Tips for possible stable hand employment?

[Vina]

Hi everyone, I just had what I think might be a little streak of luck come my way (maybe). A horse farm owner about a half hour's drive from me has asked if I might like to trade some part-time stable work for free riding lessons. The good part is that they teach a variety of disciplines, including dressage, and also...holy cow...polo, of all things! The bad part is that I live in an area that, in a few short months, will probably be covered in a foot or more of snow..typical Canadian winter! Not to mention that I am also 2 months pregnant. So do you all think that possibly taking this job would be asking too much of myself, or even if you have any tips on checking into such a job, or questions I should ask myself or the owners (eg. what sort of deal might I work out).....I would appreciate any advice! Thanks a bunch! **S** Oh yeah, I've been invited to see this barn for a tour on Friday afternoon, so I know that's pretty short notice, sorry!

[allison]

HI
I have to say that yes I think you would be asking too much of yourself. It would be okay to ride a trusted horse but a bit risky to be playing polo. You could perhaps ask if you could help with feeding or admin work until the baby is born then go from there.
all the best for you and your child
allison

[Missie]

By now you have had your tour, well? What are you going to do?? I agree that you should play it safe with the baby coming and winter driving (I live in Minnesota). But there are tons of things you can do to get in "good" with the people at the barn in the mean time! Good luck and keep us posted!

[Missie]

By now you have had your tour, well? What are you going to do?? I agree that you should play it safe with the baby coming and winter driving (I live in Minnesota). But there are tons of things you can do to get in "good" with the people at the barn in the mean time! Good luck and keep us posted!

[Vina]

LOL..No, no, sorry for not being more clear on that...I didn't mean that I was going to learn to play polo (which is dangerous in the best of circumstances)! I was just going to do mucking out, feeding, etc. in exchange for basic riding lessons! I just meant I was surprised that someone in our area teaches it because I have never even heard of any polo events around here. Unfortunately, I guess my luck was bad luck after all...the place which I understood was not too far away turned out to be a little further than expected....a 50+ km drive! No way could I afford to put gas into my car for that kind of daily trip plus drive in wintry conditions (all for a couple of free riding lessons). In this case, I guess I'm better off just paying for lessons where I am for the moment.....maybe somethng just a bit closer will pop up. But thanks everyone for your advice!

[This message has been edited by Vina (edited 13 November 1999).]