Yes, another question about Working Student Positions

[Tuckertoo]

I know that this topic has been beaten to death, but...

I'm considering being a working student this coming summer. I really want to become a better rider, and I feel like this is the ultimate opportunity to do so. Who would you all recommend? I know there are as many opinions on this subject as there are people on this board, but can you recommend someone who would be willing to:

- Take a WS who is 16 years old. Many of the people's websites I have been looking at require a minimum age of 17 or 18. I have my license and can get myself around, but I'm not too sure about a living situation.

- Allow the WS to only have the position over about 3 months for the summer. Again, some of them require you to commit to at least 6 months. I will be a senior in high school next year, so I have to be back for that.

- Allow the WS to bring their own horse with them.


I know that if I really want to do this, I'm going to have to sit down and seriously think about it some more. I will talk to my trainer about it, too, to get his opinion on it. Of course I would work hard. But I can't afford to pay much money to be a WS (yes I understand that it will cost something, but I can't afford to pay a ton, that is what I'd be working for).

I would really like to be able to be a WS for a year between high school and college, but my parents won't let me, and honestly, I understand their reasoning perfectly. So, what do you all think?

[ThirdCharm]

My barn provides housing and board for a horse for WS and as long as the WS has a license and transportation, not a problem. So, yes, such situations are out there.

Jennifer

[RunForIt]

A young friend of mine was a working student for Craig Thompson in Aiken for a summer...also took her horse...(I met her because she followed me around at a clinic asking to try my horse who WASN'T for sale; eventually talked me and her DAD into the sale of Maddux!) :cool: The positions are out there.

[Nigel]

A young friend of mine was a working student for Craig Thompson in Aiken for a summer...also took her horse...(I met her because she followed me around at a clinic asking to try my horse who WASN'T for sale; eventually talked me and her DAD into the sale of Maddux!) :cool: The positions are out there.

Yes, Craig Thompson allows you to bring a horse but it is really really expensive. You are basically working off lessons not anything else. He could have changed it but board was $600 a month plus housing which was either $400 or $600 not to mention he charged to haul your horse (even if you were the one driving the rig with other horses.) I had a friend that was part time for him. There are other working student programs that would probably give you more bang for your buck, in my opinion.

[rideforthelaurels16]

I know the Windchase site ( teamwindchase.com ) says you have to be 17 or older but Phyllis always takes extra people in the summer and I think as long as you're mature, come to interview and really show incentive etc., you'd be fine. We have our little house that we get to live in for free (well...in exchange for work :) ) you bring your horse, board is 300 a month, and you get a lesson a day. It's awesome here, but if you're interested contact Phyllis SOON because she has kind of a waiting list going on right now! PM me if you want to know anything else. :)

[gchildean]

I was a working student for Denny when I was 15. His facility in Vermont is wonderful. You will work your butt off but you do get daily lessons. I'm not sure of his prices now but it was pretty pricey back in the day.

[FoxChaser]

You might check out Spring Run Farm. Susan Harris is amazing and it wouldn't be that far from home for you: http://www.springrun.org

[kdow]

I would really like to be able to be a WS for a year between high school and college, but my parents won't let me, and honestly, I understand their reasoning perfectly. So, what do you all think?

I actually wouldn't discard this option entirely until after you've been accepted to college- some places really wouldn't mind at all letting you defer admission for a year to do something like that, and then you have the security of knowing you're all set to start the next year.

(Actually, not going directly from high school to college can also be looked on favorably by admissions folks, if you present it well- in terms of how it made you better prepared to get the most out of your college experience- and is actually quite common in the UK. But I can see how parents might not appreciate the uncertainty involved in applying in a 'nontraditional' way.)

[RealityCheck]

Just to add on to the comment about Susan Harris- yes, she will take a 16 year old, over the summer, who wants to bring their horse. A huge part of it, if you're here early enough, is preparing for the recognized horse trial Spring Run holds mid-June, so think LOTS of scraping and painting jumps, definitely lots of work but not any stall cleaning! If you'd like more info feel free to PM me.

[Tuckertoo]

Thanks for all of your suggestions so far, guys! I'm definitely looking into some of these people suggested:yes:. Also, just wondering, what do you think of Team CEO with Megan Lanzarone?


Keep the suggestions coming! :)

[KBG Eventer]

If you do a search there are several threads about Team CEO. Anyone who has/goes there seems to love it though! :)

[TheBrightSide06]

If you get the chance, ride with Megan. She is extremely knowlegable and knows her stuff. I believe she is competing at Advanced or 3*. I have ridden with her two or three times now and had a blast! She is super nice and is a fantastic instructor! She hosts shows at her barn and has a very nice facility as well.

[tx3dayeventer]

You might try Jim Graham.

I was a WS for him for the summer at age 15, 16 and then moved out to his place permantly at 17 after I graduated HS.

www.meadowrunfarm.com

I think his website says 16 and you MUST have your own vehicle and own horse.