Who would you want to be a working student for? (New England)

[Beaulovee]

Before I head off to college I want to spend a few months (or possibly take a break year and spend the entire year) before going off to college as a working student, and then if all goes as planed-spend the next decade of my life becoming a doctor.

BUT the problem is I just don't know where to go! I want to stay in New England or at the very least somewhere where it gets cold/isn't ridiculously hot. There are so many high level trainers out there with "working student programs" but I don't want to end up at a horrible place that I won't agree with the techniques of, I’m definitely of the hard work rather then quick fix mindset, I don't like "training aides" and harsh bits, and I don't agree with starting light horses before 3 and then in a perfect world only doing walk/trot for 6 months. (Of course, this is different for slow maturing breeds)

Also, I don't know what to do about a horse. Right now I have a 20 year old (but he doesn't know it!) TB gelding who I event BN starting Novice later this year. By the time I am out of high school he will be going on 22 and I doubt he would be able to handle and honestly, worth taking, to a high level event barn. I don't exactly have tons of money to go out and buy a trained horse so I’m going to end up with something young or off the track, would I be foolish to go into a working student program with something green?

So to summarize, two main questions
1) Who would be a good person to be a working student for in New England?
2) If on a budget, what would you do about a horse?

[lizajane09]

Denny!

And personally I would look for something green/with potential if I were on a budget. If you're working with a good trainer they will be able to help you get a young horse started and on the right path.

[frugalannie]

Off the top of my head (and in no particular order):

Denny Emerson, Mark Weissbecker, Carol Koslowski, Stephie Baer, Jane Hamlin, Ashley McVaugh, Ferial Johnson and Susie Gornall.

I know there are many more, but these are the ones that come to mind quickly.

I think I would discuss the horse dilemma with whomever you end up working with. They may be aware of some additional options, and will have a better idea of your time commitments as a WS.

[ZELLA]

Another thing you might consider is to apply to a trainer you admire for a job as a groom, not a working student. You wouldn't be able to take a horse, but you might still get plenty of time in the saddle doing conditioning work, and you would gain a wealth of experience while making a bit of money doing it.

[RiverBendPol]

Of those listed by Frugal Annie, only 3 stay in New England during the winter. So unless you want to go to Aiken or Southern Pines, you will need to work for Steph, Ferial or Jane. NOT a bad choice. Except that I don't think they have working students. I may be wrong.

No reason not to take a greeny along with you. When my daughter worked for Sally Cousins (fabulous situation, BTW), Em's horse was just coming 4. She rode him a little, to watch lessons, etc., and rode 10-12 of Sally's every day.