So I have a question...

[Rie]

Okay I have a question for all you people! So I might have the chance to work at a -large- Equestrian center within half a month. But I have one problem...Other than mucking out stalls I have NO IDEA what I should be expecting to do. :confused:

The place I'll be working at is owned by OK state univ and I know they have a lot of different things going on there. From Breeding to training to veterinary to stuff I don't even know about. I've heard they will make you do a normal interview. (I'm getting a work-study is why I'm not sure if I will be interviewed or not.)

I know a lot about horses, but there is tons more that I don't know and I don't have a lot of hands on experience. I was hoping maybe a few of you could tell me some of the stuff I might be doing, and let me ask you a few questions about it if I don't understand. Thanks a ton in advance!

(By the way I'm not sure if this would go here or in general? It's kinda about horses and kinda about life so I have no clue, sorry if it's in the wrong spot though!)

[Palogal]

Ask! They'll probably have you do things you already know how to do and teach you other things.

[Rie]

See I would do that but my Adviser (turns out he's the head of the entire equestrian program there.) Is out of office until move in day. I called his assistant and she told me I would have to talk to him. So for another two weeks I'm stuck not knowing.

[Palogal]

I doubt they'll put you in the operating room on the 1st day ;)

[gabhainn]

. So for another two weeks I'm stuck not knowing.
do you know anyone else who works there? or maybe somebody that has in the past you could ask?......Kevin

[jeezitsjacki]

im sure they will explain everything. Dont be afraid to ask questions!! A boss would rather someone ask questions and figure it out rather that be shy and not do it because they dont know how. Im sure you will do a great job

[gabhainn]

yeah what she^^^ said......Kevin

[WashingtonBay]

Just listen, and be prepared to do a few things their way that don't make a whole lot of sense to you, just because they say so. If there's one thing about people who run their own barns, large or small... they've all got strong opinions about how they want things. :) They'll let you know what that is, I'm sure.

[Rie]

Okay well thanks everyone! Ok state is about 3 hours away from my home so I don't know anyone up there and other than here there isn't anyone I can ask. I will ask a lot of questions once I'm there but I do want to come prepared and not look like I know absolutely nothing.

[WashingtonBay]

It sounds like a great opportunity for you. I'm a little jealous. Overall... people like friendly people. Just try to be an eager worker and a nice person and let them show you the job. :)

[AUEquine]

Sounds like you'll have a farm hand/barn tech type job. I work for a university, so I'll give you insight on what our people want. CLEAN! Not just the stalls, clean everything! Sweep floors, wipe counters, heck wipe any horizontal surface! You'll also probably be doing some re-stocking. They will show you where everything is kept, and it will be your job to check those areas and refill things like syringes, needles, gauze, etc. Depending on your job it will probably also involve some horse handling. Like holding horses for exams, trotting horses for lamness evaluations, etc. A nice trick I've learned here, if the horse is acting up while they're trying to do something, and they don't want to twitch the horse, you can knock on it's forhead (just like you'd knock on a door) and this will distract the horse a bit while they get the job done. The job might also involve some grooming of horses. Just be sure to ask about what brushes and stuff to use and how to clean them afterwards.

The first few days will be very confusing. Trying to find out where everything is, what you need to do when, etc. They'll probably assign you to someone to shadow for a while, be sure to ask lots of questions. And like I said... when in doubt, don't just stand around, clean something!

[FoxFireEMT]

I was just gonna say what everyone else said. ASK. Ask around campus- ask others that may be already in the program or working there. See if you can stop by the center & take a "tour" of the place and ask questions. But they are right- when you go into your interview & still have no idea whats going on- ASK! Good Luck!

[TheBadLands]

You'll be fine :) Expect to be asked to muck stalls and do waters the first day. Sometimes you'll be turning horses in and out, sometimes not. Generally, when you first start, managers and owners want to see the basics. Stalls, topping off waters without being prompted to, etc.

[Rie]

Thank you again everyone! You've all given me a good insight about what I should expect and what I should do when I get there. I don't think I'm as nervous was I was a few days ago.

TheBadLands -- Long time no chat! Thank you for the advice.