Working Student

It’s that time again! Each year we look for our next Working Student who’s ready to take the first step into professional work in the horse industry. For 2024 we will be looking for two new members for our Lake o’ the Woods Sporthorses team:

1. Working Student:
*Start date will be May 2024, with prior stipended training period TBD*
Boutique, private, 8 horse classical dressage and sales operation an hour north of Raleigh, NC seeks our next Full Time Working Student. The position is a short-term contract, generally one year. Candidate should be a competent, intermediate rider, enthusiastic to learn more about French Classical Dressage. Most important is that the candidate is able to care for the horses to a high standard, and comfortable with sole-charge horse management.
Candidate must be able to perform stable duties (lifting up to 50 lbs, confidently handling horses on the ground), also help with occasional farm maintenance when needed (hay season, paddock and arena maintenance) and be a motivated individual who can work independently. Candidate should be able to demonstrate leadership, responsibility, communication skills. Willingness to learn and enthusiasm for the work are more important than experience. However some farm experience with Tractors etc., would be an asset, a clean driving license is required. Any veterinary experience is also a plus.
Benefits: Private, on-site housing, Non-smokers only, limited pets and zero drug policy. You will also have access to all estate amenities (gym, pool, tennis court etc.) Also included: local cell phone, all utilities (internet, heat, electric, etc.) access to farm vehicles; trucks and trailers. Weekly day off plus up to two weeks paid vacation, other time off negotiable and yearly bonus. Stabling and board for one horse including farrier (not included: vet bills, meds, supplements, feed that isn’t currently carried here). 2 to 3 lessons per week, although often as many as 5, time permitting, and ample additional daily riding options. Opportunities to clinic and to show at both schooling and recognized USEF/USDF/USEA competitions. Access to our professional networks when you are ready to launch into the horse industry for your next position. Our prior working students have gone on to be professional riders, assistant trainers, instructors, grooms for elite facilities, and saddle reps, you are welcome to speak with them about their experience here.
Salary: Approx. $1000 in take home pay per month, on top of the included private housing and board, with a modest increase if the applicant does not bring a horse.
Working schedule is 6 full days a week – hours per day highly dependent on the season, and what is happening that day (i.e. show or travel, vs. at home), but generally 8 until 6 with a lunch break. There are opportunities to make additional income if willing to do extra work, with outside training horses, construction, and with the property’s wedding business. We are quite flexible and consider anyone working for us family.
It’s a very unique opportunity for the right person. You can visit our website to see the manor house and wedding venue, and some shots of the horses: www.lakeothewoodsestate.com See more about our current sales horses at our equine site www.lakeothewoodssporthorses.com To apply please email a CV and cover letter to lotw.clinics at gmail dot com

2. Summer Intern:
The Summer Intern works directly with the Working Student to assist in the daily tasks of running the barn. Feeding, turnout, laundry, mucking, general cleaning, grooming, tacking etc. In exchange for each full day of work the intern receives one 45 minute lesson. Additional riding opportunities, including schooling, hacking, and showing are available for qualified candidates. The Summer Intern also receives a small weekly stipend to cover expenses, access to a farm vehicle, and private housing in our pool house. This position is perfect for a young person just looking to get started in the horse industry. Exchange for college or high school credit is also possible. Interns will leave with written recommendations, an entry into the professional horse world, a solid classical dressage foundation and many marketable skills in various aspects of the horse industry. Internship length and start date is flexible, but the candidate should be available at least one full month, with preference given to someone available 3 full months. We sometimes also accept shorter term interns on a rolling, as-needed basis, so if you’re looking to join us for a few weeks or a month any time of the year, don’t hesitate to reach out, we may be able to accommodate. To apply please email a CV and cover letter to lotw.clinics at gmail dot com