Yard Help?

[stripyhorse]

Dear all...

Sorry if this is a rambling first post, but I have a question. First a little background.

I am a 40th year old (just last week - aggh!) bloke from Wiltshire. Many years ago I was a keen rider and horse person. I even left school to work with horses, at least until my parents forced me to get a (in their words) 'a proper job'

What followed was a degree in a subject that bored me and about eighteen years of work both in an office and travelling around the UK in a car. I never quite found the time or indeed the money to start riding again. Last year I was made redundant and have done various things, ending with a christmas job in a big toy shop... (a very different role but it has got be fitter and less heavy)

So now the question, I have never quite got the horse bug out of my blood, try as I might I would not be able to afford even to be a weekend rider so I am wondering if any yard would offer me some voluntary work helping out around the yard.

Now I worry that this may seem like a weird request (surely most 'helpers' grew out of this in their teenage years), but I find myself with time and a desire to get back to the horse world and also to get fit again.

I would not want to work for rides (at least not at this stage, far too many years out of the saddle), but would be happy to do hard work.

So would you welcome someone offering their services? I am nervous to contact local yards unsure of the reaction. I would welcome any comments or feedback.

Thanks

Stripy Horse

 

[Teeni]

I'm sure anyone would be glad of free help, perhaps email a few local yards and get some feedback that way. You don't lose anything by asking and if they are interested then arrange to call them or meet and have a look around the yard.
There are plenty of places that would love a yard handyman/groom.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.

 

[miss_c]

What about finding out if there's an RDA centre near to you and volunteering there? I know the one near me always welcomes new helpers!

 

[Mildred]

I'm in wilts and I would imagine my yard owner would be thrilled at the idea of free labour!

 

[ebonyallen]

Where in the country are you to give people an idea ? I am sure someone would be glad of the help

 

[stripyhorse]

Thanks for the positive posts so far guys... Thank you

The RDA sounds like a great idea, I will have a look there.

I am based in North Wiltshire... Prime horse country I would imagine!

 

[Ella19]

RDA are fab and always greatful for helpers! I would definately try local yards including competition yards. If you don't mind the hard graft and mucking out there will be lots of yards willing to have you! Also look into your local rescue centres, and as much as we seem to have dislike of them the RSPCA also look out for volunteers.

 

[riding_high]

definately ask around at RDA places as they always need help, maybe write a letter and post it in to a few yards, at least then it will give them a chance to read what you have to say in their own time rather than you popping in at a busy moment and getting a refusal.

if you were nearer me i'd be begging you to come and help me with my lot, i've got ponies that need to be worked and taught manners and stables to muck out!

 

[skint1]

How competant a rider are you?

 

[noodle_]

Id happily let someone responsible ride/look after my horse for free!

good luck we are out there!

 

[Archina]

Awwww...pitty you wernt up near me, ive been looking for someone to help out with yard and riding duties

 

[stripyhorse]

Thanks to everyone, I feel brave enough now to contact a few yards after Christmas and look into the RDA.

I was a pretty good rider twenty + years ago (gulp!) but need some hard work before I take to the saddle again!

I will certainly keep you all up to date with progress and if you are near Royal Wootton Bassett and need help, drop me a line!

Have a great Christmas and again thank you for reminding me how great horse people are!

Stripy