My last blog, about being willing to put in the long hours and work hard to reap the benefits a great working student position can offer, received more than a few comments to the tune of this: "Sure, a great working student job is great, but so often the positions are not as advertised, or we're treated like crap, or there's no security blanket should something happen. It's not worth the risk!" 

I had an open working student job all summer, and then added another position that I needed to fill this fall. (Both filled, amen!) It meant that it was a summer of resumes and interviews, and of getting down to a science my hiring procures. And it is thus: someone emails me asking for more information about the job, and I write back with a description of a typical day, as well as with what other chores I expect my staff to do. And I also tell them what I offer for compensation.

Ella piaffes beautifully, but it took a little training to get Lauren's feel to recognize her quality. Photo by Susan J. Stickle

Midgey spoiled me.

I am home! I am Home! I am HOME!! For WEEKS IN A ROW! This is amazing.

Sunday at the USDF National Finals was a quiet affair. With all my students' rides complete, and just one finals class for me left—Beverley Thomas's Fiero in the second level open finals—we had a leisurely breakfast, rode my test (Fiero was terrific) at noon, and with awards not until 5:30 p.m., Ferris and I went to the movies. Fiero led the class for a long time and ended up placing fourth in tremendous company; I got my ribbon, we made our lap around the Alltech, smiled for pictures, and then we were done.