Ways to gain experience??

[Suzy-Q]

Hi all,

After starting back in lessons again after a 10yr break, I've been driving myself slowly mad thinking up ways to spend more time around horses and learn more about horse-care - in the hope that one day I can own my own - eventually! One 1/2 hour lesson a week just isn't enough! (I've noticed this seems to be a bit of a theme around here! :D ).

I do go to an RDA school to help out but there isn't any opportunities there to do any stable management/grooming etc :(

So...have been thinking of other ways and means. I'd love to do a share or even just help someone out but I'm not sure that many people would be willing to take on a novice sharer - not a beginner but definitely still a novice! Has anyone else done this? Or what do owners think of taking on a novice?

Also thought about helping out at a riding school but where I ride it only seems to be children who help out - I did mention to my instructor that I wanted to learn more about stable management and horsecare but she didn't mention any opportunities for this at the yard? I've only recently moved there so am still sussing out who helps out etc.

Just wondering what other people have done and if anyone has any ideas? Oh and I work office hours too.

Thanks :)

[Foxfold]

There is a riding school in Chadderton (North Manchester) that does stable management I think, but I don't know how far that would be for you to travel. Maybe if you rang around your local stables there might be one that does things like that in your area. I do 'natural horsemanship' with my mare, it's a great fun way of building a relationship, but the stable management/keeping/grooming etc I learnt as I went along. My hubby bought me my horse for a wedding anniversary pressie. Good luck with your search.
ps, your always welcome to come and muck out and groom mine :D
Regards

[shirley]

One thing that may be worth looking into is British Horse Society do Horse Ownership levels 1 - 4. they are designed for people who are new to horses, do not have a horse, but want to know more etc. Sounds as though could be right for you. I have done them, whilst my daughter had a horse on loan, and it really stood me in good stead as now she has one and I have one too. Why not continue having lessons and get more experience with your riding and when you feel the time is right look at a share or loan for a couple of days a week, building up your knowledge and experience all the time and then eventually you will be ready for owning one of your own.
I would continue with the RDA, there may not be too many opportunities for stable management yet, but beleive me they will soon be fed up with mucking out and quite willing to have people like yourself, ready and willing to learn etc to step in. So just keep plodding on.
Read as well, horse magazines, get hold of stable management book and do some background reading. So when you do come to loan / share, you will be able to be knowledgable.
Have you contacted a local agricultural college to see if they run any short courses that may be useful too.
Also why not put up ad in local saddlery asking for experience in return for perhaps volunteering - even a local horse santuary will be very glad of your help as well.
Hope this helps and good luck, never give up trying - keep going and gradually you will pick things up and gain experience and knowledge along they way. Make your dream a reality bit by bit!!!

[momofsix]

When I was really just starting out again (after an 18 year break) I answered an internet ad for someone asking for help. She was a lady training 7 horses. I told her very honestly where I was at and she took me on as a helper. All the other people who had applied were either teenagers who were in school during the day or experienced riders who wanted to show or school her horses, neither of which she was looking for. I got to help because I was available in the mornings and did whatever she needed. I spent lots of time over the following months brushing, washing, tacking up and warming up horses at a walk and trot. I learned sooo much. I ended up leasing from her and she also gives lessons now to my kids (for extremely cheap) and we became great friends. Without that experience, I would have never ventured into horse ownership. I would definitely try to see if you could share or help somewhere, I think it's a great learning experience for beginners. Just be honest about what you can do, there is all kinds of situations out there I think.

[Bay Mare]

I started back again after a loooonnnng break and helped at my riding school. Although some of the helpers were kids don't forget that there are the staff and working pupils there. I had a great time and was treated as one of the staff rather than 'just' a helper. I also did some work at an RDA yard which was great fun.

I also did the NVQ in Equine Studies and have started (though not actually got very far) with the HOC through Lingfield Correspondence.

[Suzy-Q]

Thanks for the replies everyone! :) Lots of great ideas - I think I may well start contacting the local schools to see whether I could go and help out at the weekends - it's not quite as scary now I know a few of you have done it too!

I also saw an ad for a sharer a few days ago and have been in contact with the owner so there's a chance that may work out - *fingers crossed*!! The horse ownership exams sound like a good idea too and I think I'd probably enjoy them - a bit weird I know but I actually love taking courses and exams!! :p Will check out the local colleges too see what they offer.

Thanks again and I'll let you know how I get on!

[ANN H]

Try the 'help wanted' section on the MERSEYHORSE website. I keep my mare near Widnes and I managed to get somebody off that site to ride her for me twice a week when I didn't have time. There a lot of livery yards near where I am. I'm sure somebody must need help. Are you willing to travel to Widnes, or would it be too far?

[Suzy-Q]

Hi Ann,

I'm always looking on the Merseyhorse website!! So far i've only seen ads for small ponies or people wanting a very experienced rider :( I've recently seen a possibke share on another site but nothing has been sorted yet - so I'm still on the look-out!

I don't know the Widnes area very well but I only live about 20 mins from there and it's on my way home from work! Would be great if you could let me know if you hear of anybody looking! :)

[ANN H]

I'll keep a lookout for you.

[Gill]

I wish you were nearer to me, I could really do with some help. I have a lovely pony doing nothing at present as I am concentrating on getting my other one going.
That sounds so greedy, to have two, but every situation has its own problems!
I keep thinking I'll do something about it, but then I don't.

[Suzy-Q]

That's a shame - I think there's probably a few people in a similar situation who could do with some help but it's just hearing about them!! I spoke to the owner of a horse I may be able to share tonight and I'm going to see her horse on Wednesday - bit nervous but excited too! She sounded really nice on the phone so hopefully it will work out! :D

Foxfold - forgot to say thank you v much for the offer of coming over to yours - I used to love grooming and, strangely enough, quite liked mucking out too (!) so that would have been great but Rochdale is just a bit too far for me to go. Thx though :)

[ANN H]

Hi Suzy Q

One of our liveries is going away for a week in October (not sure when), and she MAY be looking for somebody to muck out. Her horse is a VERY easy to handle 14.3/15hh mare (may involve some turning out as well). Would you be willing? She was going to ask one of the other girls, but she's starting a very demanding new job in September. Don't get your hopes up just in case, but could you PM me with some info. about yourself, age, experience, etc. (only if you want to of course!!)

Thanks
Ann

[Suzy-Q]

Thanks Ann - have pm'd you :)