hh. im not used to youngsters and i was a little nervous
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. when i got there, he had to dash because he had hurt his shoulder (badly). he didnt show me the ins and outs of it ... he just went. so i had to muck out 12 stables, make 2 haynets for each and give them their feeds (for £12. i had to do it in 2 hours
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). i mucked out the first one and it was fine. but then i came to do the second one
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. i had to tie her up in her stable and she wouldn't move out of the way!! i didnt know what they were like or what they would do because he didnt say.. he just went. there was this really grumpy grey which kicks and bites... and when i was making up their haynets he was rearing and both hooves back kicking the stable... (HE WAS GOING WILD)... i was scared S***less
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... i asked a girl if she could give me any advice (she had done this job before) and she helped me greatly. then it came to feeding them all ... they were wild!!! they were kicking their doors and whinnying at mee
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... after i was finished (finally after 3 hours of HARD work) i text him to tell him they i would prefer if he was here for the 1st week just to generally get used to them. i am really nervous and i don't know what to do, whether to go again today and see how it goes ... or just dont go at all.
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... i just dont want to be nervous and upset again and put me off horses for life !!!
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any help please !!!

thanks kate

xxx
 
sounds like you have had to work quite hard for your £12...!
I would not worry about them whinnying and kicking doors when you bring out the food, but if you don't feel safe mucking out with a particular horse in the stable please do talk to the owner and don't risk anything. Perhaps it can be turned out or something while you do it?
 
They sound like a NIGHTMARE!!! Are you sure this is the right job for you? If you're nervous, then dealing with big, stroppy youngsters is probably not the best idea, especially if you're going to have to deal with them on your own at all. On the other hand, if you can get over your fear, then you'll probably gain invaluable experience. Weigh up the pros and cons, but if you feel scared and upset I think you should find something else. Don't let it put you off, either way!!
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Sorry but lol .... sounds like a normal day at any yard that has youngsters in it .


Perhaps this isnt the job for you , you need to be quite confident when working around youngsters , what age are you ?
 
im 14 and i just recently finished my loan pony... he was a nightmare .. and i was too big for him .... but if i dont learn how to be around them now, then i will never learn...shall i go down today whilst he is there and see how things go???
 
Poor you. If you're not used to dealing with horses, that sounds like quite a lot to deal with! The noise and stamping at feeding time is normal - they'll be wanting their grub and wanting to let you know they're there so you can't forget them - as if you could LOL!

As for the mucking out - can't you tie the horse up outside the stable whilst you're in there? You need to be secure in what you're doing otherwise your nerves will rub off on the horses, whether they are youngsters or not.

Perhaps this isn't the right yard for you to gain confidence at. Is there a local riding school where you could work for rides? I did this between the ages of 10 and 13 before I got my first horse and learnt so much!
 
He should not have left a 14yr old unsupervised with young horses (or any horses really!)
Tell him you're not happy working without him around until you get to know the horses and the routine
 
Depends how you feel and whether you really want / need the job! It might be best to bring up your concerns in a calm manner and explain to him you feel a little worried about dealing with such large youngsters. Ask him whether it's ok for you to tie them up elsewhere, or turn them into a small paddock. There must be procedures on the yard that the horses get turnout time - that's when I'd muck out, not when they're still in!
 
I would go down today and see how it goes you never know it might get better once you're a bit more used to the horses. If you're still not happy then there's no point continuing but at least you've given it a go. good luck!
 
he should never have left you unsupervised, particularly as you are only 14, and he is under paying you.

thats said, perhaps there was a communication breakdown somewhere? generally people don't leave new 'employees' alone with youngsters when they know the person has little or no experience with them.

i was left to crack on with it on my first day at a new place, but i also had experience with all types of horses.

did you make it clear that you hadn't handled young horses before? generally tying up while mucking out new horses is usual, not something you only do if they bite/kick/don't move over.

i would go back today but be clear that this is a whole new kettle of fish for you and get guidance on how everything should be done - as none of the things you have described sound all that out of the ordinary for young-stock.

at least give yourself the chance to learn the things you need to make handling youngsters less scary - and if it still worries you then perhaps handling quieter older horses for a while first is a better course of action
 
Don't let it put you off horses. I do think you need to find a job elsewhere, where the owner is prepared to give you a bit more of an insight into each horse, their likes and dislikes and habits etc. If that was my yard, there is no way i'd have left you to fend for yourself, how irresponsible
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I also agree you were put into a very bad situation and you shouldn't think badly about yourself - or of horses in general - because of it. A responsible boss would have given you a lot more help and probably taken a much better "read" of you in the first place. Lots of people are happier with more "cautious" staff because they tend to take better care and fewer risks - always a safer bet with horses - and they are happy to trade off by having to help you boost your confidence a bit.

Maybe it's best to start somewhere with slightly easier horses and more helpful people about. Don't let it put you off - I'm sure when you get a bit more experience you'll be able to handle much more taxing situations but there's nothing to be gained by putting yourself or your charges in danger until you know the ropes a little more.

Good luck.
 
well , i gave the job to my friend (well i say 'friend' but she shared my previous loan pony with me and she got the sack, and i only just spoken to her and emailed her the advert link). i havent told her that it was me who was the nervous reck and who previously had the job( thats what he said to her on the phone) she starts asap.. i don't know how i am to feel about that whether im gutted and regret my decision, or it was the right decision to make .. ??
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It was the right decision, definitely. And for an adult to say that an inexperienced 14 year old was a nervous wreck, when confronted with what you had to deal with, is just plain nasty - not many 14 year olds would have been able to deal with what you did. He should NEVER have left you in that position. Look out for a riding school that needs help, or maybe a private yard with older horses and you'll be fine - and you'll enjoy it loads more.
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Defo the right decision about leaving, not sure that your "friend" can be much of one, seeing as though you told her about the job!!
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You should definately not have been left unsupervised at the age of 14.
There is H & S legislation sepcifically for persons un der the age of 16.

Don't let it put you off horses and perhaps a riding school situation would be more suitable to gain confidence.
Youngsters can be very unpredicatble.

Good luck!!
 
Why dont you get a paper round or part time job and go to a few pony days at a riding school, or ask your parents to give you money for birthday and use that. Most riding schools do these days in school holidays, you can go along learn stable managment and have riding lessons and it would be more fun for you and safer! This man was taking the P*ss big time. Cheap labour from someone who cant stand up for their rights! Dont go back you should be enjoying your time around horses, if its not fun then its not worth it.
 
EXcuse me guys, her 'freind' is me and i do come on here !! kate i didnt realise it was you :O i was only repeating what he had said so im not taking the blame for that ! and im not happy about what you put earilier, it pretty much upset me abit, with the loan pony i did NOT get the sack but they found someone else and you got the first oppurtunity to share him with the other girl because you were paying, i wasnt and i knew it was just a short term thing for looking after him !!
 
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