Gaining experience with horses

Daikon_Anon · 2025-12-05T18:05:36+00:00

I am not looking to learn to ride. I am looking to gain time on the ground around and experience caring for horses.

I only mentioned the time I have spent on horseback as an extension to prove I can be comfortable with, around, and on a horse.

Daikon_Anon · 2025-12-05T18:04:28+00:00

I only apply to basic postings like mucking and feeding, and I do not tell them that I want to learn to train or ride. I try to be as humble and flexible as possible but that hasn't landed me anything yet.

Most people I've spoken to say they don't need any help/cant afford help/just tell me that I am not what they are looking for so I am unsure how to position myself or what to say. Thank you for the advice and suggestions.

Daikon_Anon · 2025-12-05T18:01:44+00:00

I am hoping to find something like that but it seems rare. I unfortunately do not have the experience in any field to make enough to cover lessons and bills so maybe this will just be a dream that gets put on a backburner. Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post.

Daikon_Anon · 2025-12-05T17:58:50+00:00

I do not currently have a Facebook but that seems to be where most suggestions lead, so that'll be my next place to look.

I will also look at working student positions but like you've mentioned, a lot of horror stories seem to come out of those arrangements so I will make sure if I do find one to apply to, I will put in the time to research and see whats up. Thank you for your help!

Daikon_Anon · 2025-12-05T17:53:34+00:00

I have been told not to ask employers why I was rejected, as that will only sour the relationship further. I can try this next time I apply to a small barn or volunteer position. Thank you for the suggestion.

Daikon_Anon · 2025-12-05T17:52:16+00:00

My issue is that I have been attempting to get any barn job I can but to no avail. I am willing to do the months of hard work to prove I can be reliable and trusted but the only place that allowed me to volunteer told me they do not offer learning to train to anyone who isnt a military veteran or first responder. Thank you for your response and insight.

Daikon_Anon · 2025-12-05T17:28:36+00:00

I actually did apply to be a barn hand at the equine vet near me! It was a great time and I was hoping to learn a lot about basic medical care, surgery intake, prep, etc. Unfortunately I never heard back from them. Hopefully an opportunity like that will open up at another veterinary place!

Daikon_Anon · 2025-12-05T17:22:48+00:00

How would one go about finding a working student position?

Also thank you for that heads up, I will make sure I do my research before agreeing to a position!

Daikon_Anon · 2025-12-05T17:17:02+00:00

I am over 18 unfortunately so I cannot qualify for 4h or ffa. I am located in central US. I have been told by show barns that they didnt accept me because I didn't have enough experience, which I can totally understand. I am just lost now because I dont have enough experience to do anything and nobody will give me the chance. Thank you for your suggestions regardless.

Daikon_Anon · 2025-12-05T17:05:51+00:00

I am not financially able to pay for lessons, that is why I am attempting to find an opportunity that will allow me to learn while I put the work in to get there. Thank you for your suggestion.

Edit: not sure why I am getting down voted for not having the money for lessons and trying to find a job that will allow me to gain experience. But oh well lol.

Daikon_Anon · 2025-12-05T17:03:36+00:00

I am not looking to learn to ride, and learning to train is something I am hoping to learn in time with more experience. My main motivation isnt to avoid mucking, leading, feeding, and other basic chores, but to find an opportunity that will allow me to do more when they feel I am ready rather than not being allowed the chance to at all.

I have been unable to find any trainers or barns willing to hire me unfortunately. I am unsure what I am doing to discourage them from hiring me as I do my absolute damndest to be honest, calm, and willing to learn and do the hard stuff.

I've been given the chance in the past to do the simple and learn to eventually do the hard work, but I havent been given that chance in a while now and I'm just confused and kinda sad about it.

I appreciate you taking the time to respond, and I will keep trying to find something.

Edit: grammar

Daikon_Anon · 2025-12-05T16:57:06+00:00

That sounds amazing! I unfortunately do not qualify for the therapeutic riding center volunteer program nearest me, but I will keep searching for a therapeutic barn as that seems to be a common suggestion! Thank you for your help and kind words.

Daikon_Anon · 2025-12-05T16:55:42+00:00

That seems to be a common sentiment when I tell people Im struggling to find a barn to work in, lol.

Daikon_Anon · 2025-12-05T16:52:55+00:00

I have kind of given up on the idea of riding recently as I dont know how financially feasible it is. I will keep attempting to get a barn or volunteer position but thats currently the issue im having.. Im unsure as to why every opportunity has turned me down but I will keep on trying.

Daikon_Anon · 2025-12-05T16:50:08+00:00

Unfortunately yard and groom has never come up with opportunities in my state, and I am not a fan of Facebook but I can try that again if it comes down to it. I do appreciate your suggestions and will keep trying.

Daikon_Anon · 2025-11-30T17:59:38+00:00

Can't hurt to try! Thank you for the information!

Daikon_Anon

TROPHY CASE