Searching for a job working with horses-tips on writing my résumé?

Question

So what I really want to find is a place that boards trains, ect, and has lessons that will hire me... I want this to be a place that I can work at, and take lessons from at least once a week. I don't care if it's just cleaning stalls... a job is a job, and it's something to start with.

I would like to write a résumé, but I'm unsure of where I should start, and everything to include... Just the whole job business makes me very nervous...And I'm so unsure about everything, because I'm too critical of myself, and a pessimist so I see everything going wrong...
But I know how important a job is, especially since way too many things ride on 'When I get a job'
I want to get into dressage *when I get a job*
I want to talk to a doctor about getting on adhd meds to see if they would help *when I get a job*
Too many things cannot happen until I get a job.


What all should I make sure I remember to add?
Is mentioning my ADHD important?
How about the fact that I also want to take lessons?

So far, all I can think of is...
Years of experience with horses.
The fact that I own my own horses.
Point out that I'm very passionate about horses?
I can lift heavy things. I have no problem moving bags of feed, and bales of hay.
I'm twenty years old.

And now, everything else is kind of flying out of my head... (Again, with the ADHD...I've been horribly distracted these past few days, and I've been finding it pretty hard to concentrate on things...)


Also, online, I can find some places that look potentially great, like they're what I want...but they don't have any employment information on their website. Should I email them and just ask if they have any openings? If I do, should I just ask, or should I also include my résumé, or send that in a second email after they respond?

Should I also post a Job Wanted ad on Craigslist, with like a mini résumé? What should I make sure I mention for that?
Or do you know a better *free* place I could post an ad on, to find a job?


Oh, and these people deserve a Best of Craigslist for this post, so go and give them a vote, and enjoy their cleverness. :O http://lexington.craigslist.org/grd/1653571001.html

Answer 1

I would suggest emailing/calling the places you've found and asking them if they're looking for any help. My twin sister is now working full time at a super fancy h/j barn, teaching lessons and working with horses (and is the assistant IHSA coach). She started several years ago when she was home for the summer and emailed them to ask if they were hiring help for their summer horse camps. They were, so she helped. She kept coming back to help, and they eventually hired her as regular part-time. When she graduated this past December (with a degree in business), they hired her full time. She still keeps her own horse there and takes lessons as well.



I can't remember how old you are or how far along you are in school (or if you're even in school anymore), but my first step would be to contact those people, tell them who you are, mention your love of horses and your desire to gain more experience by working around them, tell them a basic description of your experience (riding for X number of years, show in ___ classes/shows, have ridden with such and such trainer), and ask if they're looking for anyone to work in or around the barn. Tell them you can send a complete resume, more information, or references if they would like.



If and when you do send a resume, list all of your education on there as well as notable achievements in school (I'm assuming you're still school age?). List your horse experience as well--trainers you've taken lessons from, clinics you've attended, seminars you've been to, shows you've won/done well in (if it's really big show, list it even if you didn't place that high), etc. List all of your previous jobs, and make special note of any that include responsibilities you might have in a barn (social skills, organizational skills, management, etc.).



If you post on Craigslist, I'd list your age, experience, achievements, and anything else that makes you stand apart--you've worked for a certain trainer or attended a certain show circuit. List what you're willing and able to do (groom, clean, prepare horses for shows, manage office duties, schedule clients, etc.).



I wouldn't mention the ADHD at first--like, "Hey, my name is ___ and I have ADHD, will you hire me?" Unless your ADHD affects your performance so that you couldn't perform the way you said you could, then go with what you have right now and later you can mention that if it's going to be a factor. For instance, after they've already talked to you and gotten to know you and you're doing an interview or something, you can mention it: "Yes, I can clean stalls, groom horses for shows, and tack up horses for lessons. I have ADHD, but I can multitask well (if you can! Don't lie if you can't, but think of something positive) and it does not affect my ability to perform these duties."

Answer 2

Usually your resume is more of job experience, so you want to list any jobs that you've had, even small ones. People you've worked for as a reference; for example, do you take care of a neighbors horses when they're out of town? If you do, definitely give their name and phone number for a reference (unless they don't like you of course).



How many years of experience you have would be good, you're in good physical health, and your passion for horses isn't really necessary, but it would be a good idea since you want a job with horses lol.



If you e-mail someone about a job opening, wait til they reply to send a resume. Because what if they aren't hiring? Then you're wasting your time and theirs by adding a whole lot of extra stuff.



Job Wanted on Craigslist would be a GREAT idea. Yes, include your mini-resume (probably leave out refrences on craigslist), and make sure you leave a phone number/email they can easily reach you out. Nothing is more frustrating than having to email someone through craigslist. I can't think of any other places to post ads for free... Unless post fliers up everywhere. Which may not be a bad idea either.







Haha I LOVE that! Definitely Best of Craigslist.

Answer 3

I would check out the web site www.yardandgroom.com you can look by state and discipline. i would not mention the ADHD unless they ask about medical conditions and then only if it has been medically proven. Believe it or not most people have it to some extent. I would also try to get as much experience as possible like taking course through New Horizons Equine Education Center. You coul also try for a job at places like Atwoods and Tractor Supply Company that has horse related items then move up to a feed sstore or tack store which would give you more experiance.

Answer 4

Things that DON'T go on resumes: the fact that you own horses, that you're passionate about them, that you can lift heavy things, your age.

A resume is about your experiences that can be documented and proven. Like volunteering/working at a horse camp, giving or taking lessons (mention trainer name), current education history, any other employment, etc.

Reasons why you want the job (passion, physical ability, even horse ownership) are best saved for a cover letter or interview. A resume if a brief outline or you employment, academic, and volunteering history.

Answer 5

You may disclose your ADHD if you feel it is important for your employer to know. If you don't think that it will be an issue with your job then you are not legally required to disclose unless you are taking medication in which you feel will interfere with your job... like if it will make you drowsy or make poor judgment.



Disclose any horse related accomplishments, like training a horse that won worlds at some accomplishment. You can mention "have help rehabilitate horses suffering from neglect or abuse."



Email any potential employers or stables. They will hang onto your resume until a decent job opens up. I went for a job interview that I unfortunately did not get the job from, but two years down the road they phoned me for a position that opened up. I turned down a $45,000/year job because I was moving to another country. If you're worth hiring they will hang on to your resume until a position does come open.



Do not be afraid to discuss your aspirations in your cover letter. They are not necessary in a resume but a good cover letter will cover your a$$. You can say "Aspiring dressage rider, I would like to expand in this field but I am looking for a suitable instructor. Yours is very accomplished and I would believe that this will help me achieve new career heights. I have been riding __________ (style) and have achieved _____________________ (ribbons, certificates)." I feel myself to be a very accomplished ____________ (discipline rider) but am looking to continue my education in __________(discipline) to make myself more rounded."



Remember, brag in your resume tastefully. List your accomplishments and your knowledge. Use your cover letter to sell yourself without being disgustingly brag-ful (I just made up that word) but play into your strengths.

Answer 6

first list the fact : in betting on the ponies. That one has won 27 time concavely.

That you cleared $175,000,000.00 at the track. before getting in to horse feeding formula's.

Idaho allows per Musial betting. It was $1,000,000.00down at a 100 to 1 odds an i won.

From the Budweiser teem $100,000,000.00

From the Red dog liqueur teem $50,000,000.00

From the Silver streak $25,000,000.00

percentage of error 0.003% percent/do to counting the horse's gate.

It like counting card's/ but ding it on horse's.

Got band from the track for betting on none fixed race's for a year.

year's 2009/2010.

Answer 7

Under the heading of skills first two things are your positive attributes not your professional 'skills' so to speak. Add something like, ' I received training in working with Alzheimer patients' or proficient with working with 'Foley catheters' or 'Feeding tubes' If you have Medical Assistant's certificate, add that school and year. Add any experience in the health field, even if it is volunteer work. Good luck!