FAO: - Instructors/RS Yard Owners etc

[Bertie]

From previous posts some of you might know I would like to progress my riding further and have looked into the possibility of doing my BHS/ABRS exam with the hope of at least getting to AI stage if not instructor stage.

Now I know this is a long tedious process which requires dedictaion etc but I would like to know from instructors and riding school owners would you consider taking on someone on part-time basis for evenings and weekend work who had these qulaifications - I have afull-time job which I would not want to give up but do to my personal circumstances I do get a lot of nights free etc and wouldn't mind giving up my time for a little charge possibly minimum wage to teach others (provided I had the qualifications etc) I would also be there to help with general yard duties as well, as I would be doing for the enjoyment rather than salary.

Or would they only be interested in someone full-time or am I being selfish and would it be seen as taking someone's job who potentially really needs it.

Obviously all pie in the sky at the moment as can't get anywhere to take me on to do the qualification in the first place :rolleyes: ;)

[Mehitabel]

most places always need weekend work - i know we are crying out for competent adults to help with the rides. we have enough instructors, btu what we need are responsible people who can, for instance, go out as a footsoldier with the walk-outs (novice/leadrein rides that go out round the lanes) and hel pthe instructor, keep an eye on the leaders, stop traffic etc. new insurance rules mean we now have to have more adults on the rides, and it is this kind of person we are always short of.

also people we can leave in the yard and trust to organise the army of kids so that things actually get done, send up poo-picking in charge of a groupof kids, etc.

does that help at all?

[Bertie]

It does help thanks a lot, obviously of I had my any of my stages I could be of more help and lead hacks out etc myself taking pressure of the instructors - but as I said I'm happy to help in way I can and I know the restraints insurance companies place the schools - not like the old days whe I was a kid running round a yard without little to no supervision ;)

Thanks for your advice.

[Mehitabel]

how old are you bertie? i tihnk without qualiifcations to begin with, that's where you're best off pitching your skills to prospective employers. we also have extra people who come in after school on weekdays - we do 4 and 5pm lessons, done by the full time staff, not freelancers, so we have someone each afternon to help the other staff get the yard done and help with the rides.

if you prove useful and reliable, then you'll soon be in demand. while hlepers are nortmally fairly abundant, useful ones are rather fewer to be found!

[horse_em]

Hello,

I was just reading your thread and it sounds as thought that is something I potentially would like to do or be involved in. I currently work full-time as a therapist but have recently taken up horse riding - and have to say I am loving it. I would love to eventually be around horses more as well as continue to progress with my career to survive in this world. Helping with rides and stable duties in evening and weekends to enable me to enjoy both things.

hope all goes well

[Bertie]

Mehitabel - I'm 27 (V. old I know!!! ;) ) And the full-time job I have is actually my own business which is mainly day related causing me to have many weekends and evenings free and due to the fact the BF also works horredous shifts - means that he only has 3-weekends off every 8-weeks so I get a lot of time to myself.

Horse_em - I have looked into it all in quite a bit of detail but unfortunately to due to the qual's through local colleges you either have to do it at the weekends both days or in the day - ideally I would like to be able to mix and match the times between evening and weekends.

During this transitional time - if I was just helping out and gaining my qual's I would be quite happy to help out for free or possible a free ride or lesson ;) :D cheeky aren't I!!!

[Mehitabel]

as an adult (same age as me, so less of the old!), if other riding schools are in our situation you will be snapped up. we are short of people we can rely on to be resonsible, put in charge of younger people etc. not necessairly fantastic horsey skills - that's what they are there to learn - but just general common sense and reliability.