How do I get more horse experience?

Question

I recently moved to the country and would like to get a horse. I have very little experience with horses; I started taking riding lessons 3 months ago from a private family who also breeds horses. They have taught me alot, but I'd like to get more experience. An ideal situation would be to find someone who would take me into their tutilage, maybe a stable owner or a trainer, and let me work with them part-time so I can get some experience. I would be willing to work for little or no money. I live in a small community and I don't know very many people. No one seems to advertise in the yellow pages or on the internet, so I'm not sure how to find someone who would be willing to try this kind of arrangement. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can become more experienced with working with horses, before I jump into getting my own?

Answer 1

If your only creds are just 3 months of riding lessons, you're gonna have a tough time of it!

No one who loves horses or considers them an investment will allow you to work for them. You simply do not have enough experience.

Your best bet would to be to volunteer part time at the stable you are already at. This would mean shovelling out many a dirty stall, but it's a big part of horse ownership.

Word of mouth really matters here. They would be able to recommend you to other horse breeders and owners.

But you will need to keep your riding lessons, which will require financial investments. Group lessons cost less than private, and also can give you more opportunity to network.

Also consider taking a college or university vet course that deals with horses as well.

Good luck!

Answer 2

You need to ride a little longer than 3 months before you just decide to get a horse - they cost a fair bit of money - even though I currently own 8! lol. You should read up on them; and, do a little work that owning a horse involves, for example, cleaning stalls. I have seen so many people run out and buy horses after just a short amount of riding lessons - which, no offense to you, means nothing more to me than the fact that they "know" how to ride - and then they wind up just selling the horse to an auction. Make sure that you seriously want a horse! They aren't animals that you can just leave out in the pasture and do nothing with. Ideally, they should be worked with at least 15 minutes to an hour a day. They are wonderful animals and I cannot picture my life without them...but you should really think about this...do you have the time and money? My suggestion for you: if you happen to see some horses somewhere, go up to the owner and ask about them! It may sound weird, but you'll be able to interact with "horse people." Go to tack shops and horse shows - these people would be more than willing to help you and point you in the right direction.

Answer 3

It is good that you admit to needing more experience, some people just jump out and buy a horse just because they want one. I'm glad to see this is not the case here. Have you asked your riding instructor if you could work at their barn in exchange for lessons/pay?

Some people have mentioned asking at a local feed store, which is a good idea, but you might want to contact different boarding stables (look in your paper or yellow pages and don't overlook the small ones) and ask if there are any positions available there and if not, you could ask put up a sign on the premisis asking if anyone needed help with caring for their horses. You also could place an ad stating the same thing in the feed store or in the local paper. Just a thought.

I hope everything works out for you!

Answer 4

If there is a race track close to you you could try to get a job there, that way you would get to know people who have horses.
Also you could try to advertise that you would be willing to clean stall or wash horses in exchange for riding time. Check with some of the riding stables or rodeo groups for something too.
And there are a lot of groups out there that are always looking for volunteers to work with horses and handicapped children. Maybe something like that would appeal to you since those horses are very tame. Good Luck

Answer 5

With only three months riding you are very green and it would be hard to find someone who wants you to work with them.
I would try to volunteer at the stable where you are taking lessons. They could use help most likely grooming and mucking and such. At least they know you and I am sure they could find something for you to do there.
I would not want some one with only three months experience around my horses. Or at least not un supervised.
You definetely need to gain much more knowledge before getting your own horse.
You could try at some local feed stores most have boards with as up looking for help or horses for sale and that sort of thing. Maybe someone could use stable help.
Good luck.

Answer 6

Place an ad in your local paper. Go to the nearest feed store and talk to them. They'll know lots of horse people. Are there any animal / horse auctions close by? Just be careful around stables. Don't spend any time alone with men. There are way too many wierdos taking advantage of young girls at stables.

Actually don't know if you're a girl or a boy. Be careful either way, please.

Answer 7

You could put an ad in your local newspaper and explain what you said. In the paper ask if a horse owner would be willing to let you come and work with their horses for a while. Maybe if they could teach you about a horse too. (Owning,feeding,grooming,etc)

Answer 8

What you can do is make up fliers and place them around in your post office, put them in ads in papers, online and other locations that has a bullinton board. (I live in small community in the country consist of about 2,000 people total...I know what small is and how it can be a lil difficult). You might have to travel outside your local area as well.

You can also ask the people you getting lessons from of other people they might know as well.

See if there is any physical therapy and horse rescue locations in your area as well. Call animal shelter to see if they have any information. Call the local vet as well. See about finding local 4-H club in your area as well.

Answer 9

Read books and subscribe to magazines. I learned most of my knowledge by doing that. As for experience physically with horses, you can always lease. It gives you the feeling of owning a horse and the responsibility. Good luck!

Answer 10

Ask for their farriers number or meet him when he comes by next time. See if you could go along to a few barns to observe hand him the tools he needs whatever. It's a great way to see a lot of situations. I'm a female farrier who's taken a few different people along it's generally fun for all. You should go along with a parent though unless you get to know you farrier very well. Good luck