Snag a Working Student Job with These Listings [Updated 3/27]

Working students have all the ... fun? Photo by Meg Kep. Working students have all the ... fun? Photo by Meg Kep.

With the spring season reaching full swing, many eventers are beginning the search for working students once again. Working students are an essential part of any equine operation, involving themselves in the day to day work that goes into maintaining top horses.

Working for a rider affords you the opportunity to learn from a professional while also building your resume and sense of responsibility. It’s hard work, that’s no question! In the end, though, you’ll walk away with one of the best character building experiences of your life. We’ll be updating this post throughout the next few weeks as new listings are added.

Riders and trainers: If you are searching for a working student or groom, please email [email protected] so we can add your listing to our post.

Go Working Students!

Open Working Student Positions

Bascule Farm/Lillian Heard/Dick and Julie Hagen (MD): We have a very successful year long resident student program. We are currently looking for a strong novice level or above rider to be sponsored to compete young and more advanced horses in starter and recognized trials in 2015. Housing, field board for one horse, 4 lessons a week, competitions/hauling/coaching and $100/wk. Check out our website and fill out an application if interested in interviewing.

Hawley Bennett (CA): Hawley Bennett Eventing is looking for a working student to start as soon as possible. Things have gotten extra busy and we’d love the help! Contact h[email protected] for more information.

Kyle and Jen Carter (FL): We are looking for a barn manager and also have an opening for a working student, both starting in April.  We have a busy event barn with horses from green thru CCI****, learn all aspects of the business from selling to training and competing. Accommodations plus room for one horse. Minimum of 6 month commitment.  Please email at [email protected].

C Square Farm/Courtney Cooper (PA): C Square Farm has a long term working student position available starting at the end of March in Nottingham, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, our awesome Aiken working student will be pursuing other life adventures after selling her horse and will not be joining us back home. This position will teach you the ins-and-outs of running a successful horse business as well as lessons from Advanced-level event rider Courtney Cooper. Room and housing is provided and could include board for one horse. You do not need your own horse though, opportunities to ride other horses based on your ability may be available.  A positive attitude and a great character are required. Please contact Courtney and her team at [email protected] for more information.

Buck Davidson/Andrea Leatherman Davidson (PA/FL): We have another opening for a working student! Andrea is currently looking for someone to join her and her husband’s incredible team. Must be motivated, hard working, and a great personality. Andrea and Buck work together so the working student will become a part of a large, fast pace and rewarding program. For more information click here.

Mara DePuy (SC/VA): Mara DePuy has an immediate opening for a working student in Aiken, SC until March, when they will move north to Round Hill, VA. Fantastic opportunity for one-on-one education from one of the best. More details and contact information can be found at MaraDepuyeventing.com

Destination Farm/Natalie Hollis/Suz Cornue (MD): We have an opening for a working student starting in July.  Working students receive lessons, housing, stall board for 1 horse, shipping to events, and coaching at events in exchange for doing barn work, general farm upkeep, grooming at home and shows, and riding horses in our program. Own horse not required. Working students generally ride 3 horses a day. 6 month minimum commitment, but will sometimes take on shorter term help for the summer. We are located in Dickerson, MD- very close to many Area II events and places to XC school. Facilities include 30 stalls with indoor and outdoor ring, grass jumping field, and great hacking/conditioning/trails.  More information at www.destinationeventing.com. Contact [email protected].

Elysian Hills Equestrian Center (VA): Elysian Hills Equestrian Center is looking for working students for the summer of 2015 or long term. Working students at Elysian Hills spend much more time in the saddle than the average working student, often getting several lessons each day. In addition to caring for the boarders, horses in training, and breeding stock, working students are responsible for riding several horses a day that vary in experience from green broke to seasoned horses who have competed through intermediate. Working students have the opportunity to take lessons from renowned international event riders on a weekly basis, as well as compete in local and recognized shows throughout the area. There is no minimum age for the position, but working students must be responsible, independent, and self-motivated. This the perfect opportunity for dedicated riders who do not have the finances to back them. Students may choose to live in a shared apartment on the farm or commute. There is a possibility to bring your own horse. Please Contact Lucy Gordon at [email protected] for more information.

Sinead Halpin (FL/NC): We at Sinead Halpin Eventing are looking for a working student to start right away in Florida. We will be in Ocala till the third week in March then head to North Carolina until Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Perks of the job… great horses, great people, plenty of lessons and competitions BUT this is a HARD job with long hours, little sleep and requires a self-motivated dedicated applicant. Please email me at [email protected] if you are interested.

Allie Knowles (KY): Alexandra Knowles Eventing is in need of  one or two driven and motivated working students! AKE is a team-oriented farm so we are looking for team players, ready and willing to work and learn. Room, board, and lessons are provided. The farm is located in Paris, KY- just 25 miles from the Kentucky Horse Park! If you have any additional questions or are interested please e-mail Allie at [email protected] or check out akeventing.com

Kelli Temple (VA): Working student position for Kelly Temple Eventing opening April 1. Come work and train with Olympic rider, Kelli McMullen Temple – We are looking for a motivated, energetic and enthusiastic student who’s interest is in eventing.  Position requires 6 days of work in exchange for board of one horse, lessons, coaching and transport to shows.  We are located just outside of Middleburg, VA on a 60 acre farm with an outdoor jumping ring, covered arena and full x-country schooling course. Our team prides itself on individual attention and a positive learning environment – ideal for the dedicated rider. For more info pls contact Kelli a[email protected] or visit our website – www.kellitempleeventing.com.

Kismet Farm/Tracy Bowman/Jolie Wentworth (CA): Top California event barn, Kismet Farms, is looking for an eager working student for the 2015 season. Responsibilities to include barn chores (no mucking!), turn outs, and riding. Working student will receive frequent lessons with head trainer Tracy Bowman and 4 star rider Jolie Wentworth. Plenty of horses in the barn to ride if you don’t bring your own, but personal horses also welcome. Plenty of learning, schooling, and showing possibilities and plenty of saddle time! Modest living accommodations provided. Please contact Tracy for additional details at 925-917-3276[email protected] or visit www.kismetfarms.net.

Jeffrey Kohler – Combined Driving (Ontario): Working Student position available at Relhok Farm Barrie Ontario. Full service training facility for riding, pleasure and combined driving, specializing in ponies. 22 stalls, wash stall, 2 grooming stalls, tack room/viewing room, 70×180 indoor, 100mx40m outdoor ring, 135 acres with hacking. Looking for ambitious, self starting, reliable and dedicated working student. Responsibilities to include stalls, grooming, turnout, tack cleaning, feeding, light lawn care etc. Different arrangements available from onsite apartment to living off site. Stall available for student’s horse or pony. Opportunity to ride and for carriage driving. Travel to shows all over Ontario and the US training/coaching in carriage driving. Availability to show if qualified — on the line, under saddle and Carriage Driving. Please contact Jeffrey Kohler at  [email protected].

Caroline Martin (FL): Full time groom needed for private yard in Spirngtown, PA and Ocala, FL (six months spent at each base) with a great string of upper level event horses competing internationally. Need someone who is knowledgeable of all aspects of horse care and show care. For more information, please contact Caroline Martin.

Sean McQuillan (VA): McQuillan Equestrian is looking for a special candidate to fill their open working student position starting in March. Located at Kilfinnan Stables in Warrenton, VA, McQuillan Equestrian is dedicated to the sport of eventing and providing top-level training to both horses and riders. Our ideal candidate has a good work ethic, strong time-management skills and a keen interest in learning, as well as their own method of transportation. You must be able to work well with others, take direction and have a great attitude. Practical experience with horses is a must, and experience with young horses and a familiarity with eventing would be helpful. We maintain a 6-day workweek with consistent barn hours. Most days will consist of riding for the first part of the day with routine horse management and the availability of a lesson in the afternoon. Traveling to shows and events should be expected. In addition to riding, you will have a behind-the-scenes look at the horse management and veterinary side of our business, and gain experience in helping to manage a successful training operation. Housing will be provided and board for one horse is a possibility. Must be at least 18 years old. If you are interested in our working student position, please send a resume and a riding video to Kendra McQuillan: [email protected]. For more information about McQuillan Equestrian, our facilities and our horses, please visit our website: www.kilfinnanstables.com.

Doug and Jessica Payne (SC/NC): International 4* Riders Doug and Jessica Payne are looking for a working student.  It’s perfect for an individual who wants to be part of a top notch Eventing and Show Jumping Barn. This job offers the rare opportunity to groom and participate at the top levels of both show jumping and eventing, and to train daily under the eye of a judge. Applicants should be hard workers and dedicated to working in a team environment.  Located in Aiken, SC until the new farm is finished being built in Hillsborough, NC. Please contact Jessica at [email protected] for more information.

Playland Farm Equestrian Center/Glenda Player (MD): Playland Equestrian Center (Union Bridge) is currently seeking long and short-term working students to be a part of the Playland team. All working students are required to be at least 18-years-old. Long-term working students stay for a minimum of six months, and receive free housing at the farm and board for one horse. Short-term working students generally come for the summer or spring break, and receive board at a reduced rate.   All students are encouraged to bring their own horse if they have one. Depending on the students’ skill level, students may receive the opportunity to work several horses a day, whether it is in-hand or under saddle, including their own horse in addition to other farm and operational tasks. Lessons/coaching/showing opportunities also available. Limited housing available on the farm. Salary to be discussed with applicant. Apply Today! Visitwww.playlandequestriancenter.com for more information.

Pollard Eventing (GA): Pollard Eventing is seeking a working student or two. Come and be a part of our successful team. Learn the ins and outs of what it takes to ride at the top levels of the sport. The position is open to candidates who can commit for a minimum of 6 months, preferably one year. Housing and lessons are provided in exchange for hard work. There is room to bring your horse. If you are interested, please contact Allison at [email protected].

Denise Rath (FL): Denise Rath at Grey Fox Farm in Ocala, FL has an immediate opening for a full time working student. This is a great opportunity for somebody who wants to do some riding & competing, as well learning the day to day operations of a large barn. In exchange for your hard work we offer nice accommodations, board for your horse & daily lessons. For the right person we can offer the rare opportunity of a free lease on one of our horses with advanced level experience. Please send resumes to [email protected] or [email protected]

Dom and Jimmie Schramm (PA): We are looking for another working student to come on board at Schramm Equestrian! A few prerequisites: Must be finished with either High School or College, no online classes or just summer working students we want someone who can commit long term. We would prefer someone in their 20s but must be at least 18 years old. Must have their own form of transportation. Must be able to pay for their horse’s hard expenses (grain, hay, feed, straw). No dogs. This is not a riding position and it will be hard work. We have a fantastic team so far and are looking to add the last piece to the puzzle. We are looking for someone hardworking that loves to have fun but also can pay attention to detail. Please email your resumes to Stephanie Simpson at [email protected]. She will be your go to person.

Jane Sleeper (PA): Active event stable with a variety of young horses through the upper level rides is interviewing for a working student for this spring season and into the summer. All duties with an individual program set up for you & your horse, and you have the opportunity to ride/compete on our horses.  Lessons, clinics, housing, and  board available to the motivated, hard working training level eventor with a six month commitment. We also offer a summer working student program for students with a shorter time frame and desire to learn by first hand experience at  a professional yard.  Come for an interview & meet the team! Email [email protected] for more information. 

USEA (Varied): The USEA Media Committee has just been launched as an effort to keep the USEA media outlets — website, FB, US Eventing magazine — current with its members and apprised of recent news and important discussion topics from coast to coast. This is a member-generated effort, and I am looking for young people interested in journalism, communications, social media, and eventing to help move this work forward. I’ve already had a strong response from the East Coast and Midwest, so now I’m calling on some of my West Coast peeps to step up! Internship credits available. Email Katy Groesbeck at [email protected] for more info.