Well even cleaning stalls is worthy of being paid work. I wouldn't volunteer to work for free,
you won't be able to pay your bills! Many paying places will still be glad to get you coming for part of
the day if you have already got a job.
I am going to tell you straight, if you don't charge, they will treat you poorly. No one values
things they get for free, so they don't take care of them. Even paid, they may not be real nice
because you are just hands cleaning stalls. They want the work done well and quickly. Don't
think you are "all that special" because if your employer has been in horses long they have heard
your story 100 times. They have likely lost their belief in employees being dependable or able to
follow directions correctly, with all the failed employees ahead of you.
Any large animal Vets around? You might be able to get a job there, start at the bottom and
learn by observation. Working for a local trainer, whatever discipline, will teach you stuff. Could
be "I will NEVER do that!" Or some real knowledge to build on.
I don't know your age now, sound rather young and idealistic. Please do consider going on for more
education, to allow you to have a good job, keep your horses for fun. It costs plenty to own land,
feed a number of horses and do the rehab stuff you want to.
Working as a stable hand for your life job is going to mean a poverty level of existance, almost no
stability in life style or dependability with your employment. You won't be able to afford a horse,
or be able to take care of yourself either. Goodwill clothes, no working car, skimpy meals. And
as you age, you can't get your injuries, aches and pains cared for because you can't afford a Dr.
Many of these stable jobs don't pay your Social Security or Taxes, hire you in as an "independent
contractor" and not responsible for your injuries. You can never save, so there is no money for your old age.
So while you will end up with lots of knowledge, years from now, you will be physically worn out with
nothing to show for that hard work over all those years. Sorry to be so grim, but I know quite a few old
stablehands and they have it hard.
With a decent job, you will have income that allows you to make choices. You can choose to rent or
own land, keep your horse or horses there, still be be able to maintain them in good condition for whatever
the plan is for using them. Be nice to yourself, think and plan for the VERY LONG term, and be specific. You
have good ideas, but are making yourself much too vulnerable to people who just USE others. You get hurt,
both physically and mentally trusting people like that. Plenty more where you came from, always someone
to move into your "special spot" in that barn. You have to leave because you are not useful any more.
you won't be able to pay your bills! Many paying places will still be glad to get you coming for part of
the day if you have already got a job.
I am going to tell you straight, if you don't charge, they will treat you poorly. No one values
things they get for free, so they don't take care of them. Even paid, they may not be real nice
because you are just hands cleaning stalls. They want the work done well and quickly. Don't
think you are "all that special" because if your employer has been in horses long they have heard
your story 100 times. They have likely lost their belief in employees being dependable or able to
follow directions correctly, with all the failed employees ahead of you.
Any large animal Vets around? You might be able to get a job there, start at the bottom and
learn by observation. Working for a local trainer, whatever discipline, will teach you stuff. Could
be "I will NEVER do that!" Or some real knowledge to build on.
I don't know your age now, sound rather young and idealistic. Please do consider going on for more
education, to allow you to have a good job, keep your horses for fun. It costs plenty to own land,
feed a number of horses and do the rehab stuff you want to.
Working as a stable hand for your life job is going to mean a poverty level of existance, almost no
stability in life style or dependability with your employment. You won't be able to afford a horse,
or be able to take care of yourself either. Goodwill clothes, no working car, skimpy meals. And
as you age, you can't get your injuries, aches and pains cared for because you can't afford a Dr.
Many of these stable jobs don't pay your Social Security or Taxes, hire you in as an "independent
contractor" and not responsible for your injuries. You can never save, so there is no money for your old age.
So while you will end up with lots of knowledge, years from now, you will be physically worn out with
nothing to show for that hard work over all those years. Sorry to be so grim, but I know quite a few old
stablehands and they have it hard.
With a decent job, you will have income that allows you to make choices. You can choose to rent or
own land, keep your horse or horses there, still be be able to maintain them in good condition for whatever
the plan is for using them. Be nice to yourself, think and plan for the VERY LONG term, and be specific. You
have good ideas, but are making yourself much too vulnerable to people who just USE others. You get hurt,
both physically and mentally trusting people like that. Plenty more where you came from, always someone
to move into your "special spot" in that barn. You have to leave because you are not useful any more.
but im still a wet behind the ears lil pup...lol 
