Jessi, I don’t know you personally, but what I’ve seen at this forum I know that you provided a good life to her – the best a horse could ever wish to have. She was a special horse – and a lucky one for having you as an owner. Trust me - I know that it is difficult to accept and what has happened is terribly unfair… I’m so sorry for your loss, but know that we are all here for you.

Pjbarker, thank you for sharing your experience. I'm sorry that it didn't turn out that well. Did they at least refund partial tuition? It's funny that they don't have a standard for the students that they accept (or categorize them accoring to their corresponding levels) I see a lot of these programs offering certification but since they're not accredited by anyone, I can never be sure about them either. i'm guessing the same applies to working student/ apprenticship position

[quote user="dressagerider3"]I have heard from other people a formal document is really advised that spells out things like how many lessons per week and how much work per day is expected[/quote] That's a good point. I've always wondered about that, whether that would be appropriate or not. How does that typically work out? Did you work full time or part time? How often do you get riding lessons from the trainer?

Umm.. anyone? *hears crickets chirping in the background*

Haha! I especially like the expression on the doggy at the bottom right corner. He seems to be wondering about something. Maybe the pumpkins?? I remember last year you had Haloween decorations at your barn too complete with spiderwebs and I thought that was pretty cool too. Have a Happy Haloween!

A Jim Wofford clinic? Cool! The pics are awesome too! that sure looks like a lot of fun. And I loved the goats. And the foal too :) I didn't know Solo was abused either.. there just seems to be so many of these things happening. poor baby.. But he's so lucky to have a second chance with someone that takes the time to go back and do things the right way. Congrats on the lungeing canter!

I agree with the other posters - you two definitely look like you have a bond. The pics are all great but I especially like the last picyure - it's so sweet with Rizzie's eyes closed, ears back all looking nice and relaxed.

Finally, I have the computer to myself so I have to hurry to write an answer lol ! Thanks for the reply Nicole. Your answer does help a lot. I don't know much about this whole working student/apprenticeship thing so I appreciate all info about it. The only thing I know about it comes from a brief conversation I had with a girl who went to Florida to train there for a season. My horse management/ handling skills are pretty limited too. I've never owned a horse and all of my experience comes

I also remember you mentioning that you were worried that she could be a bit out of shape when you start to ride her again - good to see that isn't much of a problem. Also, it's pretty cool that she remembers what you taught her after such a long time off. She seems like sucha smart horse. P.S. love the countdown thingey you have at the bottom of your posts, its the first time I saw it - cool!

Hi all, I'm wondering if anyone here has done an apprenticeship/working student gig? How did it go? What was your experience like? Looking back at it, were there things that you would've done/chosen differently? Did it really help you to develop you riding/training/management etc.. skills? I'm curious cause I haven't had an indepth conversation with anyone that has done it. Also what is the difference between an apprenticeship and a working student? How much experience do you need