Last minute working student tips!

[Beau Cheval]

So I'm leaving for a working student position tomorrow, and I thought I'd pick everyone's brains one more time for tips, faux-pas to avoid etc.
What do you wear down to the barn? Sneakers, t-shirt, and athletic shorts? (I can't think what else to wear, and that is pretty much all I own so...)
so just whatever you want to say, go for it. Thanks!

[shawneeAcres]

Look clean reasonably professional. You may actually want to ask the BO/BM if they prefer that you were something in particular. Be prompt, and whenever possible be one step ahead of the game, it will make you look good! But above all LEARN the routine THEY expect of you. Everyone has slightly different ways of running barns, pet peeves etc. Learn what needs to be done, in what order, where things are located, etc. ASK if you don't know don't make assumptions about anything! If you are a working student then you will be expected to ride, so find out if you are supposed to wear your riding clothes, take them to the barn and change etc. If there are other barn staff, working students etc that have been there a while they will be a good resource for you. You are there to WORK, not to goof off, spread rumors or make comments unless asked for! That is probably the one thing that you need to keep in mind.

[pony4me]

First of all, congratulations, and good luck to you! As a boarder, I'd occasionally ask a working student a question like "Did Trigger get turned out today?" It's irritating to get an "I don't know" answer. Much better to say I don't know, but I'll find out for you. Be friendly, be helpful, make the most of this opportunity and enjoy yourself.

[CBoylen]

Sneakers, t-shirt, and athletic shorts? (I can't think what else to wear, and that is pretty much all I own so...)

Your barn may have a different dress code, but in most barns jeans, a polo, a belt, and paddock boots would be much more suitable. You're part of the barn crew, and shorts and sneakers look very unprofessional.

[Vitriolic]

Your barn may have a different dress code, but in most barns jeans, a polo, a belt, and paddock boots would be much more suitable. You're part of the barn crew, and shorts and sneakers look very unprofessional.


I agree. Do not show up in shorts or anything that will look like you are there to work on your tan. ;)

[Milocalwinnings]

Your barn may have a different dress code, but in most barns jeans, a polo, a belt, and paddock boots would be much more suitable. You're part of the barn crew, and shorts and sneakers look very unprofessional.

Yup, I'd wear jeans or khakis, a polo, and boots (either paddock boots or work boots), at least for the time being. If you get there and find out that the dress code is more casual and that it's ok to wear what something different, then go for it. But it's better to start out dressing professionally.

Or, you could also call them and find out what they like their working students to wear or what they recommend.

[tja789]

I agree with every one else. Shorts and sneakers aren't appropriate barnware. Casual breeches (or jeans if that's what you ride in) and paddock boots are far more suitable, probably even essential for most working students.

[twobays]

Your barn may have a different dress code, but in most barns jeans, a polo, a belt, and paddock boots would be much more suitable. You're part of the barn crew, and shorts and sneakers look very unprofessional.

Agreed. Depending on the barn atmosphere, I'd prefer breeches and boots with a polo and a belt. But definitely not shorts and sneakers.

[IsolaBella09]

CONGRATS GIRL! I know we have talked about this before and I'm so happy you got a position and are going! You are going to have so much fun! Be a sponge and absorb everything and ride your butt off when you get opportunities. Ditto everyone on the dress code. If it's a nicer barn, then britches a nice polo, belt, and tall boots, or paddock boots with half chaps is what you should wear. However, I usually wear my britches, polo, belt, and sneakers. Easier to walk around in. Good luck and let us know how it goes! :D

[Beethoven]

When I was a working student, I wore breeches a t-shirt(what my boss/BO wore) and merrel clogs to do the barn in or my boots and halfchaps. Summers we were allowed to wear tanktops as its brutal here in Fl. Now that I am kinda on my own at the barn as I live here, I do wear a t-shit and athletic shorts to do the barn in as FL is super hot. Pants are out of the question unless its breeches. Once it cools down I will go back to breeches. On days where I know we are having guest, I do try to look nicer, but all the clients we have here are like family, so no one minds and would rather me not die of heat stroke. :D

I agree either call and ask what to wear, which is what I did, or just show up looking professional and go from there!

[Beau Cheval]

Ok, thanks so much everyone.

The reason I said sneakers and athletic shorts was because I don't really know how much riding I will be doing, so I don't want to look like I am expecting to ride. If that makes sense.

I wanted to edit and add: this is a private barn owned by a client of my fathers. It is an amazingly run barn with a staff to horse ratio of about 1:1. Just to give you a better sense, I'm working and learning, not dealing with or doing anything relating to clients.

[JLC7898]

Totally know what you mean about not wanting them to think you are expecting to ride! If i were in this situation i would probobly agree with most everyone else and wear Jeans, polo, and paddock boots, and if you have long hair sweep it up into a ponytail. Good Luck!!:)

[superpony123]

aren't you expected to ride? breeches 24/7 in the barn. a belt and polo, or maybe a t-shirt (ask BO what is expected)

wellies or some kind of clog or comfortable (WATER PROOF!) shoe or boot to wear when not riding. keep your riding boots for riding only, they will stay cleaner and last longer.

try and be helpful :) if you don't have an answer (because you dont know) for a boarder (did my horse go out last night/did this happen/etc) don't just say uhhhh i dont know. say well i'm not sure, but i will find out for you.

and do find out for them, it will pay off later.

[Lucassb]

Well, you may already be working ... but just in case, here are the top 5 rules I lived by as a working student:

1. Eyes open, mouth shut.
2. There is *always* something to do. When in doubt, polish or sweep.
3. When in doubt, "I would be happy to," is always a good answer.
4. Leave everything nicer than you found it. This goes for horses, tack, equipment and the barn.
5. Start early, stay late.

Good luck!

[jrrider]

Well, you may already be working ... but just in case, here are the top 5 rules I lived by as a working student:

1. Eyes open, mouth shut.
2. There is *always* something to do. When in doubt, polish or sweep.
3. When in doubt, "I would be happy to," is always a good answer.
4. Leave everything nicer than you found it. This goes for horses, tack, equipment and the barn.
5. Start early, stay late.

Good luck!

I would have to agree with all of the above. Also remember to keep an open mind about everything.
I spent 6 months as a working student in Ireland and a lot of things were very different than what I had been told my whole life, but I just did what I was told and actually learned a ton!