[Deziah]

I've been told that it's beneficial, if not essential, to get a weeks work experience with horses. I've had a look around and found some stables which are within a thirty minute walk from my house. I'm going to contact them and see if they do placements or whatever, but I don't know whether they'd take me on seen as I have had no experience with horses. I've had experience with every domestic animal and a lot of non-domestic ones, except for horses. The closest I've gotten is living next to a private horse field practically all my life, hardly riding them. Anyone know what I can say and whether they'd take me on? Oh, and there's no chance of me getting riding lessons or whatever.

[dizzeedollee]

(Original post by Deziah)
I've been told that it's beneficial, if not essential, to get a weeks work experience with horses. I've had a look around and found some stables which are within a thirty minute walk from my house. I'm going to contact them and see if they do placements or whatever, but I don't know whether they'd take me on seen as I have had no experience with horses. I've had experience with every domestic animal and a lot of non-domestic ones, except for horses. The closest I've gotten is living next to a private horse field practically all my life, hardly riding them. Anyone know what I can say and whether they'd take me on? Oh, and there's no chance of me getting riding lessons or whatever.

^
It really depends on the stables, I think, and on you. My friend had absolutely no experience with horses at all when she got her experience but the stables still let her do her w/e. The only problem was that none of the stuff really taught her anything so I had to show her how to tack up, etc. I think when you're phoning up explain that you have no experience and whether they would be willing to teach you/take you on as it would be beneficial not only for your application but also for when you are at vet school. Hope that helps

[skatealexia]

I had no work experience before I started for my vet application and most places are willing to teach you. I didn't know anything, and it is essential to be comfortable around horses and their needs as the more experience you get now it will help you with your degree. I have no wish to become a horse vet but I'm still trying to get competent. I can now tack up, muck out, groom and generally look after a horse to a good degree I'd say, and I've been having horse riding lessons too as it does help you understand a bit better. Just have a few and it'll help trust me

[Becky:)*]

Just explain your situation and what you hope to gain from the work experience and go from there. Most places are happy to have some free labour. If that doesn't work out maybe you could find a stables that has a Riding for the Disabled group where you could volunteer. I've volunteered with RDA for nearly 3 years now and it's a great way to get horse experience (and people experience too!).

[Shockley]

Riding stables often want people who are confident and competent with horses so you should try animal sanctuaries that cater for equines, or a large animal vet with whom you can go to call outs.

[schizopear]

the stables i worked at used to take on complete novices so it's worth asking. there are plenty of jobs you can do that don't require any knowledge (poo-picking, sweeping the yard, filling water buckets etc.) that will make it worth their while taking you on and teaching you some horse-care/handling in return.

just make it clear that you're not afraid of hard work!

[SilverstarDJ]

I didn't have much experience with horses, other than being shown by a friend how to walk around them safely and before I went I only tacked up one horse before I went to riding school! Be honest with them and ask them to teach you, some of them may be willing to help you out there. Also, try looking a bit further than 30min so you get more options. It's no big deal to walk more than 30min for a week. Perhaps use a bike if its a bit further or public transport - the broader your options the better!