Working Student

I am not sure if this topic has been exhausted in the past, I've searched and I could not find anything useful so I decided to ask. I was wondering if any one knew any working student programs to refer me to?

I am 17 at the moment, but I am looking for something to start over the summer (June/July 2008) after I graduate high school. I have been around horses since I was nine and have spent many hours with them.

I have never had any doubt in my mind that I wanted to work with horses but as college applications loom ahead, I am realizing that I do not want to jump into another year of school. I am hoping I can defer college for a year to become a working student (preferably at an eventing barn).

I am more than willing to make a 6-12 month commitment to the program. I need somewhere that provides housing and some sort of support for their working students, but bringing a horse along is not necessary since I don't currently have one to bring along.

I had a falling out with my trainer two summers(2006) ago after spending more than 14+ hours a day at the barn and not getting my side of the bargain and I have not ridden since then because of what I would describe as 'slim pickings' around the area. I know this is what I want to do with my life, but I'm having difficulty finding a place suitable for me.

Hard work, long hours and location are no problem, I just want to do what I love. If anyone has any suggestions, it would be GREATLY appreciated.

Where are you located?

I am in Massachusetts but I am totally willing to travel to the right opportunity.

I'm going to be fairly blunt, get used to people not upholding their side of the bargain. At your age you will be employed, paid peanuts for working your ass off and then sacked when you start asking questions about money. It happened to me, it happens to a lot of people. Please be very careful

This is pretty far fetched, but are you will to travel to australia?

The problem was that I was clocking hours that weren't part of my job but I was doing it because I had a great respect for my trainer and she asked me to. I was fine with it until I started being treated like a worker who wasn't doing their job when I wasn't working there but doing work voluntarily and still being treated badly. It's a hard story, but I'm more than willing to get over being so jaded.

For the right opportunity, for sure!

Okay well I will make some phone calls send some emails and then I will get back to you with some contact details if you want me too.

Im not sure of the details, that you will have to discuss with these people yourself. But I was offered the jobs, but I didnt take them, coz I didnt want to leave me property and go interstate,


Just let me know if you want details.

Country kid

Definitely if you can get me some information without too much hassle that would be awesome!