Working Student Program

Horsemanship doesn’t have to be expensive. Give us your commitment, and we will give you the rest.

Our Working Student Program is for qualified students aged 10 and up, including adults. We welcome applicants who love horses and want to learn about riding and horse care. Students must have their own ASTM/SEI-approved riding helmets and appropriate footwear like riding or mucking boots; we provide all other gear. We supervise students closely as they groom horses, exercise them, clean stalls, manage the barn, and assist with some veterinary tasks. They also help in classes and support their peers. Each student keeps a log of their horse's care. This program provides a safe space for learning and personal growth, building skills in relationships, responsibility, self-confidence, and healthy stress relief.

A working equestrian student is exactly what it sounds like. Students take working positions and are given the opportunity to learn what it takes to be a successful horseman “behind the scenes.”

Working Student Candidates Requirements

Candidates applying for the working student program at Stella's Chance must be aged between 10 to adult, and we encourage everyone within this age range to apply. Importantly, no prior experience is required, making this an accessible opportunity for all aspiring horse loving individuals.

Positive Attitude
It is absolutely essential that you come equipped with a positive attitude, especially during challenging times when things don’t go as you might hope or expect. This positive mindset becomes particularly crucial when you find yourself asked to take on “boring jobs” such as picking up trash or cleaning the bathroom. Your keen attention to detail and proactive, can-do attitude will truly set you apart from others. Be prepared: you will be building muscle, getting dirty, and probably sweating quite a bit. We are specifically looking for working students who can jump into tasks with a cheerful smile and are willing to ask questions if they are ever unclear about directions or expectations and have the heart for helping others.

Work Ethic
Your work ethic is critical to your success in this role, particularly when the days stretch long, tempers may become short, and your to-do list seems to only grow longer. It’s important to stay focused and motivated during these times.

Strong Social Skills
Possessing strong social skills and demonstrating respect for others is extremely important in our working environment. Working students are expected to maintain a client-based attitude at all times, which means you must consistently exhibit a positive disposition and demonstrate respect for all clients and staff members.

Commitment
At Stella’s Chance, we aim to offer working students a flexible schedule; however, it is essential that this flexible schedule aligns with the specific needs of our operations. Schedules are filled based on the requirements we have at the time.

Attendance Dedication
Attendance is vital and imperative for anyone looking to become a working student in good standing and to advance through various levels of learning and responsibilities. Daily schedules are meticulously created according to the planned activities and personal appointments that are already scheduled. Any call outs can disrupt the carefully arranged schedule and have a direct impact on the clients scheduled for their lessons. While we understand that occasional absences are inevitable, exceeding more than two call outs within a one-month period may lead to consequences, including a potential loss of hours and privileges at the barn. Remember, building trust with your mentors is everything, and consistent attendance plays a significant role in that trust-building process.

As working students show their commitment and work ethic, responsibility, and attendance consistency they will earn a specific horse assignment.

Being a working student equestrian has several benefits,

1. Learning from experts: You can learn from experienced horse trainers and instructors.

2. Working with horses: You get hands-on experience working with horses, including cleaning stalls and assisting with horse care, handing and riding.

3. Networking opportunities: You can make valuable connections with other barn staff and horse enthusiasts.

4. Challenging tasks: Being a working student equestrian involves various tasks beyond just assisting, such as stall cleaning, customer service and making a difference in someone’s life.

5. Increased physical activity: You'll be involved in physical work, including cleaning and moving equipment.

6. Learning new skills: You'll learn skills related to horse care, tack cleaning, and horse behavior, groundwork and riding.

Days and Times vary - Available commitments

2 Days per week 2-3 hours per day - Barn Work Only - Minimum of 8 hours per month

4 Days per week 3-4 hours per day - Barn and Lesson Assistants - Minimum of 16 hours per month